Luke 10:7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

And {G1161} in {G1722} the same {G846} house {G3614} remain {G3306}, eating {G2068} and {G2532} drinking {G4095} such things as {G3844} they {G846} give {G3844}: for {G1063} the labourer {G2040} is {G2076} worthy {G514} of his {G846} hire {G3408}. Go {G3327} not {G3361} from {G1537} house {G3614} to {G1519} house {G3614}.

Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for a worker deserves his wages — don’t move about from house to house.

Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Context

Luke 10:7 is part of Jesus' specific instructions to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples whom He sent out ahead of Him, two by two, into every city and place He Himself intended to visit. This mission was distinct from that of the twelve apostles (mentioned in Luke 9:1-6) but shared similar directives. The instructions here emphasize dependence on God's provision and the hospitality of those they were ministering to, contrasting with worldly concerns or seeking personal comfort. The command to "remain in the same house" and "Go not from house to house" prevented them from appearing to be seeking better lodging or exploiting hospitality, thus maintaining the integrity of their mission to proclaim the kingdom of God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Trust: The verse highlights that those doing God's work should trust Him for their sustenance, relying on the generosity of the people they serve. It teaches disciples to be content with what is offered.
  • Worthy of Support: The core principle, "the labourer is worthy of his hire," establishes that those who dedicate themselves to spiritual work are entitled to material support. This is not charity, but a just compensation for their devoted service. This principle is also found in Matthew 10:10 and later reiterated by Paul in 1 Timothy 5:18 and 1 Corinthians 9:14.
  • Simplicity and Focus: By staying in one house, the disciples were to avoid distractions, the appearance of greed, or wasting time seeking better accommodations. Their focus was to be entirely on the mission of healing and preaching.
  • Honoring Hospitality: The instruction also underscores the importance of hospitality within the culture, where offering food and lodging to travelers, especially those on a sacred mission, was a significant act of kindness and faith.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the labourer is worthy of his hire" (KJV) is a proverb that Jesus adopted and applied to His disciples. The Greek word for "labourer" is ergatēs (ἐργάτης), meaning one who works, a worker, or a toiler. "Hire" comes from misthos (μισθός), which signifies wages, reward, or payment. This implies a just compensation for effort, not merely a handout. It speaks to the inherent value of their spiritual work and the right to sustenance derived from it.

Practical Application

Luke 10:7 offers timeless principles for both those who serve in ministry and those who support it:

  • For Ministers: It encourages humility, contentment, and trust in God's provision. Ministers should not be driven by personal gain or seek lavish lifestyles but should focus on the mission. It affirms their right to be supported by the community they serve, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their calling without undue material worry.
  • For Believers: It underscores the responsibility of the community to support those who minister the Word and serve the church. Providing for spiritual leaders is seen as an act of justice and participation in their work. This support allows the work of the gospel to continue effectively.
  • For All: The verse reminds us of the value of honest work and the principle of fair compensation. It also promotes the virtue of hospitality and the importance of simplicity, avoiding unnecessary distractions or seeking constant upgrades in our lives.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • 1 Timothy 5:18

    For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

  • Matthew 10:10

    Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

  • Matthew 10:11

    And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

  • 2 Timothy 2:6

    The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

  • Deuteronomy 12:18

    But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

  • Deuteronomy 12:19

    Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

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