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 Ne donnez pas les choses saintes aux chiens, et ne jetez pas vos perles devant les pourceaux, de peur qu'ils ne les foulent aux pieds, ne se retournent et ne vous déchirent.