Luke 10:8

KJV

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} into {G1519} whatsoever {G1161}{G3739}{G302} city {G4172} ye enter {G1525}, and {G2532} they receive {G1209} you {G5209}, eat such things {G2068} as are set before {G3908} you {G5213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“Whenever you come into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put in front of you.

Berean Standard Bible

If you enter a town and they welcome you, eat whatever is set before you.

American Standard Version

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:8 provides specific, practical instructions from Jesus to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples He sent out on a mission of peace and proclamation. It directs them, upon entering any city where they are welcomed, to accept and eat whatever food is offered to them. This command underscores the principles of dependence on God's provision, humility, and a singular focus on their evangelistic task, avoiding distractions related to personal preferences or material concerns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' detailed commissioning of the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples in [Luke 10:1-24](/luke/10-1-24 "Luke 10:1-24 - The Commissioning of the Seventy"). Following His earlier instructions to the twelve apostles in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"), Jesus expands His missionary force, sending them ahead of Him to prepare the way in every town and place He intended to visit. The immediate preceding verses ([Luke 10:5-7](/luke/10-5-7 "Luke 10:5-7 - Instructions for Entering a House")) detail how the disciples are to offer a greeting of peace and, if received, to remain in that house, eating and drinking what is provided, for "the laborer is worthy of his wages." Verse 8 builds directly on this, extending the principle of acceptance and dependence to the broader city context. The instructions are designed to ensure the disciples' focus remains solely on their urgent mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, hospitality was a deeply ingrained social and religious obligation. Offering and receiving hospitality involved significant cultural norms, often including shared meals as a sign of peace, acceptance, and fellowship. Travelers typically relied on the generosity of strangers or friends, as inns were often scarce, expensive, or disreputable. The instructions to "eat such things as are set before you" were radical in their simplicity, cutting through potential social complexities, dietary concerns (especially for Jewish disciples entering Gentile areas), and the temptation to seek out more luxurious accommodations. This directive ensured the disciples would not become a burden or appear fastidious, which could hinder their mission. It also implicitly addressed the potential for hosts to feel compelled to provide beyond their means, emphasizing gracious acceptance of what is genuinely offered.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:8 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **radical dependence on God's provision**, echoing Jesus' teaching on not worrying about food or clothing found in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry"). The disciples are to trust that God will meet their needs through the generosity of others. Secondly, it emphasizes the **priority of the mission over personal comfort or preference**. By accepting whatever is offered, the disciples demonstrate a singular focus on proclaiming the kingdom, avoiding distractions. This aligns with the urgency of the harvest mentioned in [Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest is Plentiful"). Thirdly, the verse promotes **humility and contentment**, encouraging the disciples to embody the very peace they are sent to proclaim, fostering genuine connection with their hosts rather than demanding special treatment. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **reciprocal hospitality and the nature of true reception**, where the acceptance of the disciples' message is mirrored by their humble acceptance of the hosts' provisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This word (G1209) means "to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--accept, receive, take." In this context, it signifies a willing and gracious welcome, not merely a passive allowance of entry. It implies an openness not only to the disciples' physical presence but also to their message. The act of "receiving" them is foundational to the subsequent instruction to eat, indicating that the hospitality offered is a sign of receptivity to the kingdom message.
* **eat such things (Greek, _esthíō'_):** This verb (G2068) means "to eat (usually literal):--devour, eat, live." It is a straightforward command to consume food. Coupled with the phrase "such things as are set before you," it underscores the unconditionality of the acceptance. The disciples are not to be selective or demanding but to literally "eat" whatever is presented, signifying their trust and humility.
* **set before (Greek, _paratíthēmi'_):** This word (G3908) means "to place alongside, i.e. present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection):--allege, commend, commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before." Here, it refers to the act of a host placing food before a guest. The passive voice ("as are set before you") emphasizes that the food is provided by the host, reinforcing the disciples' role as recipients of hospitality rather than choosers of their fare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And into whatsoever city ye enter":** This opening clause establishes the geographical scope and context of the mission. The disciples are to go into various cities, implying a widespread evangelistic effort. The "whatsoever" highlights the universal nature of their commission, not limiting them to specific pre-selected locations, but rather to any place where they might find an opening.
* **"and they receive you":** This is the crucial condition for the subsequent instruction. The success of their mission hinges on the reception of the message and the messengers. "Receiving" goes beyond mere physical entry; it implies a welcoming of their presence and, by extension, their message of peace and the kingdom of God. If they are not received, other instructions apply (e.g., shaking off the dust from their feet in [Luke 10:10-11](/luke/10-10-11 "Luke 10:10-11 - Shaking Off the Dust")).
* **"eat such things as are set before you":** This is the direct command, contingent on being received. It instructs the disciples to accept and consume whatever food is offered by their hosts, without complaint, question, or dietary preference. This command emphasizes humility, dependence, and a complete focus on the mission, preventing food from becoming a distraction or a source of contention. It signifies their willingness to be fully reliant on God's provision through the hospitality of others.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:8 primarily employs **Instructional Language**, providing clear and direct commands for the disciples' conduct during their mission. This directness underscores the authority of Jesus and the urgency of the task. The phrase "eat such things as are set before you" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of eating represents the broader principle of accepting hospitality without reservation, symbolizing trust, humility, and a focus on the spiritual mission rather than material concerns. Furthermore, the entire instruction carries **Symbolism** of radical dependence on God and the prioritization of the kingdom message over personal comfort or cultural norms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:8 is a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship and mission. It teaches that God's laborers are to be utterly dependent on His provision, trusting that He will supply their needs through the generosity of others. This radical trust frees the disciples from material anxieties, allowing them to focus entirely on proclaiming the kingdom. It also models humility and contentment, essential virtues for those who represent Christ. The acceptance of whatever is offered fosters genuine fellowship and avoids creating barriers based on personal preferences or perceived status. This principle encourages a spirit of adaptability and resilience in ministry, recognizing that the message is paramount, not the messenger's comfort.

* [Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9-10 "Matthew 10:9-10 - Similar Instructions to the Twelve")
* [1 Corinthians 10:27](/1_corinthians/10-27 "1 Corinthians 10:27 - Eating Food Offered to Idols")
* [Philippians 4:11-12](/philippians/4-11-12 "Philippians 4:11-12 - Paul's Contentment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:8 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, whether in formal ministry or daily life. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of radical trust in God's provision, recognizing that He often works through the generosity and kindness of others. This means letting go of anxieties about material needs and embracing a posture of humility and contentment. We are called to be flexible and adaptable, not allowing personal preferences or expectations to hinder our ability to connect with people or serve God's purposes. In our interactions, this verse encourages us to be gracious recipients of hospitality, fostering genuine relationships rather than demanding special treatment. It reminds us that our primary mission, whatever form it takes in our lives, is more important than our comfort zones or personal desires. Ultimately, it calls us to embody the peace and humility of Christ in all our dealings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with trusting God's provision, and how can I cultivate a more radical dependence on Him?**
* **Am I willing to set aside my personal preferences or comforts for the sake of a greater mission or to connect genuinely with others?**
* **How can I practice greater humility and contentment in my daily interactions and circumstances?**
* **What does it mean for me to "receive" others, and to be "received" by others, in a way that honors God and fosters true fellowship?**

### FAQ
**Does this instruction mean dietary laws (like kosher) were no longer applicable to the disciples?**

Answer: While Luke 10:8 does not explicitly abolish specific dietary laws, its primary emphasis is on the principle of accepting hospitality without fuss or complaint, especially in a missionary context where the focus is on proclaiming the kingdom. For Jewish disciples, this instruction would have been particularly challenging if they entered Gentile homes, as Gentile food might not have been prepared according to kosher laws. The broader New Testament narrative, particularly in passages like [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius"), where Peter is commanded to eat unclean animals, and [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty"), where Paul discusses eating meat offered to idols, suggests a shift in emphasis from strict adherence to ceremonial dietary laws to principles of conscience, love, and not causing others to stumble. In the context of Luke 10:8, the urgency of the mission and the importance of not alienating potential hosts likely took precedence over specific dietary restrictions, underscoring that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:8, though a practical instruction to the disciples, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself and His redemptive work. Jesus, the ultimate missionary sent by the Father, perfectly embodied radical dependence, humility, and a singular focus on His mission. He often relied on the hospitality of others, demonstrating His solidarity with humanity and His trust in divine provision, as seen in His ministry where He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). More profoundly, Jesus is the one who "receives" us, the ultimate Host who invites us to His table. He is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")) and the one whose body was "given for you" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), offering Himself as the ultimate sustenance. The disciples' instruction to eat what is set before them foreshadows the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, who provides everything we need for life and godliness. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate "meal" set before us, inviting us to partake of His grace and forgiveness, freely given and fully sufficient for all who "receive" Him ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Jesus")). Thus, the practical command to the seventy points to the spiritual reality of Christ as our all-sufficient provider and the one who perfectly fulfills the mission of God, inviting all to feast on His abundant grace.

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

1 Corinthians 10:27

If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Luke 10:10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

John 13:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Luke 9:48

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.