Mark 6:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, In what place soever {G3699}{G1437} ye enter {G1525} into {G1519} an house {G3614}, there {G1563} abide {G3306} till {G2193}{G302} ye depart {G1831} from that place {G1564}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place;

Berean Standard Bible

And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Wheresoever ye enter into a house, there abide till ye depart thence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:10 provides a crucial practical instruction from Jesus to His twelve disciples as He commissions them for their first missionary journey. This directive emphasizes a radical dependence on divine provision and a disciplined approach to hospitality, instructing them to remain in the first welcoming home they encounter within a town until their departure from that location. This command was designed to foster humility, contentment, and an unwavering focus on their spiritual mission, preventing distractions and ensuring their credibility as messengers of the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' detailed instructions to the twelve apostles whom He "sent them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits" ([Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). Prior to this specific command about lodging, Jesus had already given strict directives regarding their provisions, instructing them to "take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts" ([Mark 6:8](/mark/6-8 "Mark 6:8 - Instructions for the Journey")). This radical lack of material provision underscored their complete reliance on God's care and the hospitality of those they ministered to. The instruction in [Mark 6:10](/mark/6-10 "Mark 6:10 - Jesus' Instruction on Lodging") directly follows these provisions, addressing the practicalities of their stay in any given town, ensuring their conduct aligned with their mission of proclaiming repentance and healing ([Mark 6:12-13](/mark/6-12-13 "Mark 6:12-13 - The Disciples' Ministry")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural norm and a moral obligation. Travelers, especially religious teachers or those on a mission, often relied on the generosity of local inhabitants for food and lodging. However, there was also a risk of exploitation or appearing to seek personal gain. Jesus' instructions directly addressed these cultural dynamics. By commanding the disciples to stay in one house, He prevented them from "shopping around" for better accommodations, which would have been perceived as disrespectful, ungrateful, or even opportunistic. This directive also protected the disciples from being seen as a burden on multiple households and ensured their message was not undermined by perceived fickleness or a lack of contentment. The practice of traveling in pairs was also common for safety and mutual support.
* **Key Themes:** The instructions in [Mark 6](/mark/6 "Mark 6 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve") contribute significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. One prominent theme is **Radical Dependence on God**, as seen in the command to take nothing but a staff, forcing the disciples to trust entirely in divine provision and the hospitality of others. Another is **The Nature of Discipleship**, which involves humility, self-denial, and a singular focus on the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom. The directive to "abide" in one house reinforces **Contentment and Integrity**, preventing the disciples from being swayed by material comforts or appearing to be mercenary. This also highlights the theme of **Urgency and Focus on the Mission**, as time spent seeking better lodging would detract from their primary task of preaching repentance and healing the sick, as outlined in [Mark 6:12-13](/mark/6-12-13 "Mark 6:12-13 - The Disciples' Ministry"). The emphasis on accepting hospitality without complaint also subtly teaches **Respect for Hosts** and the importance of maintaining a good witness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enter (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From G1519 (eis) and G2064 (erchomai), meaning "to come into" or "to go in." This word signifies the act of physically entering a dwelling. In the context of the mission, it implies the disciples' initial reception into a home, marking the beginning of their stay in a particular locality. It suggests a deliberate and purposeful entry, not merely passing through.
* **house (Greek, _oikía'_):** From G3624 (oikos), referring to a "residence" or "abode," and by implication, a "household" or "family." This term denotes not just the physical structure but also the family unit residing within it. Jesus' instruction concerns the hospitality offered by a household, emphasizing the personal relationship and provision from the family that receives them.
* **abide (Greek, _ménō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to stay," "remain," or "dwell." This word implies a settled and continuous presence, not a temporary stopover or a brief visit. It conveys the expectation that once a suitable place is found, the disciples are to settle there for the duration of their stay in that town, reinforcing the themes of contentment, commitment to their hosts, and stability in their mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus as the speaker and the twelve disciples as the direct recipients of this authoritative instruction. It underscores the divine origin and binding nature of the command.
* **"In what place soever ye enter into a house,"**: This phrase sets the condition for the subsequent command. It acknowledges that the disciples will be seeking lodging and that they will find a house that offers them hospitality. The indefinite "what place soever" (hópou eán) indicates that the instruction applies universally to any town or village they enter, highlighting the consistent principle they are to follow regardless of the specific location.
* **"there abide"**: This is the core imperative of the verse. Once a house welcomes them, the disciples are commanded to "remain" or "stay" there. This prohibits them from moving to another dwelling, whether for perceived better comfort, more generous provisions, or to spread the burden of hospitality. It emphasizes contentment with the initial provision and a focus on their mission rather than their personal convenience.
* **"till ye depart from that place."**: This clause specifies the duration of their stay. They are to remain in the initial house until they are ready to leave the entire town or village. This reinforces the idea of a settled and committed presence, avoiding any impression of being fickle, ungrateful, or constantly seeking an upgrade. It ties their lodging directly to their mission's completion in that specific locality.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:10 employs several literary devices to convey Jesus' instruction effectively. The most prominent is **Direct Discourse**, as Jesus' words are quoted verbatim, lending immediate authority and clarity to the command. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "abide" (ménō) emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, conveying a direct command rather than a suggestion. There is also an element of **Synecdoche** where "house" (oikía) stands not just for the physical dwelling but for the entire "household" or family that offers hospitality, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of their stay. Furthermore, the instruction functions as a **Paradoxical Command** in light of typical human desires for comfort and improvement, challenging the disciples to embrace humility and dependence over worldly preferences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:10 is a profound theological statement on the nature of ministry and discipleship, underscoring the principles of radical dependence on God, contentment, and unwavering focus on the mission. Jesus' instruction to "abide" in one house teaches His disciples, and by extension all believers, that true spiritual work is not about seeking personal comfort or advantage, but about humbly receiving provision and dedicating oneself fully to the task at hand. This command fostered integrity and prevented the disciples from being perceived as opportunistic, thereby preserving the purity of their message. It highlights that God's provision, however humble, is sufficient, and that His servants are called to trust Him completely rather than relying on their own efforts to secure better circumstances. This principle extends beyond missionary journeys to all aspects of the Christian life, encouraging believers to find peace and purpose in their current circumstances while faithfully serving God.

* [Matthew 10:11](/matthew/10-11 "Matthew 10:11 - Instructions for Disciples")
* [Luke 9:4](/luke/9-4 "Luke 9:4 - Instructions for the Twelve")
* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - Instructions for the Seventy-Two")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:10 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities in service and daily living. In a world that constantly encourages seeking "better" or "more," Jesus' command to "abide" in the first welcoming house speaks powerfully to the virtues of contentment, humility, and gratitude. It calls us to resist the temptation to constantly upgrade our circumstances, whether in ministry, work, or personal life, and instead to embrace the provision God has given with a spirit of thankfulness. This principle encourages us to focus our energy on our divine calling and relationships, rather than being sidetracked by the pursuit of material comforts or social climbing. It reminds us that our credibility as Christ's followers is often built on our willingness to be content and to serve faithfully where we are, demonstrating trust in God's provision and a single-minded devotion to His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "shop around" for better circumstances instead of embracing God's current provision?**
* **How does the instruction to "abide" challenge my understanding of contentment and humility in ministry or daily life?**
* **What distractions might I be allowing to pull me away from my primary mission or calling, similar to how seeking better lodging would have distracted the disciples?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus instruct His disciples to stay in one house and not move around?**

Answer: Jesus' instruction for the disciples to "abide" in the first house that welcomed them ([Mark 6:10](/mark/6-10 "Mark 6:10 - Jesus' Instruction on Lodging")) served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it fostered **radical dependence** on God's provision and the generosity of others, preventing the disciples from relying on their own resources or seeking out more luxurious accommodations. Secondly, it promoted **contentment and humility**, teaching them to be satisfied with what was offered and to avoid the appearance of being choosy or ungrateful. Thirdly, it ensured their **focus remained on the mission** of proclaiming the Kingdom and healing, rather than being distracted by the search for better lodging. Finally, it maintained their **credibility and integrity** as messengers of Christ, preventing them from being perceived as opportunists or a burden on multiple households. This command was a practical outworking of their call to self-denial and single-minded devotion.

**Does this instruction apply to believers today, especially those involved in ministry or missions?**

Answer: While the specific cultural context of first-century travel and hospitality has changed, the underlying principles of Jesus' instruction in [Mark 6:10](/mark/6-10 "Mark 6:10 - Jesus' Instruction on Lodging") remain highly relevant for believers today, particularly for those engaged in ministry or missions. The core message emphasizes **contentment, humility, and a singular focus on God's mission**. For modern missionaries, this might translate to being grateful for the housing provided by the sending organization or local church, rather than constantly seeking personal upgrades. For all believers, it encourages a spirit of **stewardship and gratitude** for the resources God provides, resisting the consumeristic urge to always seek more or better. It also reminds us that our witness is strengthened when we demonstrate trust in God's provision and avoid behaviors that might suggest we are serving for personal gain or comfort, aligning with the Apostle Paul's teaching on being content in all circumstances ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:10, though a practical instruction for the disciples' mission, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the ultimate missionary, perfectly embodied the principles He commanded His disciples to follow. He did not seek earthly comforts or a permanent dwelling, famously stating, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus' Lack of a Home")). He "abided" among humanity, condescending to dwell with us in humility, not seeking a better place but fully embracing His mission to redeem fallen humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the disciples were to accept the hospitality offered, Christ fully accepted the human condition, entering into our "house" of sin and brokenness to bring healing and salvation. His entire life was a testament to radical dependence on the Father and an unwavering focus on His divine mission, culminating in His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross. Therefore, the disciples' "abiding" in one house foreshadows Christ's own humble dwelling among us and His steadfast commitment to His redemptive work, which He completed for our sake, never deviating from the Father's will until He could "depart from that place" of earthly ministry, having accomplished all ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")).

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

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.

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.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Luke 9:4

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

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Acts 17:7

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.

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.