Matthew 10:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437}{G3303} the house {G3614} be {G5600} worthy {G514}, let your {G5216} peace {G1515} come {G2064} upon {G1909} it {G846}: but {G1161} if {G3362} it be {G5600} not {G3362} worthy {G514}, let your {G5216} peace {G1515} return {G1994} to {G4314} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the home deserves it, let your shalom rest on it; if not, let your shalom return to you.

Berean Standard Bible

If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; but if it is not, let your peace return to you.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:13 provides a crucial instruction from Jesus to His disciples concerning their approach to households during their missionary journey. It outlines the spiritual principle of discerning receptivity to the Gospel message: if a household is open to the message and its bearers, the blessing of peace offered by the disciples will settle upon it. Conversely, if the household is unreceptive or rejects the message, that divine peace will not take root but will return to the messengers, underscoring the spiritual consequences of acceptance or rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive instructions to His twelve apostles as He sends them out on their inaugural mission trip in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve"). Following the granting of authority over unclean spirits and diseases in [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Authority Given to the Twelve"), Jesus provides practical guidance for their conduct. Specifically, [Matthew 10:12](/matthew/10-12 "Matthew 10:12 - Saluting the House with Peace") instructs the disciples to "salute the house" upon entering, implying an offer of peace. Verse 13 then elaborates on the outcome of this greeting, contingent upon the household's "worthiness" or receptivity, and precedes the stark warning in [Matthew 10:14-15](/matthew/10-14-15 "Matthew 10:14-15 - Shaking Off Dust as a Testimony") about shaking off the dust from their feet as a testimony against those who reject them. This immediate context emphasizes the responsibility of both the messenger and the recipient.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, the greeting of "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) was far more than a mere courtesy; it was a profound blessing and a prayer for holistic well-being, prosperity, and harmony with God and others. When entering a home, it was customary for visitors to offer such a greeting. Jesus' instruction elevates this cultural practice to a spiritual principle. The concept of a "worthy" house would have resonated with the idea of a household that was pious, God-fearing, and open to divine revelation or prophetic messengers, distinguishing them from those who might be hostile or indifferent to spiritual truth. Hospitality was a highly valued virtue in the ancient Near East, and the reception of a messenger was often seen as the reception of the one who sent them, a concept Jesus powerfully reiterates in [Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Matthew 10:40 - Receiving the Messenger").
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel. It highlights the theme of **Divine Discernment and Receptivity**, emphasizing that the effectiveness of the Gospel message is tied to the hearer's openness rather than merely the messenger's delivery. The concept of "peace" (Greek: _eirēnē_) underscores the **Nature of Biblical Peace**, presenting it not as a mere absence of conflict, but as a comprehensive spiritual blessing of wholeness, well-being, and God's favor, echoing the rich meaning of Hebrew _shalom_. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Consequence for Rejection**, illustrating that divine blessings are not imposed but offered, and their rejection carries spiritual implications, leading to the blessing's "return" to the sender and leaving the unreceptive party without its benefits, a principle further elaborated in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - The Consequence of Rejection").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** This term (G514) signifies "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." In this context, a "worthy" house is one whose disposition or receptivity aligns with the message of peace and the Kingdom of God being offered. It implies a readiness to receive the messengers and their divine commission, not necessarily moral perfection, but an openness to the spiritual truth.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to join," this word (G1515) denotes "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity." It is a comprehensive term that encompasses spiritual well-being, harmony with God, wholeness, and the full range of God's blessings. It is far more than an absence of conflict; it is the presence of divine flourishing.
* **return (Greek, _epistréphō'_):** This verb (G1994) means "to revert (literally, figuratively or morally); to come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again)." Here, it vividly illustrates that the divine blessing of peace, when rejected, does not simply dissipate but is withdrawn from the unwilling recipient and returns to the one who offered it, remaining intact and available for those who are receptive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it:"** This clause sets the condition for the blessing's reception. The conjunction "And" (G2532, _kaí_) connects this instruction to the previous command to "salute the house" ([Matthew 10:12](/matthew/10-12 "Matthew 10:12 - Saluting the House")). The phrase "if the house be worthy" (G1437, _eán_ G3614, _oikía_ G5600, _ō_ G514, _áxios_) establishes the criterion: the household's suitability or receptivity to the message and the messengers. If this condition is met, the disciples are to allow their "peace" (G5216, _hymōn_ G1515, _eirḗnē_)—the comprehensive blessing of God's favor and wholeness—to "come upon it" (G2064, _érchomai_ G1909, _epí_ G846, _autós_), signifying that this divine blessing will settle and abide within that home.
* **"but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you."** This second clause presents the counter-condition and its consequence. The adversative "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces the contrasting scenario. "If it be not worthy" (G3362, _eàn mḗ_ G5600, _ō_ G514, _áxios_) indicates a lack of receptivity, a rejection of the message or the messengers. In such a case, the instruction is clear: "let your peace return to you" (G5216, _hymōn_ G1515, _eirḗnē_ G1994, _epistréphō_ G4314, _prós_ G5209, _hymâs_). This means the offered blessing of peace, which is inherently spiritual and not dependent on the recipient's merit but on God's grace, will not take root in the unreceptive household. Instead, it will be withdrawn and remain with the disciples, preserving its sacred nature and indicating that the responsibility for the lack of blessing lies with the rejecting party.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:13 employs several effective literary devices. **Conditional Statement** is central to its structure, clearly delineating two distinct outcomes based on a specific condition ("if... then..., but if not... then..."). This highlights the principle of human agency and responsibility in receiving divine truth. The concept of "peace" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely a human sentiment but a profound spiritual reality—the comprehensive blessing and well-being of God's Kingdom. The "return" of peace is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Personification**, implying that peace is an active entity that can be sent forth and, if rejected, can withdraw and return to its source, emphasizing its divine origin and the inviolability of spiritual blessings. This also serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the judgment that awaits those who reject the Gospel, as further detailed in the subsequent verses of [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:13 articulates a profound theological principle regarding the nature of divine blessing and human receptivity. It teaches that God's grace and peace, while freely offered, are not forced upon unwilling hearts. The "peace" offered by the disciples, rooted in the Hebrew concept of _shalom_, is a comprehensive spiritual blessing encompassing reconciliation with God, wholeness, and divine favor. When this peace is extended, its efficacy is contingent upon the recipient's "worthiness," which signifies an openness and readiness to receive the message of the Kingdom. If rejected, the blessing does not vanish but "returns" to the sender, underscoring that the responsibility for the lack of blessing rests squarely with the unreceptive party. This principle applies not only to the initial reception of the Gospel but also to ongoing spiritual growth, where a receptive heart is always necessary for God's truth to take root and bear fruit.

* [Luke 10:5-6](/luke/10-5-6 "Luke 10:5-6 - The Sons of Peace")
* [Proverbs 26:2](/proverbs/26-2 "Proverbs 26:2 - Unmerited Curse")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:13 offers timeless guidance for believers engaged in sharing the Gospel and extending God's peace in the world. First, it affirms our calling to be agents of peace, carrying the good news of Christ's reconciling work to all people. We are to offer this peace genuinely and generously, understanding its profound spiritual significance. Second, it encourages discernment. While our initial offer of peace should be universal, we are also called to recognize where hearts are open and where they are closed. This discernment is not about judging people's inherent worth but about recognizing their present spiritual posture towards the message. We are not to endlessly expend our spiritual energy on those who are resolutely hostile or indifferent, but rather to focus on those whom the Spirit is preparing. Finally, the verse reminds us of the serious spiritual consequences of rejecting God's offer of peace. When the Gospel is rejected, the blessing does not take root, and the responsibility for that rejection lies with the hearer. This should motivate us to pray for open hearts and to present the message with clarity and urgency, knowing the eternal implications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "peace" (shalom) impact the way I share the Gospel with others?**
* **In what ways can I better discern receptivity when sharing my faith, and how should this discernment guide my efforts?**
* **What does it mean for "peace" to "return" to me, and how does this principle encourage or challenge me in my evangelistic endeavors?**
* **How can I ensure that my own heart remains "worthy" and receptive to God's ongoing work in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "worthy" mean in this context? Is it about moral perfection?**

Answer: In Matthew 10:13, "worthy" (Greek: _áxios_) does not imply moral perfection or earning God's favor through good deeds. Instead, it refers to a household's receptivity or suitability to the message of the Kingdom of God and its messengers. A "worthy" house is one that is open, hospitable, and willing to receive the disciples and their message of peace. It signifies a spiritual readiness to hear and embrace the truth, rather than a judgment of their inherent righteousness. Jesus is instructing His disciples to identify those who are prepared by God to receive the good news, as seen in [Luke 10:6](/luke/10-6 "Luke 10:6 - Sons of Peace").

**What is the significance of "peace" returning to the disciples if the house is not worthy?**

Answer: The "return" of peace signifies that the divine blessing, which is offered freely, is not forced upon an unwilling recipient. If a household rejects the message or the messengers, the spiritual blessing of peace (Greek: _eirḗnē_, encompassing wholeness, well-being, and harmony with God) does not take root there. Instead, it is, in a sense, withdrawn and remains with the disciples. This illustrates a spiritual principle: God's blessings are for those who receive them, and rejection carries the consequence of remaining outside of that blessing. It also protects the sacred nature of the blessing, preventing it from being profaned by those who scorn it, as Jesus warns about casting pearls before swine in [Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Cast Your Pearls Before Swine").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the peace offered by His disciples. He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), and through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He has made peace between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through the Blood of His Cross")). The peace the disciples were commissioned to bring was not merely a human greeting but a foretaste of the reconciliation and wholeness that would be fully realized in Christ. When Jesus instructed His disciples to offer peace, He was sending them as extensions of His own ministry, bearing the peace He Himself would later bequeath to His followers ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Peace")). The principle of "worthiness" or receptivity directly points to the necessity of faith in Christ; only those who believe and receive Him are truly "worthy" in the sense of being reconciled to God and receiving the full blessings of His Kingdom ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ")). The "return" of peace to the disciples in the face of rejection foreshadows the ultimate judgment for those who reject Christ, the true source of peace, leaving them without the saving grace and eternal life He offers ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Thus, Matthew 10:13 is not just a practical instruction but a profound theological statement about the nature of the Gospel, the necessity of reception, and the cosmic implications of accepting or rejecting the peace that comes through Jesus Christ.

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 10:6

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

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?