Luke 10:10

KJV

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} into {G1519} whatsoever {G3739}{G302} city {G4172} ye enter {G1525}, and {G2532} they receive {G1209} you {G5209} not {G3361}, go your ways out {G1831} into {G1519} the streets {G4113} of the same {G846}, and say {G2036},

Complete Jewish Bible

But whenever you enter a town and they don’t make you welcome, go out into its streets and say,

Berean Standard Bible

But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare,

American Standard Version

But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, and they receive you not, go out into the streets thereof and say,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:10 outlines Jesus' direct instruction to the seventy disciples concerning their mission of proclaiming the kingdom and healing. This verse specifically addresses the challenging scenario of encountering rejection in a city, providing a clear directive for how the disciples were to respond: by publicly departing into the streets and making a solemn declaration, thereby placing the responsibility for their unbelief squarely on the inhabitants of that city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 10:10 is situated within Jesus' detailed commission of the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples, whom He sent out "two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go" ([Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy")). The preceding verses ([Luke 10:5-9](/luke/10-5-9 "Luke 10:5-9 - Instructions for Entering a House")) provide instructions for how the disciples should conduct themselves and what they should do when they are *received* with hospitality, emphasizing the proclamation of peace and healing. Verse 10 then marks a crucial pivot, shifting from scenarios of acceptance to the inevitable reality of rejection. This instruction is immediately followed by the symbolic act of shaking off the dust from their feet ([Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - Shaking Off the Dust")), which serves as a solemn testimony against the unrepentant city, and a stark warning about the severe judgment awaiting those who reject God's messengers and, by extension, God Himself ([Luke 10:12-16](/luke/10-12-16 "Luke 10:12-16 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")). Similar instructions regarding rejection were also given to the twelve apostles in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Instructions for Rejection") and [Mark 6:11](/mark/6-11 "Mark 6:11 - Instructions for Rejection"), underscoring a consistent principle for all who represent Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural value and a moral imperative. To "receive" a traveler meant to offer shelter, food, and protection, signifying acceptance and fellowship. Conversely, to "receive you not" (as in [Luke 10:10](/luke/10-10 "Luke 10:10 - Rejection of Messengers")) was a profound act of dishonor and rejection, not merely of the individual but of the message and the one who sent them. The instruction to "go your ways out into the streets" and make a public declaration was a culturally understood way of disassociating from a community that had refused to acknowledge a divine messenger. This public act, particularly when combined with the symbolic "shaking off the dust" (as described in [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - The Symbolic Act of Shaking Dust")), served as a powerful, non-verbal indictment. It communicated that the messengers bore no responsibility for the city's fate, and that the city's rejection of the message had serious, divinely ordained consequences, echoing prophetic warnings from the Old Testament.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **reality of rejection** in ministry; Jesus prepares His disciples for the inevitable opposition they will face when proclaiming the Gospel. Secondly, it underscores the **divine authority of the messengers**; by rejecting Jesus' representatives, the people were, in essence, rejecting Jesus Himself and the Father who sent Him ([Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - Rejecting the Messenger, Rejecting God")). This elevates the spiritual stakes of acceptance or rejection. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **accountability and witness**; the public departure and declaration serve as a solemn testimony against those who refuse the divine invitation, signifying that the responsibility for their unbelief rests with them. Finally, it teaches **perseverance and strategic focus** in ministry; the instruction is not to dwell on rejection or engage in futile arguments, but to move on to areas where there might be openness, demonstrating the urgency and forward momentum of God's mission to reach all who will hear.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai_):** From G1209, this word signifies more than mere physical hospitality; it implies a deeper acceptance, a welcoming embrace of the person and, by extension, their message and the authority behind it. In this context, "receive you not" denotes a fundamental refusal to acknowledge the divine commission of the disciples.
* **go your ways out (Greek, _exérchomai_):** From G1831, this verb indicates a deliberate and definitive departure, an issuing forth. It's not a casual leaving but a purposeful withdrawal, emphasizing the gravity of the city's decision and the disciples' disassociation from its rejection.
* **say (Greek, _épō_):** From G2036, this primary verb means to speak or declare. In the context of Luke 10:10, it points to the authoritative proclamation of judgment or witness that the disciples were commanded to make upon leaving the unrepentant city, as detailed in the subsequent verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But into whatsoever city ye enter":** This clause sets the scene for the specific contingency Jesus is addressing. It acknowledges the itinerant nature of the disciples' mission and the variety of responses they might encounter in different communities.
* **"and they receive you not":** This is the crucial condition that triggers the subsequent actions. "Receive you not" implies a refusal of hospitality, but more profoundly, a rejection of the disciples as God's messengers and, therefore, a rejection of the message of the kingdom they carry. It speaks to a spiritual closedness rather than just a social slight.
* **"go your ways out into the streets of the same":** This is the first part of Jesus' command for dealing with rejection. The disciples are to leave the city, specifically making their departure public by going "into the streets." This public act serves as a visible sign of disassociation and a silent witness to the city's refusal.
* **"and say":** This final command prepares the listener for the solemn declaration that the disciples were to make, as detailed in the following verse ([Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - The Solemn Declaration")). It indicates that the departure is not merely a retreat but a prelude to a verbal testimony against the unrepentant city.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:10 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The primary structure is a **Conditional Clause**, setting up a clear "if... then..." scenario: "If a city does not receive you, then go out and say." This structure makes the instruction unambiguous and provides a direct course of action for the disciples. The verbs "go your ways out" and "say" are presented in the **Imperative Mood**, highlighting the authoritative nature of Jesus' command; these are not suggestions but direct orders to be obeyed. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the cities that receive the disciples (as described in [Luke 10:8-9](/luke/10-8-9 "Luke 10:8-9 - Receiving the Disciples")) and those that do not, underscoring the differing spiritual responses and their consequences. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the instruction to depart and "say" sets the stage for the **Symbolism** of shaking off the dust (in [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - Symbolism of Shaking Dust")), which represents a solemn act of judgment and disassociation, signifying that the messengers are free from responsibility for the city's fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:10 profoundly illustrates the divine prerogative in offering salvation and the solemn responsibility of humanity in responding to it. The rejection of God's messengers is not merely a personal affront but a direct affront to God Himself, carrying severe theological implications. This passage underscores the truth that God extends His grace and truth through His chosen representatives, and the response to these representatives determines one's standing before God. It highlights the concept of divine judgment, not as arbitrary punishment, but as the just consequence for those who willfully refuse the light and truth offered to them. Yet, it also emphasizes God's patience, as even in rejection, a final witness is given, ensuring that no one can claim ignorance. The mission of God's people is to faithfully proclaim, not to compel, demonstrating both the urgency of the Gospel and the respect for human free will.

* [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Parallel Instruction to the Twelve")
* [Mark 6:11](/mark/6-11 "Mark 6:11 - Parallel Instruction to the Twelve")
* [Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - Rejecting the Messenger, Rejecting Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:10 offers timeless wisdom for believers engaged in sharing their faith and serving in God's kingdom today. It provides a realistic expectation that not every person or community will be receptive to the Gospel message. Instead of becoming discouraged or engaging in fruitless arguments, this passage instructs us to acknowledge the rejection, make a clear witness, and then strategically move on. This "moving on" is not an act of giving up, but an act of stewardship, focusing our energy where there is openness and receptivity, trusting God with the outcome in areas of resistance. It reminds us that our responsibility is faithfulness in proclamation, not success in conversion. Furthermore, understanding the gravity of rejecting God's truth, as highlighted by Jesus' instruction, should cultivate in us a compassionate urgency to share the Gospel, while also recognizing that the ultimate accountability rests with the hearer. We are called to be faithful witnesses, leaving the consequences to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when my efforts to share my faith or serve God are met with rejection or indifference?**
* **What does it mean for me to "go your ways out" and "say" in a contemporary context when facing spiritual closedness?**
* **How can I maintain a heart of compassion and prayer for those who reject the Gospel, while also understanding the spiritual implications of their choices?**
* **In what ways might I be expending too much energy on resistant areas, and how can I better discern where God is already at work and where there is greater receptivity?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus instruct the disciples to go into the streets and make a declaration upon rejection?**

Answer: The instruction to "go your ways out into the streets" and "say" (which is elaborated in [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - The Symbolic Act of Shaking Dust") as shaking off the dust) served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was a public and symbolic act of disassociation. By leaving the city in this manner, the disciples were making it clear that they bore no responsibility for the city's unbelief or its impending judgment. Secondly, it functioned as a solemn witness or testimony against the city. It communicated that the message of the kingdom had been offered and rejected, leaving the city accountable before God. This was a common Jewish custom, signifying a complete break with defilement or unholiness, and in this context, it underscored the gravity of rejecting God's divine invitation.

**Is the instruction in Luke 10:10 still relevant for Christians today, particularly the part about "shaking off the dust"?**

Answer: While the literal act of "shaking off the dust from your feet" (as per [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - Relevance of Shaking Dust")) might not be a common practice today, the underlying principles of Luke 10:10 remain profoundly relevant. The passage teaches us to expect rejection in ministry, to persevere in our mission without being deterred by opposition, and to understand that our role is to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, not to force acceptance. It encourages us to discern where God is working and to focus our energy on those who are receptive, rather than expending excessive effort on those who are resolutely closed off. The spiritual principle is that while we are called to be faithful witnesses, we are not responsible for the outcome of people's responses; accountability rests with those who hear and reject the divine message.

**What does "they receive you not" truly imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "they receive you not" (from the Greek _déchomai_) implies much more than a simple lack of hospitality or a social snub. In this biblical context, it signifies a fundamental refusal to accept the messengers sent by Jesus, and by extension, a rejection of Jesus Himself and the message of the Kingdom of God they carried. It points to a spiritual closedness, an unwillingness to welcome God's truth and authority into their lives or community. This rejection carries significant spiritual weight, as [Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - Rejecting Jesus' Messengers") explicitly states: "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:10, with its stark instruction regarding rejection, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the supreme Messenger of God, perfectly embodied the experience of being "received not" by His own people, as [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own") laments, "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." He was the "man of sorrows, acquainted with grief," despised and rejected by men, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ's Rejection"). Yet, His response to this rejection was not to abandon His mission, but to press on towards the cross, where He would offer the ultimate act of reconciliation for a world that largely rejected Him. His suffering and death on the cross, the ultimate "shaking off of dust" from the world's sin, became the very means by which salvation is offered to all who would believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation")). The disciples' experience of rejection foreshadows Christ's own, and their act of witnessing against those who reject them points to Christ's final judgment, when He will separate the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, the command in [Luke 10:10](/luke/10-10 "Luke 10:10 - Christ's Example of Enduring Rejection") is not merely a practical guideline but a profound reflection of Christ's own journey of faithful proclamation in the face of widespread rejection, culminating in His triumph over sin and death, and His ongoing mission through His Spirit and His Church to call all people to Himself ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 18:6

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Acts 13:51

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

Matthew 10:14

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.

Luke 9:5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.