Luke 10:4

KJV

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

KJV (with Strong's)

Carry {G941} neither {G3361} purse {G905}, nor {G3361} scrip {G4082}, nor {G3366} shoes {G5266}: and {G2532} salute {G782} no man {G3367} by {G2596} the way {G3598}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t carry a money-belt or a pack, and don’t stop to shmoose with people on the road.

Berean Standard Bible

Carry no purse or bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone along the road.

American Standard Version

Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus issues striking, counter-cultural instructions to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples He is dispatching ahead of Him to every town and place He intends to visit. These commands—to carry no purse, no scrip, and no shoes, and to salute no one by the way—underscore a profound call to radical dependence on divine provision, an unwavering focus on the urgent mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and a detachment from worldly comforts and time-consuming social conventions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' detailed commission to a larger group of disciples, distinct from the original twelve, as recorded in [Luke 10:1-12](/luke/10-1-12 "Luke 10:1-12 - The Sending of the Seventy"). Immediately preceding these instructions, Jesus laments the vast spiritual "harvest" but the scarcity of "laborers" ([Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest is Plentiful")), setting a tone of urgent necessity for their mission. The specific directives in [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Instructions for Mission") are followed by instructions on seeking hospitality, proclaiming peace, healing the sick, and warning those who reject their message. While there are parallels to the instructions given to the twelve in [Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9-10 "Matthew 10:9-10 - Instructions to the Twelve") and [Mark 6:8-9](/mark/6-8-9 "Mark 6:8-9 - The Twelve Sent Out"), the Lukan account emphasizes the unique nature and urgency of this broader outreach, particularly with the explicit command to avoid customary greetings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Travel in ancient Judea and Galilee was often arduous and fraught with potential dangers. Travelers typically carried a purse (money bag), a scrip (a leather wallet for food and essentials), and extra sandals, as footwear was crucial for protection on rough roads. Hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural norm, often extended to travelers and religious teachers, but it was also reciprocal and could be time-consuming. The act of "saluting" (greeting) in the ancient Near East was far more elaborate than a simple "hello." It involved lengthy rituals, often with multiple prostrations, inquiries about family and health, and extended conversations, particularly when encountering someone of status or importance. This context highlights that Jesus' commands were not merely practical advice but deliberate, counter-cultural directives designed to convey specific theological and missional priorities.
* **Key Themes:** The instructions in [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Radical Dependence and Urgency") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Radical Dependence on God's Provision**. By forbidding the carrying of essential travel provisions, Jesus compels His disciples to rely entirely on God's miraculous supply through the hospitality of those they encounter. This echoes the broader biblical principle of trusting God for daily needs, as seen in passages like [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life"). Another crucial theme is the **Urgency of the Kingdom Mission**. The command to "salute no man by the way" is not an endorsement of rudeness but a powerful imperative to avoid time-consuming social customs that would delay or distract from the immediate and critical task of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. This highlights the preciousness of time in ministry and the singular focus required for the advancement of God's reign. Finally, the commands emphasize **Simplicity and Focus**, demonstrating a detachment from worldly possessions and a singular devotion to their divine assignment, prioritizing the message over personal comfort or security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Carry (Greek, _bastázō'_):** This verb means "to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)." In this context, it signifies the act of taking along or providing for oneself. The negative command using this word emphasizes that the disciples were not to rely on their own material preparations or resources for their journey, but rather on divine provision and the hospitality of others.
* **Scrip (Greek, _pḗra'_):** This refers to a "wallet or leather pouch for food," commonly used by travelers or beggars to carry provisions for a journey. Its prohibition highlights the disciples' complete reliance on God for their daily sustenance, underscoring a profound trust that their needs would be met as they prioritized the Kingdom.
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** Meaning "to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome," this word describes the elaborate and often time-consuming social greetings prevalent in the ancient Near East. Jesus' command to "salute no man by the way" is not a call to rudeness but a directive to avoid these lengthy formalities, emphasizing the critical and immediate nature of their mission, which could not afford such delays.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes:"** This tripartite prohibition establishes the radical nature of the disciples' mission. The "purse" (money bag) signifies financial independence, the "scrip" (food bag) represents self-provision for sustenance, and "shoes" (sandals) imply comfort and preparedness for travel. By forbidding these, Jesus mandates a complete and visible reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of those who receive them. This vulnerability was intended to demonstrate their faith and the urgency of their message, compelling them to trust solely in the divine source rather than their own resources or worldly security.
* **"and salute no man by the way."** This command, often misunderstood, is a powerful injunction against engaging in the lengthy and elaborate social greetings customary in the ancient Near East. Such greetings could consume significant time, involving multiple exchanges, inquiries, and even physical gestures. Jesus' directive underscores the critical, time-sensitive nature of their mission. It signifies that the proclamation of the Kingdom was so urgent that it superseded even deeply ingrained social courtesies, demanding singular focus and immediate progress toward their destination and task.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise yet impactful instruction employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Imperative Mood** is evident throughout the verse ("Carry," "salute"), emphasizing the direct, non-negotiable nature of Jesus' commands. The use of **Asyndeton** in "neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes" (the omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence) creates a sense of urgency and a rapid succession of prohibitions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the detachment required. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded: the "purse," "scrip," and "shoes" symbolize self-reliance, worldly security, and personal comfort, which the disciples are commanded to forsake. Their absence thus symbolizes radical dependence on God. The command to "salute no man" employs **Hyperbole** or a form of **Metonymy**, where the part (the greeting) stands for the whole (any time-consuming distraction), dramatically emphasizing the paramount importance and urgency of their mission over all other considerations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:4 profoundly articulates the theological principles of divine provision, the cost of discipleship, and the singular focus required for Kingdom work. It teaches that God's laborers are to operate not out of self-sufficiency but out of a radical, visible dependence on Him, trusting that He will meet their needs through the generosity of others. This vulnerability serves as a powerful testimony to the message they carry, demonstrating that their confidence is in God, not in material possessions. Moreover, the urgency conveyed by avoiding customary greetings highlights the supreme value of the Gospel message, demanding that its proclamation take precedence over personal comfort, social niceties, or any other earthly distraction. This passage challenges believers to assess what they "carry" that might hinder their effectiveness for the Kingdom and to cultivate a spirit of detachment from the world's comforts in favor of divine reliance and missional zeal.

Cross-references that illuminate these themes include:
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal application of Jesus' instructions in [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Principles for Discipleship") may differ for modern disciples, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant and transformative. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, challenging us to cultivate a deep and active trust in God's provision in every facet of our lives. It invites us to consider what "purses," "scrips," or "shoes" we might be relying on—whether financial security, personal comforts, or social approval—that prevent us from fully embracing our mission for the Kingdom. Furthermore, the command to "salute no man by the way" serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the Gospel. It compels us to identify and shed the distractions, time-wasters, and even well-intentioned but ultimately hindering social engagements that divert our focus from the primary task of proclaiming Christ and building His Kingdom. True discipleship demands a singular devotion, a willingness to be vulnerable, and an unwavering commitment to the mission, trusting that God will sustain us as we faithfully pursue His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "purses," "scrips," or "shoes" (i.e., sources of security or comfort) might I be relying on more than God in my life or ministry?**
* **In what ways might social conventions or personal preferences be hindering my urgency and focus in sharing the Gospel?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more visible dependence on God's provision in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to eliminate distractions and streamline my life for greater Kingdom impact?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus tell them not to carry these items?**

Answer: Jesus' command to carry neither purse, scrip, nor shoes served multiple purposes, all designed to emphasize radical dependence on God and the urgency of their mission. Firstly, it forced the disciples to rely entirely on divine provision, demonstrating that God would meet their needs through the hospitality of those they encountered. This also served as a powerful testimony to the people they met, showing that the disciples' trust was in God, not in material possessions. Secondly, it underscored the urgency of their mission; by traveling light, they could move quickly and without delay, signaling that the message of the Kingdom was paramount. Finally, it fostered humility and simplicity, preventing them from becoming encumbered by worldly concerns and keeping their focus singularly on their divine assignment. This radical approach highlighted the counter-cultural nature of the Kingdom of God.

**Does "salute no man by the way" mean we should be rude or anti-social?**

Answer: No, Jesus' instruction to "salute no man by the way" does not advocate for rudeness or anti-social behavior. In the ancient Near East, greetings were elaborate and time-consuming rituals, often involving lengthy conversations and multiple prostrations, especially when encountering someone of status. Jesus' command was a hyperbolic or metaphorical way of emphasizing the extreme urgency of their mission. It meant that the disciples were to avoid any unnecessary delays or distractions that would hinder their swift proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Their message was so vital and time-sensitive that it superseded even deeply ingrained social courtesies. It highlights the principle of prioritizing the mission above all else, not a condemnation of politeness itself.

**Is this command still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal application of [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Enduring Principles for Discipleship") is context-specific to the seventy's immediate mission, the underlying principles are enduring and profoundly binding for all Christians. We are called to cultivate **radical dependence on God's provision**, trusting Him to meet our needs as we prioritize His Kingdom ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). We are also called to recognize the **urgency of the Gospel mission**, avoiding distractions and commitments that hinder our effectiveness in proclaiming Christ ([1 Corinthians 7:35](/1_corinthians/7-35 "1 Corinthians 7:35 - Undivided Devotion")). The spirit of the command is to live with singular focus, unencumbered by worldly anxieties or time-consuming trivialities, always ready to advance the Kingdom of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Jesus' Example of Dependence and Urgency") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and mission of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the quintessential messenger of the Kingdom, perfectly embodied the principles He commanded His disciples to follow. He lived a life of profound dependence on the Father, often having "nowhere to lay His head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), relying on divine provision and the hospitality of others. His "food" was to "do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")), demonstrating an unparalleled focus and urgency that transcended personal comfort or social norms. The "salute no man by the way" instruction foreshadows the single-mindedness with which Jesus "set His face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), knowing the ultimate sacrifice awaited Him. He was the one who came with the most urgent news—the good news of salvation and the Kingdom of God—and allowed no earthly distraction to deter Him from His mission to redeem humanity. Thus, the disciples' radical obedience to these commands becomes a participation in Christ's own missional posture, a reflection of the Son who perfectly emptied Himself and focused solely on the Father's will for the sake of the world.

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

2 Kings 4:29

Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

Luke 22:35

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Luke 10:4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Luke 10:12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Proverbs 4:25

Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

1 Samuel 21:8

And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.

Mark 6:8

And commanded them that they should take nothing for [their] journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse: