Matthew 7:6 The hunt for holy hound splits

7:12 παντα ουν οσα εαν θελητε ινα ποιωσιν υμιν οι ανθρωποι ουτως και υμεις ποιειτε αυτοις ουτος γαρ εστιν ο νομος και οι προφηται [gnt]

Matthew 7:6

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KJV: 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.

Greek: μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτεκαταπατησωσιν καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας

Latin: nolite dare sanctum canibus neque mittatis margaritas vestras ante porcos ne forte conculcent eas pedibus suis et conversi disrumpant vos

Wessex: Nellen ge syl þaet hilige (sic) hunden. ne ge-wurpen eowre mere-groten to-foren eowren swinen. þy laes hye mid hyra fotan hyo tofortredan. & hyo þanne ne on-gean ne wend eow to-slyten.

Wycliffe: Nile ye yyue hooli thing to houndis, nethir caste ye youre margaritis bifore swyne, lest perauenture thei defoulen hem with her feet, and the houndis be turned, and al to-tere you.

Tyndale: Geve not that which is holy to dogges nether cast ye youre pearles before swyne lest they treade them vnder their fete and ye other tourne agayne and all to rent you.

Luther: Ihr sollt das Heiligtum nicht den Hunden geben und eure Perlen sollt ihr nicht vor die Säue werfen, auf daß sie dieselbigen nicht zertreten mit ihren Füßen und sich wenden und euch zerreißen.

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

Matthew 7:6
Strong	Used	Unique	Word	Part of speech
G3361	1029	1021	μη	participle negative
G1325	414	3	δωτε	verb 2nd person aorist active subjunctive 2nd person plural
G3588	19706	1690	το	article accusative singular neuter
G40	233	46	αγιον	adjective accusative singular neuter
G3588	19706	620	τοις	article dative plural masculine
G2965	5	1	κυσιν	noun dative plural masculine
G906	125	1	βαλητε	verb 2nd person aorist active subjunctive 2nd person plural
G3135	9	2	μαργαριτας	noun accusative plural masculine
G1715	48	47	εμπροσθεν	preposition
G5519	12	6	χοιρων	noun genitive plural masculine
G3379	25	25	μηποτε	adverb negative
G2662	5	1	καταπατησουσιν	verb future active indicative 3rd person plural
G3588	19706	620	τοις	article dative plural masculine
G4762	22	1	στραφεντες	verb 2nd aorist passive participle nominative plural masculine
G4486	7	1	ρηξωσιν	verb aorist active subjunctive 3rd person plural

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. [kjv]

7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [kjv]

Barley is a cereal grain, known from ancient times, that has many uses. The usual process is to seed it, grow it, harvest it, break it up, and winnow to separate the grain (fruit) from the chaff so that the grain can be used.
The ancient Greek word "κρίνω" ≈ "separate" appears to be the related to "κριθή" ≈ "barley" in that the grain needed to be separated to be used - allowing a play on words "κριθήτε" ≈ "judged" as used by Jesus. The "separation" is related to the English word "rinse" and the Latin word "discernere" ≈ "separate, divide, distinguish, discern" which is the source of the English word "discern". The Latin word is from the Latin word "cernere" ≈ "to separate".

Since separation is an important and sometimes misunderstood part of the three-step judgment process (separation of guilt or innocence, sentence, punishment) the connections can be interesting in, say, the context of Matthew 7.

More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley

Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [kjv]

7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? [kjv]

7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. [kjv]

The Greek word for "hypocrite" meant "pretending" or "acting" as an actor. There is a play on words of "mote" or "twig" with "fruit" and of "beam" with "expectation" or "delusion". One should not even be looking at the possible "twig" but, rather, on what one oneself is to be doing for Jesus.

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

More: Matthew 7:3-5 Beams and motes: the devil is in the details

Common misinterpretations of these verses.

7:1-2: Do not judge! It is not for you to decide what is right or wrong.
7:3-5: Do not be hypocritical. So do not tell anyone not to sin since you are a sinner.

One line summary (heard in some prayers by pastors):

... help us not to be judgmental or hypocritical ...

Would the misinterpretations of these verses ever create a holy schism in the church? Never? Well, certainly it would! Is that right?

What does Jesus say? Jesus appears to answer this at the beginning of the next verse.

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

First, some songs about church unity (or disunity).

Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. [kjv]

καθ οσον απεχουσιν ανατολαι απο δυσμων εμακρυνεν αφ ημων τας ανομιας ημων [lxx]

The words to "In Christ there is no east or west" were written by English poet/author William Arthur Dunkerley (1852-1941) in 1908 for an exhibition in London for the theme "the orient in London".
The Latin word "orientem" ≈ "east" and is the source of the English word "orient". At one time, the top of maps were the direction east.

It was published in 1913, a year before the start of World War I, based on Galatians 3:28. During World War I, his hymn book "Hymns for men at the front" sold 8,000,000 (eight million) copies.

More: Song: In Christ there is no east or west

In the mid-nineteenth century, Bishop John William Colenso of Natal raised a ruckus in the Catholic Church when he challenged the historicity and authority of many of the Old Testament books. Bishop Gray of Capetown wrote a stirring response of defense, which, in 1866, inspired Samuel Stone, to write this beloved hymn. (Hymnary.org)
Music: The church is one foundation

This is hymn #547 in the hymnal.

More: Song: The church is one foundation

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

There has been much written about this verse. Many ARMS (Attractive Refrigerator Magnet Sermons) have been preached and books written on this verse.

The preceding context is important. This verse appears right after the verses on judging and the mote and beam verses.

Here we are only interested in the first part, "give", "holy" and "dogs" and the connecting words.

More: Attractive refrigerator magnet sermons

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

In the Didache, or teachings, the following makes assumptions on what "giving" something "holy" to the "dogs" means.

English: Didache 9:5 But let no one eat or drink of this eucharistic thanksgiving, but they that have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord hath said: Give not that which is holy to the dogs.

Greek: Διδαχή 9:5 μηδεὶς δὲ φαγέτω μηδὲ πιέτω ἀπὸ τῆς εὐχαριστίας ὑμῶν, ἀλλ’ οἱ βαπτισθέντες εἰς ὄνομα κυρίου· καὶ γὰρ περὶ τούτου εἴρηκεν ὁ κύριος· Μὴ δῶτε τὸ ἅγιον τοῖς κυσἴν.

More: Didache: The doctrine of teaching

More: Thank you for giving thanks and for Thanksgiving

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

There are some allusions made here.

What is "give"?
What is "holy"?
What are the "dogs"?

Not covered here.

What are "pearls"?
What are the "swine"?
...

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

English: that which is
Greek: the (accusative)

English: unto the
Greek: (with respect to) the (dative)

Translators tend to add words in English to provide the meaning they have decided that the words have. In trying to remove ambiguity, the translators often change the verse to have less meaning or a different meaning.

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

… hilige … hunden… mere-groten … swinen… [wes]

… hooli … houndis… margaritis … swyne… [wy]

… holy … dogges … pearles … swyne … [ty]

… Heiligtum … Hunden … Perlen … Säue … [lu]

Notice that Wessex uses "hunden", Wycliffe uses "houndis" and Tyndale uses "dogges".

The original word for "saint" meant someone who was "holy". The Catholic church elevated "saint" to "Saint".

Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, [kjv]

και τα μνημεια ανεωχθησαν και πολλα σωματα των κεκοιμημενων αγιων ηγερθησαν [gnt]

… sanctorum … [v]

… weihaize … [got]

… Heiligen… [lu]

The English word "holy" came from "wholesome" as "healthy" since one should be physically healthy or whole and spiritually healthy or holy.

More: Wholesome and healthy sanctified saints

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

It appears that the exact meaning "giving" may be important.

One can give, as in force something, on someone.
One can give something when asked.
One can provide and allow someone to take it.

The Greek word for "give" used here is related to the Greek word that became the English word "dose" as in "something that is given".

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [kjv]

προσεχετε απο των ψευδοπροφητων οιτινες ερχονται προς υμας εν ενδυμασιν προβατων εσωθεν δε εισιν λυκοι αρπαγες [gnt]

Dogs are known as man's best friend. The dog breed is related to the wolf breed and can interbreed. Two dogs may appear similar, but one may be a sheep dog and another a wolf dog.

A sheep dog is like a bishop who travels around keeping the faithful in line.
A wolf dog or ravenous wolf is a (false ) leader or eye in the church not sparing the flock. Jesus uses the word "wolf" in a manner similar to how he refers to the "birds".

Jesus warns of this. It might be important and useful to distinguish these types of dogs.

More: Interbreeding

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

More: Crying wolf for the search and seizure of the rapture

More: Matthew 7:15 Sheep dogs and wolf dogs

*G2965 *5 κύων (koo'-ohn) : a primary word; a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively):--dog.

Usage

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κυνες *2

Luke 16:21 ... the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and ...

κυσιν

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your ...

κυνας

Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, ...

κυων

2 Peter 2:22 ... according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own ...

*G2952 *4 κυνάριον (koo-nar'-ee-on) : neuter of a presumed derivative of G2965 κύων; a puppy:--dog.

Usage

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κυναριοις *2

Matthew 15:26 ... bread, and to cast it to dogs.
Mark 7:27 ... bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

κυναρια *2

Matthew 15:27 ... Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs ...
Mark 7:28 ... Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat ...

*G2965 *5 κύων (koo'-ohn) : a primary word; a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively):--dog.

*G2952 *4 κυνάριον (koo-nar'-ee-on) : neuter of a presumed derivative of G2965 κύων; a puppy:--dog.

Words: κυναρια=2 κυναριοις=2 κυνας κυνες=2 κυσιν=1 κυων

The Greek word «κυσιν» used by Jesus appears in this exact form appears one time in the GNT (Greek New Testament), There may be a play on words here. The English word "dog" is of uncertain origin. The older English word "hound" is related to many other PIE (Proto Indo-European) words.

The PIE root is "KWO" ≈ "dog".

The Old English word "hund" ≈ "dog, hound"
The Russian word "сука" (su-ka) ≈ "female dog".
The German word "Hund" ≈ "dog, hound".
The Latin word "canis" ≈ "dog" and is the source of the English word "canine".
The French word "canin" ≈ "dog".
The ancient Greek word "κύων" ≈ "dog, hound".
The modern Greek word "κύων" (KEE-on) ≈ "dog, hound".
The Spanish word "can" ≈ "dog, hound" though the Spanish word "perro" ≈ "dog, pooch" is more common.

In most languages, the term for "dog" can mean an offensive person or some other derogatory reference.

The English word "hunt" appears to be similar to "hound", but they are not related.

More: Etymons and folk etymology

The constellations Canis Major and Canis Minor represent dogs (hounds) who are assisting constellation Orion in the hunt.

The Latin word "canis" ≈ "dog" and is the source of the English word "canine".

An interesting story that appears to be related is in Matthew 15. The account in Mark 7 is similar. Let us look at Matthew 15. Jesus is speaking.

Matthew 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. [kjv]

ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν ουκ εστιν καλον λαβειν τον αρτον των τεκνων και βαλειν τοις κυναριοις [gnt]

15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. [kjv]

η δε ειπεν ναι κυριε και γαρ τα κυναρια εσθιει απο των ψιχιων των πιπτοντων απο της τραπεζης των κυριων αυτων [gnt]

The woman replies. Then Jesus grants "bread" "crumbs" to the woman. Why might a church deny communion to those may consider "dogs"? What about a pure bred "dog"?

Matthew 15:26

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KJV: But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν ουκ εστιν καλον λαβειν τον αρτον των τεκνων και βαλειν τοις κυναριοις

*G740 *97 ἄρτος (ar'-tos) : from G142; bread (as raised) or a loaf:--(shew-)bread, loaf.

Words: αρτοι=4 αρτοις αρτον=39 αρτος=10 αρτου=5 αρτους=30 αρτω=2 αρτων=6

Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. [kjv]

η δε ειπεν ναι κυριε και γαρ τα κυναρια εσθιει απο των ψιχιων των πιπτοντων απο της τραπεζης των κυριων αυτων [gnt]

Matthew 15:27

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KJV: And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Greek: η δε ειπεν ναι κυριε και γαρ τα κυναρια εσθιει απο των ψιχιων των πιπτοντων απο της τραπεζης των κυριων αυτων

Latin: at illa dixit etiam Domine nam et catelli edunt de micis quae cadunt de mensa dominorum suorum

Wessex: Ða cwaeð hyo. Drihton þaet ys soð. Witodliche þa hwelpas aeteð þa cruman þe of heora hlaferdes beodan falleð.

Tyndale: She answered and sayde: truthe Lorde: neverthelesse the whelpes eate of the cromes which fall from their masters table.

Luther: Sie sprach: Ja, Herr; aber doch essen die Hündlein von den Brosamen, die von ihrer Herren Tisch fallen.

*G5589 *2 ψιχίον (psikh-ee'-on) : diminutive from a derivative of the base of G5567 (meaning a crumb); a little bit or morsel:--crumb.

Usage

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ψιχιων *2

Matthew 15:27 ... the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their ...
Mark 7:28 ... eat of the children's crumbs.

*G5589 *2 ψιχίον (psikh-ee'-on) : diminutive from a derivative of the base of G5567 (meaning a crumb); a little bit or morsel:--crumb.

Words: ψιχιων=2

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. [kjv]

τοτε αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτη ω γυναι μεγαλη σου η πιστις γενηθητω σοι ως θελεις και ιαθη η θυγατηρ αυτης απο της ωρας εκεινης [gnt]

So to Jesus, if a "dog" comes and "asks", it will be given. Notice that the "ask" needs to come first, rather than "give", as in force feed, what is "holy", to the "dogs". Remember that distinction from above.

Discussion question: When celebrating the "Eucharist", if a "dog" outside the congregation "asks", should it be "given" to them? Should it be only for children of the table of the "master" (i.e., "church", the word of which comes from "master").

Matthew 15:28

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KJV: Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Greek: τοτε αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτη ω γυναι μεγαλη σου η πιστις γενηθητω σοι ως θελεις και ιαθη η θυγατηρ αυτης απο της ωρας εκεινης

Latin: tunc respondens Iesus ait illi o mulier magna est fides tua fiat tibi sicut vis et sanata est filia illius ex illa hora

Wessex: Ða andswerede drihten hyre. Eala þu wif mychel is þin ge-leafe. ge-wurðe þe eall swa þu wille. & þa of þare tide waes hire dohter hall geworðen.

Wycliffe: Thanne Jhesus answeride, and seide to hir, A! womman, thi feith is greet; be it doon to thee, as thou wolt. And hir douytir was helid fro that hour.

Luther: Da antwortete Jesus und sprach zu ihr: O Weib, dein Glaube ist groß; dir geschehe, wie du willst! Und ihre Tochter ward gesund zu derselbigen Stunde.

Russian: Тогда Иисус сказал ей в ответ: о, женщина! велика вера твоя; да будет тебе по желанию твоему. И исцелилась дочь ее в тот час.

Spanish: Entonces respondiendo Jesús, le dijo: ¡Oh mujer, grande es tu fe! Sea hecho contigo como quieres. Y su hija fue sana desde aquella hora.

The verse before is "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, ...".

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [kjv]

αιτειτε και δοθησεται υμιν ζητειτε και ευρησετε κρουετε και ανοιγησεται υμιν [gnt]

Byddeð… [wes]

Axe … [wy]

Axe … [ty]

Bittet… [lu]

The Middle English word "axe" ≈ "ask" is a word that is sometimes used verbally today for "ask".
The Latin word "petite" ≈ "ask" and is the source of the English word "petition".
The German word "bitten" ≈ "ask, request" and is related to the Old English word "byddeð" ≈ "ask" and is the source of the English words "bid", "bead", etc. (This is an interesting story for another time).

Does this in any way change your answer to the question about giving communion (what is holy) to a dog that asks, or waits for the crumbs from the Master's table?

Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? [kjv]

η τις εξ υμων ανθρωπος ον αιτησει ο υιος αυτου αρτον μη λιθον επιδωσει αυτω [gnt]

Even (oven) if this a half-baked idea, perhaps a "stone" cold response to "bread" could be forthcoming.

A pure-bread "dog" might be called "crusty".
Part of the Eucharist is "bread". If "asked", would you deny a "dog" who asks "crumbs" for "bread"?

If one is building a "house" of "sand" (human infrastructure) as in the "temple" made of "stones", then one could deceive and give, as a "bad" "gift", "stones" to someone who is expecting "bread" (of life).

More: Matthew 7:7-10 Ask and seek and knock gifts to children

The Greek words "therefore" "as far as" "if/when" are not needed in the translation.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. [kjv]

παντα ουν οσα εαν θελητε ινα ποιωσιν υμιν οι ανθρωποι ουτως και υμεις ποιειτε αυτοις ουτος γαρ εστιν ο νομος και οι προφηται [gnt]

The "Golden Rule" appears in many cultures and religions, including the Bible. Did Jesus plagiarize it?
Here we are interested in what the Bible has to say.

Positive Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Negative Golden Rule: Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you.
Platinum Rule: Do unto others as they want to have done to them. [Grove]

The general category of these rules is that of an "ethic of reciprocity". That is, it goes both ways though not necessarily a symmetric/commutative relationship.

There are logical and practical issues with the "Golden Rule" as stated. What is Jesus really saying?

More: Matthew 7:12 Not so golden rules

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

The word translated as "lest" is that of "never" but in a sarcastic negative sense as in "that will never happen" - "wrong" It will certainly happen. The ancient Greek word "μήποτε" ≈ "never" and comes from two words.

"μή" ≈ "not" (abstract and not concrete)
"ποτέ" ≈ "ever, at some time".

The Koine definition is that of "perhaps" but the sarcastic "never" appears to be a better fit. The modern Greek word "μήποτε" (MEE-po-teh) ≈ "perhaps". The "swine" or "pigs" would "never" (sarcastic remark) do this. Instead, they "certainly" will "trample" the "pearls".

More: Matthew 7:3-23 A splitting feat of how the swine flew on pearls at a wide gait

More: Matthew 9:14-17 Old and new garments and bottles

Common misinterpretations of these verses.

7:1-2: Do not judge! It is not for you to decide what is right or wrong.
7:3-5: Do not be hypocritical. So do not tell anyone not to sin since you are a sinner.

One line summary (heard in some prayers by pastors):

... help us not to be judgmental or hypocritical ...

Would these misinterpretations of these verses ever create a holy schism in the church? Never happen? Well, certainly it would. Is that right?

What does Jesus say? He appears to answer this at the beginning of the next verse.

Matthew 7:6
Strong	Used	Unique	Word	Part of speech
G3361	1029	1021	μη	participle negative
G1325	414	3	δωτε	verb 2nd person aorist active subjunctive 2nd person plural
G3588	19706	1690	το	article accusative singular neuter
G40	233	46	αγιον	adjective accusative singular neuter
G3588	19706	620	τοις	article dative plural masculine
G2965	5	1	κυσιν	noun dative plural masculine
G906	125	1	βαλητε	verb 2nd person aorist active subjunctive 2nd person plural
G3135	9	2	μαργαριτας	noun accusative plural masculine
G1715	48	47	εμπροσθεν	preposition
G5519	12	6	χοιρων	noun genitive plural masculine
G3379	25	25	μηποτε	adverb negative
G2662	5	1	καταπατησουσιν	verb future active indicative 3rd person plural
G3588	19706	620	τοις	article dative plural masculine
G4762	22	1	στραφεντες	verb 2nd aorist passive participle nominative plural masculine
G4486	7	1	ρηξωσιν	verb aorist active subjunctive 3rd person plural

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

"μη" ≈ "not" and "δοτε" ≈ "give".
"μήποτε" ≈ "never" (in a sarcastic sense).

"το" ≈ "that which" and "το" ≈ "the" (nominative neuter)
"αγιον" ≈ "holy" (nominative or accusative).
"τοις" ≈ "the" (masculine/neuter dative plural).
"ταις" ≈ "the" (feminine dative plural).
"τοῖν" ≈ "the" (feminine dative singular).

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, … lest … [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν … μηποτε … [gnt]

Play on words do not need to follow spelling or grammar rules.

English: not give the holy the dogs/bird

Greek: μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν
Greek: μηποτε το αγιον ταις σχισιν

English: never (sarcastic) the holy the splits

"κυσιν" ≈ "dogs" (dative, unique word).
"κῐ́σσαιν" ≈ "jay bird" (dative) and "κίσσα" ≈ "jay bird" or, in context, "longing of pregnant women", "craving for strange food".
"σχίσις" ≈ "division, fork in a road"(feminine).
"σχίσμα" ≈ "rent, tear" (neuter) and is the source of the English word "schism".

[sheep]

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

[monastery fumigation]

English: not give the holy the dogs/bird

Greek: μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν
Greek: μηποτε το αγιον ταις σχισιν

English: never (sarcastic) the holy the splits

The ancient Greek word "κῐ́σσαιν" ≈ "jay bird" (dative) and "κίσσα" ≈ "jay bird" or, in context, "longing of pregnant women", "craving for strange food".

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

Many play on words relate similar sounding letters, for example, the omega "ω" and omicron "ο" and alpha "α".
Non-verbal sides: To the left are the oppressed disciples (sheep). To the right (but a shadow) are the religious establishment (birds, pigs).

Some of these non-verbal directions were set up in previous verses (omitted).

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

7:6	to the left	Do not give that which is holy [never a holy split]
7:6	to the right	to the dogs [bird]
7:6	to the left	Neither cast your pearls
7:6	to the right	in front of pigs [bad, hand]
7:6	to the left	lest [sarcastic] they trample them/you
7:6	to the right	under their feet and turn
7:6	to the left	andrend (rupture) you.

The next few verses fit the "or" form using the "split".

7:7 7:8

"or"

7:9

"or"

7:10

Matthew 7:6 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. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

How might that "holy split" happen? One way is as follows.

The misled "sheep" give the "power to decide" as a "proxy" to a "wolf dog" who they think is a "sheep dog".
The "wolf dog" throws the "pearls" before "swine" for their own glory, to fill the pews, etc.
The "swine" trample the "pearls", both ideas and believers, and "rend" them and lead them away from the "narrow gate" or, in another sense, "stand" in the way of the "narrow gate".

More: Matthew 7:3-23 A splitting feat of how the swine flew on pearls at a wide gait

1 2 3 4 5 6 + - ▶

This chart build is to summarize Matthew 7.

The end result of giving what is "holy", control of the group, to a wolf-dog and having white and then gray "pearls" cast to "swine" to be trodden down to become black pearls is to divide the group into "few" and "some". Only the "few" who have otherwise ignored the "wolf" will find and knock on the gate to life and have it opened.

More: Psalms 1: Here come the pigs

More: Matthew 7:3-23 A splitting feat of how the swine flew on pearls at a wide gait