Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

And {G2532} whosoever {G3745}{G302} shall {G1209} not {G3361} receive {G1209} you {G5209}, nor {G3366} hear {G191} you {G5216}, when ye depart {G1607} thence {G1564}, shake off {G1621} the dust {G5522} under {G5270} your {G5216} feet {G4228} for {G1519} a testimony {G3142} against them {G846}. Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, It shall be {G2071} more tolerable {G414} for Sodom {G4670} and {G2228} Gomorrha {G1116} in {G1722} the day {G2250} of judgment {G2920}, than {G2228} for that {G1565} city {G4172}.

and if the people of some place will not welcome you, and they refuse to hear you, then, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them."

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.”

And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.

Context

Mark 6:11 is part of Jesus' instructions to His twelve disciples as He sends them out to preach the Kingdom of God, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Mark 6:7). These instructions cover their conduct, what to take, and crucially, how to respond to those who reject their message. This verse provides a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting the divine commission and the truth it carries.

Key Themes

  • Rejection and Accountability: The act of "shaking off the dust under your feet" was a Jewish custom signifying a complete disassociation from a place or people, often implying rejection of their impurity or judgment upon them. For the disciples, it symbolized their responsibility being absolved once the message was delivered, leaving the city accountable before God. It served as a public "testimony against them" that the opportunity to hear and receive the Gospel had been offered and refused.
  • The Gravity of Rejecting the Gospel: Jesus' comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah is incredibly severe. These cities were utterly destroyed by God for their profound wickedness (Genesis 19:24). By stating it would be "more tolerable" for them on the "day of judgment," Jesus emphasizes that rejecting His messengers – and by extension, His divine authority and message – is a sin of even greater consequence than the blatant immorality of Sodom and Gomorrah. This highlights the immense privilege and responsibility associated with hearing the good news of the Kingdom.
  • Divine Judgment: The verse points forward to the "day of judgment," a future time when all humanity will give an account before God. The severity of the judgment for those who reject the clear presentation of truth is underscored, indicating that knowledge brings greater accountability. Matthew 10:15 provides a parallel instruction from Jesus regarding this sobering warning.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shake off the dust" (Greek: ektinasso ton koniorto) vividly conveys a forceful and deliberate act of separation. It was not merely a casual dusting but a symbolic gesture intended to communicate a profound break and the transfer of responsibility for the outcome. The word "tolerable" (Greek: anekto) implies a lesser degree of punishment or suffering, underscoring the extreme severity awaiting those who disregard God's outreach through His servants.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfully sharing the Gospel message, even when faced with opposition or indifference. While we are called to persist in love and patience, there comes a point when, having faithfully delivered the message, we must entrust the outcome to God. It also calls for a profound respect for the Word of God and the messengers He sends, recognizing the eternal consequences of our response. The urgency of receiving and responding to God's truth is paramount, as the consequences of rejection are severe in the ultimate "day of judgment" (Revelation 20:12).

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.

  • Matthew 10:14

    And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

  • Matthew 10:15

    Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

  • Nehemiah 5:13

    Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

  • Acts 18:6

    And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • 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,

  • Luke 10:15

    And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

  • Acts 13:50

    But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

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