Luke 9:4

KJV

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whatsoever {G3739}{G302} house {G3614} ye enter {G1525} into {G1519}, there {G1563} abide {G3306}, and {G2532} thence {G1564} depart {G1831}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whatever house you enter, stay there and go out from there.

Berean Standard Bible

Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.

American Standard Version

And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:4 provides a concise yet profound instruction from Jesus to His twelve apostles concerning their conduct during their inaugural missionary journey. As part of a broader set of directives emphasizing radical dependence on God and singular focus on their mission, this verse specifically commands the disciples to remain in the first hospitable house they enter within a town and to depart from that same house when it is time to move on. This instruction underscores principles of contentment, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, preventing distractions and fostering reliance on divine provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' detailed commissioning of the twelve apostles for their first significant ministry outreach. Immediately preceding it, [Luke 9:1-3](/luke/9-1-3 "Luke 9:1-3 - Jesus Empowers and Sends the Twelve") describes Jesus endowing them with "power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases," and sending them "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." He then gives specific instructions about not taking provisions—no money, no bread, no extra coats—stressing complete reliance on God's provision through the hospitality of others. Verse 4, therefore, directly follows these provisions guidelines, elaborating on the proper conduct once hospitality has been secured. It is a practical directive ensuring their focus remains on the mission rather than on seeking personal comfort or better accommodations, serving as a crucial component of their overall operational strategy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee and Judea, hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural value and a sacred duty. Travelers, especially religious teachers or those on a mission, often relied on the generosity of local inhabitants for lodging and sustenance. There were no inns or hotels in the modern sense in every village, and those that existed were often rudimentary and expensive. To accept hospitality was common, but to move from house to house within a single town could be perceived as ungrateful, seeking better accommodations, or even as a sign of dissatisfaction, potentially dishonoring the initial host. Such behavior could also create division or competition among potential hosts. Jesus' instruction to "abide" in one house was a counter-cultural command that prioritized the integrity of their message and the unity of their witness over personal comfort or social maneuvering, ensuring their mission was perceived as selfless and God-dependent.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:4 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in this chapter and Luke's Gospel. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Radical Dependence on God**, as the disciples are forbidden from carrying provisions and must rely entirely on the hospitality offered, trusting God to meet their needs through others. This directive also highlights **Singular Focus on the Mission**, ensuring that the apostles' attention remains fixed on preaching the Kingdom and healing, rather than being distracted by logistical concerns or the pursuit of comfort. Furthermore, it speaks to **Integrity and Authenticity in Ministry**, as their consistent presence in one house would demonstrate humility and contentment, preventing any perception of self-interest or fickleness. This aligns with Jesus' broader teachings on seeking first [the Kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enter (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From G1525, meaning "to enter (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the physical act of coming into a house. Jesus' instruction implies a deliberate and intentional entry, not merely passing through. The choice of the first suitable house is critical, as it sets the stage for their entire stay in that locality.
* **abide (Greek, _ménō'_):** From G3306, meaning "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy); abide, continue, dwell, remain." This word conveys a sense of permanence for the duration of their visit to that specific town or village. It's not a temporary stop but a settled dwelling. The command to "abide" emphasizes contentment, stability, and a deep trust in the provision received, discouraging any restless search for better accommodations.
* **depart (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively); come forth, go out, depart." This word signifies the act of leaving the house and, by extension, the town. The instruction to depart "thence" (from that same house) reinforces the principle of consistency and integrity. It means they should not seek out a new place to stay before leaving the town, nor should they leave from a different house, maintaining a clear and unambiguous witness throughout their mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever house ye enter into,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the subsequent instruction. It implies that the disciples are to seek out and accept hospitality. The phrase "whatsoever house" suggests that they are not to be selective or discriminatory but to accept the first suitable and willing host. This highlights their dependence on the generosity of others and their need to be content with what is offered, rather than seeking out the most comfortable or prestigious dwelling.
* **"there abide,"**: This is the primary command of the verse. Once a house has been entered and hospitality accepted, the disciples are to "abide" or remain in that specific dwelling. This instruction serves multiple purposes: it prevents them from "house-hopping" in search of better accommodations, which could be perceived as ungrateful or worldly; it fosters contentment and humility; and it ensures their focus remains on their mission rather than on personal comfort or logistical concerns. It signifies a commitment to the host and a trust in God's provision through that host.
* **"and thence depart."**: This concluding command specifies the manner of their departure. "Thence" (from that place) explicitly refers back to the house where they had been abiding. This reinforces the principle of consistency and integrity. When their work in that town is complete, they are to leave directly from the house where they were hosted, without moving to another house first. This avoids any appearance of discontent, ingratitude, or seeking further personal gain, maintaining a clear and unified witness for the Kingdom of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:4 employs several literary devices to convey its clear and forceful message. The most prominent is **Direct Instruction**, where Jesus issues a straightforward, unambiguous command (an **Imperative Mood**) to His disciples. This directness underscores the authority of Jesus and the non-negotiable nature of the directive. The verse also exhibits **Conciseness**, packing significant theological and practical implications into a very brief statement. This brevity makes the instruction memorable and easily repeatable for the disciples. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** implied: the disciples are to *enter* and *abide* in one place, contrasting with the potential temptation to *move* and *depart* from multiple places. This highlights the desired behavior by implicitly rejecting its opposite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The instruction in Luke 9:4, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight, emphasizing the radical nature of discipleship and ministry in the Kingdom of God. It teaches that the pursuit of God's mission requires a detachment from worldly comforts and a deep trust in divine provision. By commanding His disciples to remain in one house, Jesus cultivated humility, contentment, and a singular focus on the Gospel message, preventing distractions that could arise from seeking personal advantage or comfort. This directive reflects a broader biblical principle that those who serve God are to live simply, relying on His grace and the generosity of His people, rather than becoming entangled in the pursuit of material gain or social status. It underscores the integrity required of those who represent the Kingdom, ensuring their actions align with their message of self-sacrificial love and faith.

* [Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9-10 "Matthew 10:9-10 - Instructions for the Twelve") - Parallels Jesus' instructions to the disciples, emphasizing not taking money or provisions, reinforcing dependence.
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Secret of Contentment") - Paul's teaching on contentment in all circumstances, echoing the spirit of abiding in what is provided.
* [1 Timothy 6:6-8](/1_timothy/6-6-8 "1 Timothy 6:6-8 - Godliness with Contentment") - Encourages godliness with contentment, reminding believers that having food and clothing should be sufficient.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:4, though given to the twelve apostles in a specific historical context, offers timeless principles for all believers, particularly those engaged in ministry or mission. In a world that often prioritizes comfort, convenience, and the constant pursuit of "better," Jesus' command to "abide" challenges us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and simplicity. It calls us to be grateful for the provisions we receive, whether through direct divine intervention or the kindness of others, and to resist the temptation to always seek more or to be dissatisfied with what is given. This verse encourages us to maintain integrity in our witness, ensuring that our actions and lifestyle consistently reflect the values of the Kingdom we proclaim. Our focus should remain steadfastly on the mission of sharing the Gospel and serving others, minimizing personal distractions and demonstrating a radical trust in God's unfailing provision. It is a powerful reminder that true effectiveness in God's service stems not from worldly resources or comfort, but from humble dependence and unwavering dedication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "abiding" in Luke 9:4 challenge my personal pursuit of comfort or convenience in my daily life or ministry?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "house-hop" (metaphorically) in my spiritual journey or service, seeking better circumstances instead of embracing contentment?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper trust in God's provision, as exemplified in this verse, strengthen my faith and reduce anxiety about my needs?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my actions and lifestyle consistently reflect the integrity and singular focus on God's mission that this verse encourages?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus so specific about where the disciples should stay and depart from?**

Answer: Jesus' specific instructions in [Luke 9:4](/luke/9-4 "Luke 9:4 - Instructions for the Twelve") were crucial for several reasons, all aimed at maximizing the effectiveness and integrity of His disciples' mission. Firstly, it fostered **radical dependence on God**. By commanding them not to carry provisions and to stay in the first hospitable house, Jesus forced them to rely entirely on divine provision through the kindness of strangers. This built their faith and demonstrated to onlookers that their mission was not for personal gain but for God's glory. Secondly, it ensured **integrity and authenticity**. Moving from house to house could be perceived as seeking better accommodations, being ungrateful, or even causing division within the community. Staying in one place demonstrated contentment, humility, and a singular focus on their message, preventing any appearance of self-interest or fickleness. This reinforced their credibility as messengers of the Kingdom. Thirdly, it promoted **efficiency and minimized distractions**. By settling in one place, they avoided wasting time and energy on logistical concerns, allowing them to fully concentrate on preaching and healing. This directness and simplicity were vital for their pioneering evangelistic work, ensuring their witness was clear, consistent, and powerful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 9:4 gives practical instructions to the disciples, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself and His ultimate mission. Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly exemplified radical dependence on His Father, often having "nowhere to lay His head" ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Cost of Discipleship")). He did not seek earthly comforts or worldly provision but relied entirely on the Father's will and sustenance, even when facing hunger in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus Resists Temptation")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by a singular focus on the mission given to Him by the Father: to preach the Kingdom, heal the sick, and ultimately, to lay down His life as the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus "abided" in His Father's will ([John 15:10](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Abiding in Christ's Love")), demonstrating perfect contentment and integrity even unto death on the cross. His "departure" from this world was not a search for a better place, but a purposeful return to the Father after completing His redemptive work ([John 16:28](/john/16-28 "John 16:28 - Jesus' Departure and Return")). Thus, the disciples' instruction to abide and depart with integrity and dependence foreshadows and reflects the very life and mission of Christ, who perfectly embodied the principles of selfless service and unwavering devotion to God's redemptive plan.

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 10:11

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

Mark 6:10

And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Luke 10:8

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

Acts 16:15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.