Luke 10:11

KJV

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even {G2532} the very dust {G2868} of {G1537} your {G5216} city {G4172}, which {G3588} cleaveth {G2853} on us {G2254}, we do wipe off {G631} against you {G5213}: notwithstanding {G4133} be ye sure {G1097} of this {G5124}, that {G3754} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is come nigh {G1448} unto {G1909} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off as a sign against you! But understand this: the Kingdom of God is near!’

Berean Standard Bible

‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’

American Standard Version

Even the dust from your city, that cleaveth to our feet, we wipe off against you: nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:11 records Jesus' solemn instruction to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples regarding their response to towns that reject their message of peace and the imminent Kingdom of God. This verse outlines a symbolic act of separation—wiping off the dust from their feet—as a powerful testimony against those who refuse to receive the Gospel, emphatically declaring that despite their rejection, the divine reign of God has indeed drawn near to them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' detailed commissioning of the seventy-two disciples in [Luke 10:1-24](/luke/10-1-24 "Luke 10 - Commissioning of the Seventy-Two"). Following the initial instructions to preach peace, heal the sick, and declare the nearness of the Kingdom ([Luke 10:5-9](/luke/10-5-9 "Instructions for the Seventy-Two")), Jesus anticipates potential rejection. Verses 10-12 specifically address the disciples' conduct when met with a lack of hospitality or outright refusal of their message. The act of shaking off dust in [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - Wiping Off the Dust") serves as a formal, public declaration of the town's accountability, immediately followed by a stark warning of judgment more severe than that of Sodom ([Luke 10:12](/luke/10-12 "Luke 10:12 - Judgment for Rejection")). This passage parallels similar instructions given to the twelve apostles in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Instructions for the Twelve") and [Mark 6:11](/mark/6-11 "Mark 6:11 - Instructions to the Twelve").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of shaking off dust from one's feet was a recognized Jewish custom. Jews returning from Gentile lands would often shake the dust off their feet at the border, signifying their separation from Gentile defilement and their return to holy ground. By commanding His disciples to perform this act within Jewish towns, Jesus recontextualizes it. It is no longer about separation from Gentile impurity but about a solemn testimony against fellow Jews who, despite having the Law and the Prophets, reject the very presence of God's Kingdom. This act served as a public, unmistakable sign of disassociation and a prophetic warning, placing the full responsibility for the rejection squarely on the inhabitants of the city. The implication was that their spiritual state was now worse than that of Gentiles, as they had rejected the direct manifestation of God's saving presence.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **urgency and imminence of the Kingdom of God**, emphasizing that God's reign is not a distant future hope but has broken into human history through Jesus' ministry and the proclamation of His disciples. The phrase "the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" underscores this present reality, as seen throughout Jesus' parables and teachings (e.g., [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God Within You")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **accountability for rejecting the Gospel**. Those who hear and refuse the message are held responsible for their decision, a theme echoed in Jesus' woes against unrepentant cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida ([Luke 10:13-15](/luke/10-13-15 "Luke 10:13-15 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")). Thirdly, it illustrates the **authority and responsibility of the disciples** as God's messengers. They are empowered to deliver the message and, when rejected, to symbolically detach themselves from the outcome, knowing they have fulfilled their divine commission. This principle of faithful witness and divine judgment is central to the Lukan narrative, preparing the disciples for their ongoing mission in [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dust (Greek, _koniortós'_):** This term refers to fine, dry particles of earth, often associated with impurity or defilement in Jewish custom. The act of shaking off dust was a symbolic gesture of disassociation from anything considered unclean or unholy. In this context, it signifies the disciples' complete disengagement from the city's rejection and its spiritual consequences, leaving the city to its own "dust" of unbelief.
* **wipe off (Greek, _apomássomai'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to squeeze, knead, smear," this term in the middle voice means "to scrape away" or "to wipe off" for oneself. It emphasizes a deliberate, decisive action on the part of the disciples to cleanse themselves of any association with the rejecting city. It's an active, intentional removal, not a passive shedding, underscoring the solemnity and finality of their testimony.
* **is come nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** From a root meaning "near," this verb signifies "to make near" or "to approach." In the perfect tense (as used here, ἤγγικεν), it conveys a completed action with ongoing results. The Kingdom of God has not merely "approached" or "will approach" in the future; it has already "drawn near" and its presence is a present reality. This emphasizes the immediate, tangible manifestation of God's reign through Jesus' ministry and the disciples' proclamation, making the city's rejection all the more grievous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you:"** This clause describes the symbolic act of protest and separation. The "dust" represents not only the physical dirt of the city but also the spiritual defilement of its rejection. By "wiping it off," the disciples publicly declare that they bear no responsibility for the city's unbelief and that they disassociate themselves from its fate. The phrase "against you" underscores that this act is a direct testimony and warning to the inhabitants, signifying their accountability.
* **"notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."** This second clause delivers the core theological message and warning. The conjunction "notwithstanding" (Greek _plḗn_) introduces a strong contrast: despite their rejection and the disciples' symbolic act, the fundamental truth remains—the Kingdom of God has indeed arrived and is present among them. The phrase "be ye sure of this" (Greek _ginṓskō_) implies a certain, undeniable knowledge or understanding, emphasizing the undeniable reality of the Kingdom's proximity. This declaration serves as both a statement of fact and a final, sober warning of the consequences of ignoring such a profound divine reality.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the "dust" representing not just physical dirt but the impurity and judgment associated with rejecting God's messengers and message. The act of "wiping off" is a symbolic gesture of disassociation and a prophetic warning. The phrase "cleaveth on us" uses a subtle **metaphor** to describe how the city's rejection might metaphorically cling to the disciples, from which they must cleanse themselves. The entire action serves as a **performative utterance** or **prophetic sign-act**, where the physical deed itself conveys a profound spiritual and theological message. Furthermore, the verse contains a strong element of **legal language** or **testimony**, as the disciples' action functions as a public witness "against" the city, establishing its guilt before God. This dramatic gesture underscores the gravity of the spiritual stakes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:11 powerfully articulates the theological truth that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope but a present, invading reality, manifested through the ministry of Jesus and His commissioned representatives. The rejection of these messengers is, therefore, a rejection of God's own reign and presence, incurring severe accountability. The disciples' act of shaking off dust serves as a public, prophetic testimony, declaring that they have fulfilled their duty and that the responsibility for unbelief now rests solely with the hearers. This underscores the divine seriousness of the Gospel message and the profound consequences of its rejection, highlighting God's justice in holding humanity accountable for their response to His gracious invitation.

* [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Shaking Off Dust")
* [Mark 6:11](/mark/6-11 "Mark 6:11 - Instructions to the Twelve")
* [Acts 13:51](/acts/13-51 "Acts 13:51 - Paul and Barnabas Shake Off Dust")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:11 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly concerning evangelism and spiritual resilience. We are called to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, understanding that our responsibility is to deliver the message, not to compel its acceptance. When faced with rejection, this verse provides a liberating principle: we can, like the disciples, "wipe off the dust" of disappointment or personal offense, releasing the burden of responsibility for the hearer's choice. This allows us to move forward in ministry without resentment or undue discouragement, knowing that we have fulfilled our part in God's mission. Furthermore, the declaration "the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" remains a timeless truth, reminding us of the urgency and present accessibility of God's transforming reign. This should fuel our passion for sharing the Gospel, knowing that salvation is available now, while also serving as a sober reminder of the eternal consequences for those who persistently refuse God's gracious invitation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the instruction to "wipe off the dust" empower believers to continue sharing the Gospel even when faced with rejection?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" emphasize the urgency of our evangelistic efforts today?**
* **How can we discern when it is appropriate to "wipe off the dust" and move on, rather than persisting in a conversation or ministry?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the personal accountability of individuals who hear and reject the Gospel message?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the act of "wiping off the dust"?**

Answer: The act of "wiping off the dust" was a powerful symbolic gesture with deep cultural and theological significance. In Jewish tradition, it was often performed by Jews returning from Gentile lands to indicate their separation from Gentile impurity. Jesus recontextualized this custom for His disciples, instructing them to perform it within Jewish towns that rejected their message. It signified several things: first, a public declaration that the disciples bore no responsibility for the city's unbelief; second, a solemn testimony "against" the city, indicating that they had received a divine visitation and chosen to reject it; and third, a prophetic warning of the severe judgment that would follow such rejection, implying that their spiritual state was now worse than that of a Gentile city like Sodom ([Luke 10:12](/luke/10-12 "Luke 10:12 - Judgment for Rejection")).

**Does "the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" mean the Kingdom is already fully present?**

Answer: The Greek phrase "is come nigh" (ἤγγικεν, _ēngiken_) is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This means the Kingdom of God has not merely "approached" or "will approach" in the future, but it has truly "drawn near" and its presence is already a reality. It signifies that God's reign has definitively broken into human history through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of His disciples. While the Kingdom will be fully consummated in the future, its power, presence, and authority are accessible in the present, offering salvation and transformation to those who embrace it. This concept of the "already and not yet" is central to understanding the Kingdom of God in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:11, with its stark warning to those who reject the message of the Kingdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Kingdom of God" that "is come nigh" is none other than the reign of God inaugurated by Christ Himself. He is the King who embodies and brings the Kingdom, and to reject His messengers is to reject Him ([Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - He Who Hears You Hears Me")). Jesus' own ministry was marked by both the powerful manifestation of the Kingdom through healing and exorcism ([Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You")) and the profound sorrow over those who rejected His saving presence, as seen in His lament over Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). The "dust" that is wiped off symbolizes the judgment awaiting those who refuse to acknowledge the King and His reign. Ultimately, all humanity will stand before Christ, the righteous Judge, and their response to Him—whether acceptance or rejection—will determine their eternal destiny ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Luke 10:11 foreshadows the ultimate accountability before the Christ, who is the very embodiment of the Kingdom that has drawn near.

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 13:51

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

Luke 10:9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Deuteronomy 30:11

¶ For this commandment which I command thee this day, it [is] not hidden from thee, neither [is] it far off.

Deuteronomy 30:14

But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Acts 13:46

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

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.