At the time when Jesus ministered, dogs and pigs were not seen in a positive light (2 Peter 2:22). Though some people did have dogs in the home (Matthew 15:27), most dogs were outside on the street, semi-wild scavenger animals (1 Samuel 17:43; 1 Kings 21:19; Psalm 22:16; Galatians 5:15; Philippians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:22; Revelation 22:15).1 As such, they were dirty and generally avoided. Given the fact that Jews were not to eat pork since they were unclean (Matthew 8:32; Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:14–20; Acts 10:12–14),2 the pigs in view are likely bush pigs, large animals capable of violence.3 Such animals did not appreciate value (Proverbs 11:22).4
6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.