Matthew 10:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Nor {G3361} scrip {G4082} for {G1519} your journey {G3598}, neither {G3366} two {G1417} coats {G5509}, neither {G3366} shoes {G5266}, nor {G3366} yet staves {G4464}: for {G1063} the workman {G2040} is {G2076} worthy {G514} of his {G846} meat {G5160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and for the trip don't take a pack, an extra shirt, shoes or a walking stick -- a worker should be given what he needs.

Berean Standard Bible

Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

American Standard Version

no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:10 contains Jesus' specific instructions to His twelve disciples as He commissions them for their inaugural missionary journey to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel." This verse encapsulates a radical call to dependence on divine provision and the hospitality of those they would serve, while simultaneously asserting the foundational principle that those who labor for the Gospel are deserving of sustenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10:10 is situated within Jesus' extensive discourse to His twelve disciples, detailing their commission (Matthew 10:1-42). Following their empowerment with authority over unclean spirits and diseases ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples")), Jesus immediately outlines the scope and method of their mission. Verses [Matthew 10:5-6](/matthew/10-5-6 "Matthew 10:5-6 - Instructions for the Disciples' Mission") specify their target audience as the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," explicitly forbidding them from going to Gentiles or Samaritans at this stage. The instructions regarding provisions in [Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9-10 "Matthew 10:9-10 - Instructions on Provisions for the Journey") directly follow the command to "freely give" what they have freely received, creating a stark contrast between their spiritual abundance and material scarcity. This particular verse sets the stage for the disciples' immediate practical reliance on God and others, preceding warnings about persecution ([Matthew 10:16-23](/matthew/10-16-23 "Matthew 10:16-23 - Warnings of Persecution")) and the call to fearless proclamation ([Matthew 10:26-33](/matthew/10-26-33 "Matthew 10:26-33 - Fear God, Not Man")), all of which underscore the radical nature of their commitment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Judea, travel was often arduous and fraught with dangers. Travelers typically carried a `pēra` (scrip or wallet) for food, a change of `chitōn` (tunic or coat), `hypodēma` (sandals or shoes), and a `rhábdos` (staff) for support, protection, or as a walking aid. These items were standard necessities for any journey, particularly for those who might be away from home for an extended period. Jesus' command to forgo these customary provisions was profoundly counter-cultural and deliberately provocative. It forced the disciples into a position of absolute vulnerability and reliance on the hospitality of strangers, a deeply ingrained cultural value in the Near East. Furthermore, it distinguished them from wandering philosophers or mendicants who might carry such items, emphasizing the unique, divine authority of their mission and their distinct identity as emissaries of the Kingdom of God, rather than ordinary beggars or self-sufficient travelers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in highlighting several key themes prevalent throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew") and the broader New Testament. Foremost among them is **Radical Dependence on God's Provision**. By stripping the disciples of their usual means of self-sufficiency, Jesus compels them to trust entirely in God to meet their needs through the generosity of others, echoing the call to seek first [the Kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"). This instruction also underscores the **Urgency and Singleness of Purpose** of their mission; unburdened by material concerns, they could devote themselves fully to proclaiming that [the kingdom of heaven is at hand](/matthew/10-7 "Matthew 10:7 - Proclaiming the Kingdom"). Finally, the concluding clause, "for the workman is worthy of his meat," introduces the crucial theme of **Legitimate Support for Ministry**. This principle asserts that those who dedicate their lives to the spiritual labor of the Gospel are entitled to sustenance from those they serve, a concept later affirmed by Jesus in [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire") and expounded upon by the Apostle Paul in his epistles, notably in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Ministers") and [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Honoring Elders and Laborers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scrip (Greek, _pḗra_ G4082):** This term refers to a wallet or leather pouch typically used by travelers or shepherds to carry provisions, especially food. Jesus' prohibition against carrying a `pēra` underscores the immediate and absolute reliance on divine provision, signifying that the disciples were not even to plan for their basic sustenance but to trust God to supply it through the hospitality of those they encountered.
* **Workman (Greek, _ergátēs_ G2040):** Derived from the word for "work" (ergon), an `ergátēs` is literally a toiler or laborer. Figuratively, as used here, it refers to a teacher or one engaged in spiritual labor. This highlights the active, diligent nature of the disciples' mission—they are not idle but are actively engaged in the work of the Kingdom, thus deserving of support.
* **Meat (Greek, _trophḗ_ G5160):** While in modern English "meat" primarily refers to animal flesh, the King James Version's use of `trophḗ` here signifies nourishment or sustenance in a broader sense. It encompasses all necessary provisions for living, including food and, by implication, wages or livelihood. This emphasizes that those dedicated to the Lord's work are entitled to their basic needs being met.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves:"** This initial prohibitive clause outlines the radical simplicity and dependence required of the disciples. The "scrip" (food bag) and "two coats" (an extra tunic for warmth or change) were standard travel provisions, as were "shoes" (sandals) and "staves" (walking sticks or for defense). By forbidding these, Jesus stripped His disciples of all conventional means of self-sufficiency. This command was not merely about poverty but about cultivating absolute trust in God's immediate provision and the hospitality of others, while also conveying the urgency of their mission—they were to travel light and without delay.
* **"for the workman is worthy of his meat."** This concluding clause provides the theological rationale for the preceding prohibitions. The Greek particle `gár` (G1063, "for") introduces the reason. The disciples, as "workmen" (laborers) in God's harvest, are engaged in a divine enterprise of immense spiritual value. Therefore, they are "worthy" (deserving) of "meat" (sustenance or livelihood). This principle establishes that those who dedicate their lives to the proclamation of the Gospel and the service of the Kingdom are entitled to be supported by the community they serve, removing any need for them to carry provisions or worry about their material needs.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme nature of the instructions—forbidding even basic travel necessities like an extra tunic or a staff. This exaggeration serves not as a literal, universal command for all time, but to powerfully underscore the radical dependence Jesus demanded of His disciples for *this specific mission*. The items themselves function as **Symbolism**: the scrip, extra coat, shoes, and staff symbolize self-reliance, worldly security, and preparedness. By commanding their abandonment, Jesus symbolically strips away human self-sufficiency, compelling absolute trust in divine provision. Furthermore, the latter part of the verse, "for the workman is worthy of his meat," functions as an **Aphorism** or **Proverbial Statement**. It is a concise, memorable truth that encapsulates a foundational principle of divine economy regarding ministerial support, providing the logical basis for the preceding, seemingly impractical, commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:10 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christian ministry and the economy of God's Kingdom. Theologically, it asserts God's unwavering faithfulness to provide for those who obediently embark on His mission, fostering a radical trust that transcends human self-reliance. It challenges believers to prioritize the spiritual over the material, recognizing that true security lies not in accumulated possessions but in divine care. The verse also lays the groundwork for the New Testament principle of supporting those who labor in the Gospel, affirming that their dedication to spiritual work merits material sustenance from the community they serve. This reciprocal relationship between minister and congregation ensures that the work of the Kingdom can proceed unhindered by worldly anxieties, freeing ministers to focus entirely on their divine calling.

* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages")
* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord Ordained Support for Gospel Preachers")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Scripture on Supporting Those Who Preach")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal application of Matthew 10:10's prohibitions against carrying provisions may have been specific to the disciples' initial, urgent mission, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of radical trust in God's provision, especially when embarking on His work. It challenges our tendency towards self-reliance and encourages us to live with a simplicity that frees us from the encumbrance of excessive material concerns, allowing us to be more agile and focused on our spiritual mission. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder of our corporate responsibility to honor and sustain those who dedicate their lives to full-time ministry, recognizing that their spiritual labor is worthy of our material support. This verse encourages us to assess our own priorities: are we truly trusting God for our needs, or are we clinging to worldly securities? Are we living in a way that prioritizes the urgent work of the Kingdom, or are we weighed down by possessions? And are we faithfully supporting those who serve us spiritually?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to trust God for provision, rather than relying on your own resources?**
* **How might embracing a greater sense of simplicity or detachment from material possessions enable you to be more focused on God's mission?**
* **In what practical ways can you contribute to supporting those who labor in full-time ministry, recognizing their "worth" as spiritual "workmen"?**
* **What "extra baggage"—whether material, emotional, or spiritual—might you need to lay aside to pursue God's calling with greater urgency and freedom?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 10:10 mean Christians should never carry money or extra clothes when traveling for ministry today?**

Answer: While Jesus' command to His disciples in Matthew 10:10 was a literal instruction for their specific, immediate mission to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to the Lost Sheep of Israel")), it is generally understood not as a perpetual, universal command for all Christians in all contexts. Instead, it highlights profound spiritual principles: radical dependence on God, the urgency of the mission, and the worthiness of the laborer. The early church, as seen in the book of Acts, adapted its practices as the Gospel spread, and Paul, for instance, sometimes worked to support himself ([Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking")) while also affirming the principle of ministerial support ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")). Therefore, the verse primarily calls believers to cultivate a heart of trust in God's provision and a willingness to live simply for the sake of the Gospel, rather than to adhere to a rigid, literal interpretation of the travel prohibitions in every situation.

**What is the significance of "the workman is worthy of his meat"?**

Answer: This phrase, also echoed in [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire"), is a foundational principle for ministerial support within the New Testament. "Meat" (Greek, _trophḗ_) refers to general sustenance or livelihood, not exclusively animal flesh. The significance is twofold: First, it underscores the value and legitimacy of the spiritual labor performed by those who proclaim the Gospel. Their work is not a hobby but a demanding, essential service to God and humanity. Second, it establishes a divine ordinance that those who benefit from this spiritual labor have a responsibility to provide for the material needs of the "workman." This ensures that ministers can devote themselves fully to their calling without being distracted by the need to earn a living through other means, thereby facilitating the unhindered spread of the Kingdom of God. This principle is further developed by Paul in [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Supporting Elders") and [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Defense of Ministerial Support").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:10, while seemingly a practical instruction for the disciples, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and mission of Jesus Himself. Jesus, the ultimate "workman" and perfect embodiment of divine dependence, lived out the very principles He commanded. He often traveled light, relying on the hospitality of others ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus Has No Place to Lay His Head")) and demonstrating absolute trust in His Father's provision, even in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone")). His entire earthly ministry was a testament to a singular focus on the Father's will, unencumbered by worldly possessions or anxieties. Moreover, Jesus is the one who truly "earned" His "meat"—not merely sustenance, but the right to rule and reign—through His perfect obedience and sacrificial work on the cross. His suffering and death were the ultimate labor, making Him worthy of all glory, honor, and praise ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")). As the Good Shepherd, He provides for His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), and as the Head of the Church, He continues to sustain His laborers, ensuring that the Gospel message, which He Himself inaugurated, continues to be proclaimed and supported until His return ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the verse points beyond the disciples' immediate needs to the One who perfectly exemplifies radical trust, singular purpose, and ultimate worthiness, and who continues to provide for His Kingdom's work.

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

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.

Luke 10:12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

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.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Galatians 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Luke 3:11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.