Luke 10:6

KJV

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437}{G3303} the son {G5207} of peace {G1515} be {G5600} there {G1563}, your {G5216} peace {G1515} shall rest {G1879} upon {G1909} it {G846}: if not {G1490}, it shall turn {G344} to {G1909} you {G5209} again {G344}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a seeker of shalom is there, your ‘Shalom!’ will find its rest with him; and if there isn’t, it will return to you.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.

American Standard Version

And if a son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall turn to you again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:6 outlines the divine principle governing the reception of the message of peace delivered by Jesus' disciples. It instructs them that if a "son of peace" – a person receptive to the Gospel – is present in a household, the peace offered by the disciples will settle upon that home. Conversely, if no such receptive individual is found, the blessing of peace, rather than being lost, will return to the messengers, underscoring both the efficacy of God's word and the responsibility of the hearer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' specific instructions to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples whom He sent out "two by two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come" ([Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy")). Following the command to pray for more laborers for the harvest ([Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest is Plentiful")), Jesus provides detailed guidelines for their conduct and message. These instructions include directives on travel, reliance on God's provision, and the crucial greeting, "Peace be to this house" ([Luke 10:5](/luke/10-5 "Luke 10:5 - The Greeting of Peace")). Verse 6 then immediately clarifies the consequence and spiritual dynamic of this greeting, depending on the receptivity of the household, before moving on to further instructions regarding staying in houses and eating what is provided ([Luke 10:7-8](/luke/10-7-8 "Luke 10:7-8 - Instructions on Hospitality")). The passage emphasizes the urgency and spiritual nature of their mission to proclaim the kingdom of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern and Jewish cultures, hospitality was a sacred duty and a deeply ingrained social norm. Travelers, especially those on a religious mission, relied heavily on the generosity of householders. The greeting "Peace be to this house" (Hebrew: _Shalom aleichem_) was not merely a polite salutation but a profound wish for comprehensive well-being, encompassing spiritual, physical, and material prosperity. This concept of _shalom_ (peace) was far richer than the absence of conflict; it signified wholeness, harmony, and right relationship, particularly with God. The practice of sending messengers (apostles) with specific instructions and authority was also common, and their reception was often seen as a reflection of how the sender was regarded. Jesus' instructions here leverage these cultural expectations while imbuing them with profound spiritual significance, making the reception of the messengers equivalent to the reception of His message and, ultimately, of Him.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:6 contributes significantly to several key themes found throughout Jesus' ministry and the broader book of Luke. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Commission and Authority** of the disciples; they are not merely human agents but emissaries of Christ, carrying His message and His peace, as seen in their empowerment to heal and cast out demons ([Luke 10:9](/luke/10-9 "Luke 10:9 - Heal the Sick and Proclaim the Kingdom")). Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Peace** as a comprehensive spiritual blessing, deeply connected to the Kingdom of God, which the disciples were sent to proclaim ([Luke 10:9](/luke/10-9 "Luke 10:9 - Proclaim the Kingdom")). Thirdly, the concept of a "son of peace" introduces the theme of **Receptivity and Discernment**, emphasizing that the Gospel's effectiveness is contingent on the hearer's openness, a principle also seen in the parable of the sower ([Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower")). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Efficacy of the Word and the Assurance for the Messenger**, demonstrating that God's grace and the labor of His servants are never wasted, even when rejected, a truth echoed in Isaiah's prophecy about God's word not returning empty ([Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Greek, _huiós'_):** (G5207) This word, meaning "son" or "child," is used here in a Semitic idiom, where "son of X" denotes someone characterized by or belonging to X. Thus, a "son of peace" is not literally a male offspring of peace, but a person whose character, disposition, or readiness makes them receptive to peace, particularly the spiritual peace offered by the Gospel. It signifies an individual predisposed to receive the message of salvation and wholeness.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):1515) Derived from a primary verb meaning "to join," _eirḗnē_ encompasses more than just the absence of conflict. It signifies a state of wholeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, and reconciliation. In the biblical context, it is the equivalent of the Hebrew _shalom_, denoting a comprehensive state of flourishing, especially in one's relationship with God and others. Here, it refers to the spiritual blessing and well-being that the disciples carried and offered.
* **shall rest upon (Greek, _epanapaúomai'_):** (G1879) This verb, a middle voice construction from _epí_ (upon) and _anapaúō_ (to rest), means "to settle on" or "to rest in/upon." It implies a stable, abiding presence. When the peace "rests upon" the house, it signifies that the spiritual blessing and well-being offered by the disciples will truly take root and remain with the receptive household, bringing genuine spiritual and relational flourishing.
* **it shall turn... again (Greek, _anakámptō'_):** (G344) This word means "to turn back" or "to return." In the context of the verse, it describes the action of the peace that was offered. If the household is not receptive ("if not"), the peace does not simply vanish or become void; instead, it returns to the one who offered it. This highlights the potency and divine origin of the peace, emphasizing that it is never wasted and always finds its proper destination, either in the recipient or back with the sender.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the son of peace be there,"**: This clause introduces the condition for the peace to settle. A "son of peace" refers to an individual or household that is receptive, open, and predisposed to receive the spiritual message and blessing of peace that the disciples carry. This receptivity is a spiritual discernment, indicating a heart prepared by God to hear and embrace the Gospel.
* **"your peace shall rest upon it:"**: This is the positive outcome. If a receptive individual is found, the peace that the disciples offer, which is ultimately God's peace, will "rest upon" that household. This signifies that the blessing of spiritual wholeness, reconciliation with God, and comprehensive well-being will genuinely settle and abide there, bringing forth its intended fruit.
* **"if not, it shall turn to you again."**: This is the negative outcome, or rather, the alternative divine economy. If no "son of peace" is present – if the household rejects the message – the peace offered does not simply dissipate or become ineffective. Instead, it "returns" to the disciples, the ones who proclaimed it. This assures the messengers that their effort and the divine blessing they carry are never wasted; the spiritual power of the peace always finds its proper destination, either in the recipient or back with the sender, signifying God's honor for their obedience and the inviolable nature of His word.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:6 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Semitic idiom** "son of peace" (_huios eirḗnē_). This phrase, common in biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, is a genitival construction used to describe a person's character or affiliation (e.g., "sons of light," "sons of disobedience"). Here, it powerfully conveys the idea of someone characterized by or belonging to peace, signifying a person receptive to the Gospel message. Another device is **personification**, where "peace" is treated as an entity that can "rest upon" a house or "turn to" the messenger. This imbues the abstract concept of peace with agency, emphasizing its active and potent nature as a divine blessing. Finally, the verse is structured as a clear **conditional statement** ("If X, then Y; if not X, then Z"), which highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the household's receptivity and the fate of the peace offered. This structure underscores the individual's responsibility in responding to the divine invitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the nature of divine sending and human responsibility within God's redemptive plan. The peace offered by the disciples is not merely a human sentiment but a divine blessing, an extension of God's _shalom_ that seeks to reconcile humanity to Himself. The concept of the "son of peace" highlights that while God's grace is freely offered, its reception is contingent upon a responsive heart. God, in His sovereignty, prepares hearts to receive His word, yet human freedom to accept or reject remains. The return of peace to the messenger, if rejected, underscores God's faithfulness to His word and His servants; His blessings are never wasted, and His laborers' efforts are always honored, even in apparent failure. This mechanism assures the messenger that their spiritual labor is always fruitful in God's eyes, regardless of the immediate human response.

* [Matthew 10:13](/matthew/10-13 "Matthew 10:13 - Peace on Worthy Homes")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Proverbs 26:2](/proverbs/26-2 "Proverbs 26:2 - Unearned Curse Does Not Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:6 offers timeless wisdom for every believer engaged in sharing the Good News today. It reminds us that when we proclaim the Gospel, we are not merely sharing human opinions but carrying a divine message imbued with God's very peace and blessing. This peace, rooted in Christ, has the power to transform lives and homes. We are called to be discerning, recognizing that while the message is for all, some hearts are more prepared to receive it than others. This discernment is not an excuse for inaction but a guide for strategic engagement, encouraging us to invest deeply where there is genuine receptivity, just as Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet from unreceptive towns ([Luke 10:10-11](/luke/10-10-11 "Luke 10:10-11 - Shaking Off the Dust")). Most importantly, the verse provides immense encouragement: our efforts in sharing the Gospel are never in vain. Even when our message of peace is rejected, the blessing does not vanish; it "returns to you again." This assures us that God honors our obedience and that the power of His word remains active, even if the immediate human response is negative. Our labor is eternally significant in God's economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the concept of "peace" as _shalom_ deepen your appreciation for what believers offer when sharing the Gospel?**
* **In what ways can you better discern "sons of peace" in your own sphere of influence, and how might this discernment shape your evangelistic efforts?**
* **How does the assurance that your "peace shall turn to you again" encourage you when facing rejection or disinterest in sharing your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is more receptive to God's peace and truth, both for yourself and for others you encounter?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "son of peace" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "son of peace" (Greek: _huios eirḗnē_) is a Semitic idiom, meaning a person who is characterized by or belongs to peace. In this context, it refers to an individual or household that is receptive, open, and predisposed to receive the spiritual message and blessing of peace that the disciples carried. It signifies someone whose heart is prepared by God to hear and embrace the Gospel of the Kingdom, and therefore, to truly receive the comprehensive well-being and reconciliation with God that the disciples offered. It's not about a literal family relationship, but a spiritual disposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the quintessential "Son of Peace" and the very source of all true _shalom_. While the disciples were sent out to offer peace, they were merely conduits for the peace that originates in Christ. Jesus is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice on the cross, thereby reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the one who brings true wholeness and harmony, not just an absence of conflict. His mission was to bring the ultimate peace, a peace the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). The disciples' experience of peace returning to them if rejected foreshadows Christ's own experience of being rejected by many, yet His peace and authority were never diminished, but rather confirmed by His resurrection and ascension. Ultimately, all who truly receive Christ become "sons of peace," reconciled to God and living in the _shalom_ He provides, participating in His ongoing mission to extend that peace to a broken world ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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 Thessalonians 3:16

¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.

2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.