5These twelve Jesus sent forth, having instructed them, saying: "Into the road of the Gentiles do not go off, and into any city of the Samaritans do not enter; [10:6] go however rather to the sheep already perishing of the house of Israel. [10:7] Going on, proclaim, saying that the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near. [10:8] Those ailing, heal; dead, raise; lepers, cleanse; demons, cast out. Freely you received; freely give. [10:9] Do not take gold nor silver nor copper in your belts, [10:10] nor a provision-bag for the road, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his provisions. [10:11] Into whatever city or village you may enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there remain until you may go forth. [10:12] Entering now into the house, greet it. [10:13] And if indeed the house shall be worthy, let your peace come upon it; if however it shall not be worthy, let your peace return to you. [10:14] And whoever shall not receive you nor shall hear your words, going forth out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet. [10:15] Jesus said: 'Amen, I say to you: it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city.'"
MAT 10:5-15
The Ministry of the Twelve
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Jewish context, Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve reflect a deliberate focus on Israel’s restoration. The prohibition against entering Gentile or Samaritan territories underscores the priority of Israel’s covenantal renewal, as the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel' were seen as those estranged from God’s promises. The proclamation of the kingdom’s nearness would have resonated with Jewish eschatological hopes. The mandate to heal, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons aligns with prophetic expectations of messianic restoration. The directive to give freely reflects a countercultural rejection of Greco-Roman patronage systems, where reciprocity was expected. The prohibition against carrying gold, silver, or bronze coinage and provisions emphasizes radical dependence on God and hospitality norms, where travelers relied on communal support. The mention of a laborer’s worth taps into Jewish and Greco-Roman notions of fair compensation for work, affirming the legitimacy of their mission.
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How other translations render this
MAT 10:5
- KJV
- These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
- BSB
- These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
- Koinōnos
- These twelve Jesus sent forth, having instructed them, saying: "Into the road of the Gentiles do not go off, and into any city of the Samaritans do not enter;
MAT 10:6
- KJV
- But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
- BSB
- Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
- Koinōnos
- go however rather to the sheep already perishing of the house of Israel.
MAT 10:7
- KJV
- And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- BSB
- As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
- Koinōnos
- Going on, proclaim, saying that the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.
MAT 10:8
- KJV
- Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
- BSB
- Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
- Koinōnos
- Those ailing, heal; dead, raise; lepers, cleanse; demons, cast out. Freely you received; freely give.
MAT 10:9
- KJV
- Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
- BSB
- Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts.
- Koinōnos
- Do not take gold nor silver nor copper in your belts,
MAT 10:10
- KJV
- Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
- BSB
- Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
- Koinōnos
- nor a provision-bag for the road, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his provisions.
MAT 10:11
- KJV
- And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
- BSB
- Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on.
- Koinōnos
- Into whatever city or village you may enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there remain until you may go forth.
MAT 10:12
- KJV
- And when ye come into an house, salute it.
- BSB
- As you enter the home, greet its occupants.
- Koinōnos
- Entering now into the house, greet it.
MAT 10:13
- KJV
- And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
- BSB
- If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you.
- Koinōnos
- And if indeed the house shall be worthy, let your peace come upon it; if however it shall not be worthy, let your peace return to you.
MAT 10:14
- KJV
- And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- BSB
- And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
- Koinōnos
- And whoever shall not receive you nor shall hear your words, going forth out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet.
MAT 10:15
- KJV
- Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
- BSB
- Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
- Koinōnos
- Jesus said: 'Amen, I say to you: it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city.'
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MAT 10:6
- already perishing:The word translated 'already perishing' describes a state of being utterly lost or destroyed, not merely in danger but actively experiencing ruin and separation from life.
MAT 10:8
- freely:The word translated 'freely' emphasizes that the gift or service is given without expectation of payment or return, as a pure act of grace.
MAT 10:9
- copper:The word translated 'copper' refers to coins made of copper or bronze, which were the lowest denomination of currency, highlighting the instruction to travel without even the smallest amount of money.
MAT 10:10
- provisions:The word translated 'provisions' refers to basic sustenance like food and supplies needed for daily living, emphasizing reliance on others rather than self-sufficiency.