Matthew 7:6: Difference between revisions
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:them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. |
:them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. |
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This well known verse, which has no parallel elsewhere in the New Testament, is |
This well known verse, which people trying to refute the bible would say has no parallel elsewhere in the New Testament even though it is clearly paralleled in 2 Peter 2:22 and most especially Proverbs 11:22, which Jesus was most likely referencing, so it is not difficult for one to interpret this verse even though some unchurched people might think so, as it seems on the surface to possibly contradict a couple of some basic Christian tenets, but it's true meaning is plainly obvious to anyone who has read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. How it is linked to the previous and proceeding verses is also in question to those who like to miss the forest for the trees and pick apart every word until they can't remember the sentence. |
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At the time both dogs and pigs were poorly regarded. Dogs were part of society, but were half wild and roamed the region in packs that were sometimes dangerous to humans. They were an unclean and would eat what ever scraps and carrion they came across. Pigs were the quintessential unclean animal and were closely associated with the Gentile communities in the region which kept them in large numbers. Pearls, by contrast, were a luxury of extreme value. |
At the time both dogs and pigs were poorly regarded. Dogs were part of society, but were half wild and roamed the region in packs that were sometimes dangerous to humans. They were an unclean and would eat what ever scraps and carrion they came across. Pigs were the quintessential unclean animal and were closely associated by Pharisees with the Gentile communities in the region which kept them in large numbers. Pearls, by contrast, were a luxury of extreme value. |
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The metaphor seems to be teaching against giving what is holy to those who do not appreciate it. Animals such as dogs and pigs can not appreciate religion, and this verse implies that there is some class of humans who cannot either. What this class is is a difficult question, as one of the dominant ideas in Christian |
The metaphor obviously seems to be teaching against giving what is holy to those who do not appreciate it. Animals such as dogs and pigs can not appreciate true religion, and this verse implies that there is some class of humans who cannot either. What this class is is a difficult question for anyone who is not a conservative bible-believing Christian, as some liberal theologians want to believe one of the dominant ideas in Christian thought is its universalism, but since devout Christians know universalism only applies to a few specific doctrines, the meaning of this passage is quite clear. This verse may make some also think it seems to contradict what had just gone before... Jesus has just spent five verses attacking the judging and condemning of others, but in this verse states that some section of the populace can be judged and found equal to dogs and swine, but Jesus was telling the people who had no business judging to stop judging, but he still promised the 12 apostles their place as judges over the 12 tribes of [[Israel]], while he himself will come to judge the living and even the dead when he comes in glory on [[judgement day]]. |
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Some scholars have argued that dogs and pigs represent Gentiles and heathens, and that this verse is rare relic demonstrating that Jesus' original message was intended only for the Jews. In Jewish literature heathens were often compared to dogs, and the unclean pig was a Jewish symbol for the Roman Empire. In [[2 Peter 2:22]] dogs and swine quite clearly refers to heretics. According to Schweizer this verse was used by Jewish Christians to attack the Gentile churches, to argue that Gentile Christians would turn on the Jews rejecting their laws and destroying Israel. Another view, that was also held by some early Christians, was that some parts of Christianity, such as the secrets of the Eucharist, should be kept secret from all but a chosen few. This followed the hierarchical patterns of the various mystery cults that were popular at the time in the Roman Empire. |
Some liberal and non-Christian scholars have argued that dogs and pigs represent Gentiles and heathens, and that this verse is rare relic demonstrating that Jesus' original message was intended only for the Jews, but while Jesus did set aside a short portion of his ministry specificaly for the Jews, that was clearly overridden by [[the great commission]] when Jesus said to make disciples of all nations, accepting whomsoever the Father chose. In Jewish literature heathens were often compared to dogs, and the unclean pig was a Jewish symbol for the Roman Empire. In [[2 Peter 2:22]] dogs and swine quite clearly refers to heretics. According to Schweizer this verse was used by Jewish Christians to attack the Gentile churches, to argue that Gentile Christians would turn on the Jews rejecting their laws and destroying Israel, but if they were truly Christians they would know Jesus clearly promotes the righteousness of the law in [[Matthew 5:17]]. Another view, that was also held by some early Christians, was that some parts of Christianity, such as the secrets of the Eucharist, should be kept secret from all but a chosen few (which is plainly obvious because some people understand it and some people don't). This followed the hierarchical patterns of the various mystery cults that were popular at the time in the Roman Empire, but the [[majesterium]] actively separates Christianity from mystery cults, such as the [[Freemasons]]. |
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As Morris points out this verse can also been read as a reasonable limit on evangelism. If a population of individual is not open to Christianity leave and find a more receptive audience. As Morris points out Jesus was silent before Herod and Peter abandoned the unsympathetic city of Corinth. Fowler links this to the earlier discussion of judgment. One should not judge severely, but there is a point at which any reasonable person will realize that those they are dealing with are dogs and swine. |
As Morris points out this verse can also been read as a reasonable limit on evangelism, but such a statement only denotes a lock of love for those who are lost and heading towards the grave. If a population of individual is not open to Christianity leave and find a more receptive audience or give them the sign of Jonah and call them to repentence with such intensity that they or crucify you. As Morris points out Jesus was silent before Herod and Peter abandoned the unsympathetic city of Corinth, but popular thought among Christians is that Morris doesn't want to save people much. Fowler links this to the earlier discussion of judgment. One should not judge severely, unless one wants to be judged severely, but there is a point at which any reasonable person will realize that those they are dealing with are dogs and swine and are chosen by the Father to be "vessels of wrath". |
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The alternate interpretation is that dogs and pigs are not metaphors for some group of people, but for the unholy in general. |
The alternate interpretation is that dogs and pigs are not metaphors for some group of people, but specifically for the unholy in general. They say this verse is not about excluding some group from God's teaching, for many are called (though few are chosen), but rather ensuring that those things that are Gods are kept holy. Thus the Temple is kept clean, religious meals treated with respect, and holy days honored and kept separate from the turbulence and impiety of the daily life of an impious person. |
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Another question raised by this metaphor is what link there is between [[pearl]]s and [[pig]]s. Hill notes that some scholars have argued that ''pearls'' is actually a mistranslation. One suggestion is that the actual word refers to a gold ring, and that this verse is linked to the metaphor found in [[Proverbs 11:22]]. Alternatively the word pearls can be seen as a reference to the food prepared on holy days, which would never have been given to swine. Alternatively the metaphor may be a reference to the immense appetites of pigs, and to how enraged they will be when they discover they cannot eat the pearls and since they have no understanding of their greater value will turn on the giver. |
Another question raised by this metaphor is what link there is between [[pearl]]s and [[pig]]s. Hill notes that some liberal scholars have argued that ''pearls'' is actually a mistranslation to distract people from the message of the passage, which Paul describes when he says salvation is of the believer first, but the stranger also. One suggestion is that the actual word refers to a gold ring, and that this verse is linked to the metaphor found in [[Proverbs 11:22]]. Alternatively the word pearls can be seen as a reference to the food prepared on holy days, which would never have been given to swine. Alternatively the metaphor may be a reference to the immense appetites of pigs, and to how enraged they will be when they discover they cannot eat the pearls and since they have no understanding of their greater value will turn on the giver, but that would be rediculous, becaus Jesus helps the woman. |
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The phrase "pearls before swine" has become a common expression in English. There is a [[Pearls Before Swine (comic strip)|Pearls Before Swine]] comic strip, a [[Pearls Before Swine (band)|Pearls Before Swine]] American [[psychedelic]] folk band, and |
The phrase "pearls before swine" has become a common expression in English. There is a [[Pearls Before Swine (comic strip)|Pearls Before Swine]] comic strip, a [[Pearls Before Swine (band)|Pearls Before Swine]] American [[psychedelic]] folk band, and |
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Revision as of 18:39, 7 March 2006
Matthew 7:6 is the sixth verse of the seventh chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount. This verse contains an ambiguous warning about placing "pearls before swine."
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads:
- Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast
- ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them
- under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
The World English Bible translates the passage as:
- “Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw
- your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample
- them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
This well known verse, which people trying to refute the bible would say has no parallel elsewhere in the New Testament even though it is clearly paralleled in 2 Peter 2:22 and most especially Proverbs 11:22, which Jesus was most likely referencing, so it is not difficult for one to interpret this verse even though some unchurched people might think so, as it seems on the surface to possibly contradict a couple of some basic Christian tenets, but it's true meaning is plainly obvious to anyone who has read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. How it is linked to the previous and proceeding verses is also in question to those who like to miss the forest for the trees and pick apart every word until they can't remember the sentence.
At the time both dogs and pigs were poorly regarded. Dogs were part of society, but were half wild and roamed the region in packs that were sometimes dangerous to humans. They were an unclean and would eat what ever scraps and carrion they came across. Pigs were the quintessential unclean animal and were closely associated by Pharisees with the Gentile communities in the region which kept them in large numbers. Pearls, by contrast, were a luxury of extreme value.
The metaphor obviously seems to be teaching against giving what is holy to those who do not appreciate it. Animals such as dogs and pigs can not appreciate true religion, and this verse implies that there is some class of humans who cannot either. What this class is is a difficult question for anyone who is not a conservative bible-believing Christian, as some liberal theologians want to believe one of the dominant ideas in Christian thought is its universalism, but since devout Christians know universalism only applies to a few specific doctrines, the meaning of this passage is quite clear. This verse may make some also think it seems to contradict what had just gone before... Jesus has just spent five verses attacking the judging and condemning of others, but in this verse states that some section of the populace can be judged and found equal to dogs and swine, but Jesus was telling the people who had no business judging to stop judging, but he still promised the 12 apostles their place as judges over the 12 tribes of Israel, while he himself will come to judge the living and even the dead when he comes in glory on judgement day.
Some liberal and non-Christian scholars have argued that dogs and pigs represent Gentiles and heathens, and that this verse is rare relic demonstrating that Jesus' original message was intended only for the Jews, but while Jesus did set aside a short portion of his ministry specificaly for the Jews, that was clearly overridden by the great commission when Jesus said to make disciples of all nations, accepting whomsoever the Father chose. In Jewish literature heathens were often compared to dogs, and the unclean pig was a Jewish symbol for the Roman Empire. In 2 Peter 2:22 dogs and swine quite clearly refers to heretics. According to Schweizer this verse was used by Jewish Christians to attack the Gentile churches, to argue that Gentile Christians would turn on the Jews rejecting their laws and destroying Israel, but if they were truly Christians they would know Jesus clearly promotes the righteousness of the law in Matthew 5:17. Another view, that was also held by some early Christians, was that some parts of Christianity, such as the secrets of the Eucharist, should be kept secret from all but a chosen few (which is plainly obvious because some people understand it and some people don't). This followed the hierarchical patterns of the various mystery cults that were popular at the time in the Roman Empire, but the majesterium actively separates Christianity from mystery cults, such as the Freemasons.
As Morris points out this verse can also been read as a reasonable limit on evangelism, but such a statement only denotes a lock of love for those who are lost and heading towards the grave. If a population of individual is not open to Christianity leave and find a more receptive audience or give them the sign of Jonah and call them to repentence with such intensity that they or crucify you. As Morris points out Jesus was silent before Herod and Peter abandoned the unsympathetic city of Corinth, but popular thought among Christians is that Morris doesn't want to save people much. Fowler links this to the earlier discussion of judgment. One should not judge severely, unless one wants to be judged severely, but there is a point at which any reasonable person will realize that those they are dealing with are dogs and swine and are chosen by the Father to be "vessels of wrath".
The alternate interpretation is that dogs and pigs are not metaphors for some group of people, but specifically for the unholy in general. They say this verse is not about excluding some group from God's teaching, for many are called (though few are chosen), but rather ensuring that those things that are Gods are kept holy. Thus the Temple is kept clean, religious meals treated with respect, and holy days honored and kept separate from the turbulence and impiety of the daily life of an impious person.
Another question raised by this metaphor is what link there is between pearls and pigs. Hill notes that some liberal scholars have argued that pearls is actually a mistranslation to distract people from the message of the passage, which Paul describes when he says salvation is of the believer first, but the stranger also. One suggestion is that the actual word refers to a gold ring, and that this verse is linked to the metaphor found in Proverbs 11:22. Alternatively the word pearls can be seen as a reference to the food prepared on holy days, which would never have been given to swine. Alternatively the metaphor may be a reference to the immense appetites of pigs, and to how enraged they will be when they discover they cannot eat the pearls and since they have no understanding of their greater value will turn on the giver, but that would be rediculous, becaus Jesus helps the woman.
The phrase "pearls before swine" has become a common expression in English. There is a Pearls Before Swine comic strip, a Pearls Before Swine American psychedelic folk band, and Pearls Before Swine is an alternate title for Kurt Vonnegut's novel God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater.
References
- Fowler, Harold. The Gospel of Matthew: Volume One. Joplin: College Press, 1968
- Hill, David. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981
- Luz, Ulrich. Matthew 1-7: A Commentary. trans. Wilhlem C. Linss. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortess, 1989.
- Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans, 1992.
- Schweizer, Eduard. The Good News According to Matthew. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1975
| Gospel of Matthew | ||
| Preceded by: Matthew 7:5 |
Chapter 7 | Followed by: Matthew 7:7 |