Luke 10:3

KJV

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go your ways {G5217}: behold {G2400}, I {G1473} send {G649} you {G5209} forth {G649} as {G5613} lambs {G704} among {G1722}{G3319} wolves {G3074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Get going now, but pay attention! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Berean Standard Bible

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

American Standard Version

Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus issues a profound and sobering directive to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples He is commissioning for ministry. This verse encapsulates the divine authority behind their mission, the inherent vulnerability of those who proclaim the Gospel, and the stark reality of the opposition they would inevitably face, vividly portraying them as defenseless "lambs" sent into a hostile world dominated by "wolves." It serves as both a prophetic warning and an assurance of the divine mandate that empowers their challenging task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' specific instructions to a larger group of disciples, distinct from the twelve apostles, whom He sends out ahead of Him to every city and place He intends to visit ([Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy")). The immediate preceding verses highlight the urgency of the mission, emphasizing that "the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few" ([Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest is Plentiful")), prompting a call for prayer for more workers. Following this verse, Jesus provides further practical guidelines concerning their radical dependence on divine provision and the hospitality of others, instructing them to carry no purse, no bag, and no sandals ([Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Instructions for the Mission")). The entire passage in [Luke 10](/luke/10 "Luke 10 - The Mission of the Seventy") outlines the nature, challenges, and rewards of Gospel ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, itinerant teachers and prophets were not uncommon, but Jesus' sending of such a large group with specific instructions was unique. The concept of an emissary (Hebrew: *shaliach*) was well-understood, where the sent one carried the authority of the sender. The metaphor of "lambs among wolves" would have resonated deeply within a culture familiar with pastoral life and the constant threat of predators. Furthermore, the Jewish religious landscape was often characterized by intense debate and opposition, particularly towards new teachings that challenged established norms. Jesus himself faced significant hostility from religious leaders, and His disciples were to expect similar treatment. This imagery also draws on prophetic traditions where God's people are often depicted as a flock, vulnerable to external threats and corrupt leaders (e.g., [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 10:3](/luke/10-3 "Luke 10:3 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy") contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Commission** and authority of Jesus; their mission is not self-initiated but a direct command from the Lord of the harvest. Secondly, it highlights the **Vulnerability and Danger** inherent in proclaiming God's kingdom, preparing the disciples for the reality of spiritual warfare and worldly opposition. This theme is echoed throughout Jesus' teachings, such as His warnings about persecution in [Matthew 10:16-25](/matthew/10-16-25 "Matthew 10:16-25 - Persecution Predicted"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Urgency of the Mission**, as implied by the immediate command to "Go your ways." Finally, the stark contrast between "lambs" and "wolves" subtly points to the necessity of **Radical Dependence on God's Protection and Provision**, rather than relying on their own strength or worldly resources, a theme further developed in [Luke 10:4-12](/luke/10-4-12 "Luke 10:4-12 - Further Instructions for the Seventy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **send (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb (G649) means "to set apart, to send out, properly, on a mission." It signifies a deliberate and authoritative commissioning. Jesus is not merely dispatching them but formally appointing them as His representatives, endowing them with His authority to carry out a specific task. This emphasizes the divine origin and purpose of their evangelistic endeavor.
* **lambs (Greek, _arḗn'_):** The term (G704) refers to a lamb, specifically a male lamb. In biblical contexts, lambs symbolize innocence, meekness, vulnerability, and often, sacrifice. By calling His disciples "lambs," Jesus highlights their defenselessness and purity of purpose in the face of a hostile world, contrasting sharply with the predatory nature of their opposition.
* **wolves (Greek, _lýkos'_):** This noun (G3074) denotes a wolf, an animal known for its predatory, aggressive, and destructive nature. In scripture, wolves are frequently used to represent dangerous, deceptive, or hostile forces, often false teachers or those who prey on the innocent (e.g., [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets") and [Acts 20:29](/acts/20-29 "Acts 20:29 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders")). Here, they represent the spiritual and societal opposition the disciples would encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go your ways:"** This is an immediate and direct command, conveying urgency and the necessity of prompt obedience. It signals the commencement of their mission, indicating that the time for preparation is over and the time for action has arrived. This imperative emphasizes the active, outward-bound nature of their calling.
* **"behold, I send you forth":** The interjection "behold" (Greek: *idoú*) draws emphatic attention to the declaration that follows. The phrase "I send you forth" underscores Jesus' divine authority and active role in commissioning them. It is not a self-appointed mission but a divinely ordained one, providing the disciples with the necessary authority and backing despite the dangers ahead.
* **"as lambs among wolves.":** This powerful **metaphor** vividly illustrates the nature of the mission and the environment the disciples would enter. "Lambs" represent their inherent vulnerability, innocence, and lack of worldly power or defense. "Wolves" symbolize the hostile, predatory, and destructive forces they would encounter—whether spiritual opposition, societal resistance, or outright persecution. The phrase "among wolves" emphasizes that they would be surrounded by, and immersed in, this danger, highlighting the profound risk involved.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 10:3](/luke/10-3 "Luke 10:3 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy") is a striking **Metaphor**. Jesus directly compares His disciples to "lambs" and the world they are entering to a realm populated by "wolves." This comparison is not merely illustrative but defines the nature of the disciples' mission and the opposition they will face. There is a profound **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** between the meek, vulnerable, and innocent nature of lambs and the aggressive, predatory, and destructive nature of wolves. This stark imagery serves as a **Prophetic Warning**, preparing the disciples for the hostility and danger inherent in their evangelistic task. The simplicity and potency of the imagery make the warning unforgettable, highlighting the extreme power imbalance between the messengers and the forces arrayed against them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Luke 10:3](/luke/10-3 "Luke 10:3 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy") profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian mission, revealing that the proclamation of God's kingdom is rarely a comfortable or universally welcomed endeavor. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where those who carry the message of light will inevitably encounter the forces of darkness. The vulnerability of the "lambs" highlights that the success of the mission does not depend on human strength, cunning, or worldly power, but entirely on the divine authority and protection of the One who sends them. This theological truth liberates believers from relying on their own abilities and compels them to lean wholly on God's sovereignty and empowering presence in the face of daunting opposition.

* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")
* [Acts 20:29](/acts/20-29 "Acts 20:29 - Paul's Warning About Wolves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in [Luke 10:3](/luke/10-3 "Luke 10:3 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy") offer timeless wisdom for every believer engaged in living out and sharing their faith. We are called to be courageous in our witness, understanding that the world often remains resistant, even hostile, to the truths of the Gospel. This verse encourages us not to be naive about the challenges but to embrace our vulnerability as a pathway for God's strength to be made manifest. It reminds us that our effectiveness in ministry is not predicated on our own power or cleverness, but on our radical dependence on Christ, who sends us. In a world that often values strength and self-sufficiency, Jesus calls us to a counter-cultural posture of humility and reliance, knowing that the One who sends us is infinitely greater than any opposition we might face. Our mission is to faithfully represent the Lamb, even when surrounded by the predatory nature of "wolves," trusting in His ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' warning about "lambs among wolves" prepare us for the realities of sharing our faith in today's world?**
* **In what ways might our perceived "vulnerability" actually be a strength or a conduit for God's power in our lives and ministries?**
* **What specific "wolf-like" challenges or opposition do believers face in our contemporary society, and how can we respond with both wisdom and grace?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus send His disciples out into such a dangerous situation?**

Answer: Jesus sent His disciples out as "lambs among wolves" for several profound reasons. Firstly, it underscored the **radical dependence** they would need on God alone, rather than on worldly provisions or self-protection. Their vulnerability meant that any success would clearly be attributed to divine power, not human strength ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Secondly, it was a **realistic preparation** for the true nature of ministry; Jesus never promised an easy path, but rather warned that His followers would face opposition, just as He did ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World Will Hate You")). Thirdly, it highlighted the **spiritual nature of the conflict**; the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). By sending them out this way, Jesus was teaching them to rely on His authority and protection, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The imagery of "lambs among wolves" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who, in perfect innocence and meekness, willingly submitted to the predatory "wolves" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness. He entered a world hostile to God, faced intense opposition from religious authorities and political powers, and ultimately allowed Himself to be led "as a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), enduring the cross without resistance. Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, this "Lamb" utterly triumphed over the "wolves," disarming principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, when Jesus sends His disciples as "lambs among wolves," He is not merely issuing a warning, but inviting them to participate in His own mission, empowered by His Spirit, to confront the same forces He conquered. Their vulnerability is not a weakness, but a reflection of the Lamb who conquered by sacrifice, ensuring that their ultimate victory is secured in His.

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

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Acts 20:29

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Ezekiel 2:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day.

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

John 16:2

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

John 15:20

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.