Matthew 10:12

KJV

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when ye come {G1525} into {G1519} an house {G3614}, salute {G782} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you enter someone's household, say, `Shalom aleikhem!'

Berean Standard Bible

As you enter the home, greet its occupants.

American Standard Version

And as ye enter into the house, salute it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:12 provides a foundational instruction from Jesus to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first missionary journey. It directs them, upon entering any house, to offer a greeting, which in its cultural context was an act of bestowing peace and blessing. This seemingly simple command underscores the spiritual posture and intentionality required for their mission, setting the tone for their interaction and discerning the receptivity of those they encountered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10:12 is embedded within Jesus' extensive commission and instruction to His twelve disciples, beginning in [Matthew 10:5](/matthew/10-5 "Matthew 10:5 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve Disciples") and extending through [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Rewards for Discipleship"). Prior to this, Jesus has called and empowered them ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples")), giving them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease. The immediate context of this verse details practical guidance for their itinerancy: what to take (or not take), whom to approach (initially, only the lost sheep of Israel), and how to conduct themselves. The command to "salute" a house is followed by instructions on how to discern a "worthy" house and how to respond to rejection, emphasizing that the disciples' message carries divine weight and consequence, as seen in [Matthew 10:13-15](/matthew/10-13-15 "Matthew 10:13-15 - The Peace Returns or Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a moral and religious imperative. Travelers, especially those on a sacred mission, relied on the generosity of households. Greetings were far more than casual pleasantries; they were laden with spiritual significance. The common Hebrew greeting "Shalom" (peace) invoked holistic well-being, prosperity, and divine favor. When Jesus instructs His disciples to "salute" a house, He is tapping into this deep-rooted cultural practice, transforming it into a spiritual act. The "house" (οἰκία, _oikía_) often represented not just a dwelling but an entire household or family unit, including servants and extended kin. The initial greeting was crucial for establishing trust, securing lodging, and opening the door for the message of the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **offering of peace** as a central component of the gospel message. The disciples are not just bringing news, but a tangible spiritual blessing of peace, echoing the "peace on earth" proclaimed at Jesus' birth ([Luke 2:14](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - Peace on Earth")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **receptivity and discernment**. The greeting acts as a test; the response of the household indicates their openness to the message and the messengers, as further explained in [Matthew 10:13](/matthew/10-13 "Matthew 10:13 - The Peace Returns"). Finally, it emphasizes the **authority and representation** of the disciples. They are not acting on their own but as authorized agents of Jesus, and therefore, the peace they offer is a divine peace, and the reception they receive is a reception of Christ Himself ([Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Matthew 10:40 - Receiving the Disciples is Receiving Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This verb signifies "to enter" or "to go in." In this context, it denotes the physical act of arriving at and stepping into a dwelling. It implies an intentional approach, not merely passing by, indicating that the disciples are to actively seek out places of lodging and opportunity for ministry. Their coming is purposeful, driven by the commission they have received.
* **House (Greek, _oikía'_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, _oikía_ frequently extends to encompass the entire "household" or "family." This broader meaning is crucial here, as the greeting is not merely to the building but to the people residing within it—the family unit that would potentially offer hospitality and receive the message. It represents the social and relational unit where the gospel message would take root or be rejected.
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This word means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to greet," "to welcome," or "to embrace." It suggests a warm, personal, and often formal greeting. In the ancient cultural context, especially when entering a home, this greeting would typically include a blessing of peace (like "Shalom"). It's an act of extending goodwill, respect, and an offering of blessing, setting a positive and inviting tone for the interaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye come into an house":** This clause establishes the setting and the trigger for the subsequent action. It refers to the moment the disciples, as itinerant missionaries, arrive at a dwelling place seeking hospitality or an audience. The phrase "an house" (singular) implies a specific, individual household they are approaching, highlighting the personal nature of their outreach. It is a directive for every new entry, emphasizing consistency in their approach.
* **"salute it":** This is the direct command, an imperative that dictates the disciples' initial action upon entering a house. To "salute it" means to offer a formal and meaningful greeting, which, as discussed, would have carried the weight of a blessing, particularly one of peace. This act is not a mere formality but a deliberate spiritual and relational overture, intended to convey goodwill, respect, and to initiate the process of discerning receptivity for their message and ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:12, though concise, employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as "salute it" is a direct command from Jesus, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this instruction for His disciples. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "house" (οἰκία) stands in for the entire household or family residing within it, indicating that the greeting is directed at the people, not just the structure. Furthermore, the instruction carries **Symbolism**: the act of saluting with peace symbolizes the very nature of the gospel message the disciples carry—a message of peace and reconciliation. The "house" itself can symbolize the receptivity or resistance of individuals or communities to the Kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:12 is a microcosm of the gospel's approach: it begins with an offering of peace. This instruction reflects the very heart of God's redemptive plan, which is to reconcile humanity to Himself through Christ, thereby establishing true peace. The disciples are called to be conduits of this divine peace, extending it to every household they enter. This act of "saluting" is not a passive wish but an active pronouncement, an invocation of God's blessing upon the dwelling. It underscores that the Kingdom of Heaven, which they proclaim, is fundamentally a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. Their mission is to initiate relationships founded on goodwill, mirroring God's own initiative in seeking out humanity.

* [Luke 10:5](/luke/10-5 "Peace to this House")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Practicing Hospitality")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus' Gift of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:12 offers profound guidance for believers today, extending beyond literal missionary journeys to our daily interactions. It calls us to be intentional carriers of peace and goodwill in every space we enter—our homes, workplaces, communities, and even digital platforms. Our initial posture and words matter immensely; they can either open or close doors for the gospel. We are to approach others not with judgment or demands, but with a genuine desire for their well-being, reflecting the love of Christ. This means actively seeking to bless, to understand, and to offer the peace that only comes from God. It challenges us to consider how our presence impacts an environment, prompting us to be agents of reconciliation and grace, always ready to extend an invitation to the Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my initial demeanor and greeting reflect the peace of Christ when I enter new spaces or interact with new people?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally "salute" my home, workplace, or community with peace and blessing, beyond mere politeness?**
* **How does understanding the cultural context of "saluting" deepen my appreciation for Jesus' practical instructions to His disciples?**
* **What does it mean for me to be a "messenger of peace" in a world often characterized by conflict and division?**

### FAQ

**What does "salute" specifically mean in the context of Matthew 10:12?**

Answer: In Matthew 10:12, "salute" (Greek: _aspázomai_) goes beyond a casual "hello." It refers to a formal, intentional greeting that, in the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, would typically include a blessing of peace, similar to the Hebrew "Shalom." It implies an act of extending goodwill, respect, and an invocation of divine favor upon the household. This greeting was crucial for establishing trust and opening the door for the disciples' message, as it demonstrated their benevolent intentions and their role as messengers of peace. Jesus further elaborates on the significance of this greeting in [Matthew 10:13](/matthew/10-13 "Matthew 10:13 - The Peace Returns"), explaining that the peace offered would either rest upon a worthy house or return to the disciples if the house was not receptive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:12, with its command to "salute" a house with peace, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. The disciples were commissioned to bring peace, but Christ *is* our peace. He is the true "Prince of Peace" foretold by the prophet [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), who came to reconcile humanity to God and to each other. His entire ministry was an act of "saluting" the world with the ultimate blessing of peace—not merely the absence of conflict, but the holistic well-being and spiritual reconciliation achieved through His atoning work. As [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") declares, He "is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." The peace the disciples offered was a foretaste of the profound peace secured by Christ on the cross, making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through His Blood")). Thus, the disciples' mission to offer peace was a direct participation in Christ's own redemptive mission, pointing to Him as the source and embodiment of all true peace.

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 Samuel 25:6

And thus shall ye say to him that liveth [in prosperity], Peace [be] both to thee, and peace [be] to thine house, and peace [be] unto all that thou hast.

Luke 10:5

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

Luke 10:6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Acts 10:36

The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

3 John 1:14

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.