Matthew 10:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever {G3739} shall {G1209} not {G3362} receive {G1209} you {G5209}, nor {G3366} hear {G191} your {G5216} words {G3056}, when ye depart out {G1831} of that {G1565} house {G3614} or {G2228} city {G4172}, shake off {G1621} the dust {G2868} of your {G5216} feet {G4228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if the people of a house or town will not welcome you or listen to you, leave it and shake its dust from your feet!

Berean Standard Bible

And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 10:14, Jesus provides a stark, symbolic instruction to His twelve disciples regarding their conduct when their message of the Kingdom of Heaven is rejected. This directive, to "shake off the dust of your feet," serves as a powerful testament against those who refuse the divine invitation, marking a definitive separation and transferring the responsibility for their unbelief back to the hearers, while freeing the messengers from the burden of unresponsiveness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive commissioning discourse to His twelve apostles, found in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Twelve"). Having just granted them authority over unclean spirits and diseases ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers His Disciples")), Jesus provides detailed instructions for their mission. He outlines their sphere of activity (primarily to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" in [Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to Israel")), their message ("The kingdom of heaven is at hand" in [Matthew 10:7](/matthew/10-7 "Matthew 10:7 - Preaching the Kingdom")), and practical guidance regarding provisions and hospitality ([Matthew 10:9-13](/matthew/10-9-13 "Matthew 10:9-13 - Instructions on Provisions and Hospitality")). The instruction in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Responding to Rejection") directly follows the command to offer peace to a household, and if that peace is not received, to let it return to them ([Matthew 10:13](/matthew/10-13 "Matthew 10:13 - Peace Returns to the Disciples")). This sequence underscores the disciples' responsibility to offer the message, but also their freedom from the outcome when it is refused, leading into further warnings about persecution and the cost of discipleship later in the chapter ([Matthew 10:16-39](/matthew/10-16-39 "Matthew 10:16-39 - Warnings and the Cost of Discipleship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "shaking off the dust" was a well-known Jewish custom. Pious Jews, upon returning from Gentile territory, would literally shake the dust from their sandals and clothing before re-entering Jewish land. This practice symbolized a separation from the perceived defilement of Gentile lands and a reaffirmation of their ritual purity. By instructing His disciples to perform this gesture in a Jewish context, Jesus re-purposes its meaning. It signifies not separation from ritual impurity, but a decisive break from those who reject the divine message. It also served as a public, visible testimony, signaling to the rejecting house or city that the messengers had fulfilled their duty, and the responsibility for the rejection—and its spiritual consequences—now lay squarely with the inhabitants. In a society where hospitality was paramount, the refusal to receive messengers of God was a profound affront, carrying significant social and spiritual implications.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Disciples' Response to Rejection") contributes to several overarching themes within [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel of Matthew") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Authority and Commission** of the disciples; they are not merely itinerant preachers but agents of God, carrying a message with divine backing. Their reception or rejection is, in essence, a reception or rejection of Christ Himself, as Jesus later states in [Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - He Who Hears You Hears Me"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Responsibility of the Hearer**; hearing the truth brings a greater accountability, and refusal carries solemn consequences. Thirdly, the instruction implies the **Consequences of Rejection**, foreshadowing a future judgment for those who persistently refuse the opportunity for salvation. Finally, it provides guidance on **Disciples' Detachment**, instructing the messengers not to carry the spiritual burden or defilement of others' unbelief. Their duty is to faithfully deliver the message, not to force acceptance or be weighed down by rejection, a principle applicable throughout the [missionary endeavors of the early church](/acts/13-51 "Acts 13:51 - Paul and Barnabas Shake Off Dust in Antioch").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** From G1209, meaning "to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--accept, receive, take." In this context, it denotes a welcoming acceptance, not just physically into a house, but also of the message and the messengers themselves. It implies an open heart and mind to the truth being presented.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand." Here, "hear" signifies more than just perceiving sound; it implies listening with understanding and obedience, an active engagement with the words spoken. To "not hear" is to disregard, dismiss, or refuse to heed the message.
* **shake off (Greek, _ektinássō'_):** From G1621, meaning "to shake violently:--shake (off)." This verb conveys a strong, decisive, and vigorous action. It is not a gentle brushing, but a forceful expulsion, indicating a complete and unambiguous separation.
* **dust (Greek, _koniortós'_):** From G2868, meaning "pulverulence (as blown about):--dust." In this context, the dust represents the defilement, impurity, and spiritual deadness associated with the rejecting place. Shaking it off symbolizes the disciples' refusal to carry any of that spiritual burden or accountability for the unbelief encountered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the subsequent action. It describes a double rejection: first, of the messengers themselves ("receive you"), which implies a lack of hospitality and acceptance of their person and divine commission. Second, a rejection of their message ("nor hear your words"), indicating a refusal to listen to, understand, or heed the proclamation of the Kingdom. The conjunction "nor" emphasizes that either form of rejection, or both, warrants the prescribed response.
* **"when ye depart out of that house or city,"**: This part specifies the timing and location for the action. The disciples are to leave, not linger or persist where their message is definitively refused. The mention of "house or city" indicates that the rejection can occur at an individual household level or encompass an entire community, and the response is appropriate for either scale. Their departure is not an act of personal offense, but a recognition that their mission in that specific place has concluded.
* **"shake off the dust of your feet."**: This is the core command, a symbolic and public gesture. As detailed in the cultural context, it signifies a complete disassociation from the rejecting party. By shaking off the dust, the disciples declare that they bear no responsibility for the unbelief of that house or city. It serves as a solemn testimony against them, leaving them to their own spiritual consequences, and simultaneously cleanses the disciples from any perceived defilement or burden of the rejection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs significant **Symbolism** through the act of "shaking off the dust." The dust itself symbolizes the spiritual impurity, defilement, and the burden of unbelief associated with the rejecting place. The feet, as the instruments of travel and contact with the ground, represent the disciples' engagement with the world. The act of shaking the dust from them vividly portrays a complete and decisive disengagement, a refusal to carry any spiritual "dirt" or accountability from those who reject the gospel. This symbolic action functions as a **Prophetic Sign-Act**, a non-verbal declaration that carries profound spiritual meaning and serves as a warning. Furthermore, the phrase "house or city" uses **Metonymy**, where the dwelling or location stands in for its inhabitants, emphasizing that the rejection is by the people within that place. The entire instruction is delivered in the **Imperative Mood**, underscoring its nature as a direct command from Jesus, not merely a suggestion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:14 profoundly illustrates the dual nature of God's grace and judgment. While God extends His invitation freely through His messengers, human responsibility for responding to that invitation remains paramount. The act of shaking off the dust underscores that the gospel message, though delivered in love, carries inherent consequences for its reception or rejection. It is a testament to the solemnity of hearing God's word and the spiritual peril of refusing it. This principle highlights the impartiality of divine justice, where those who reject the light are left to the darkness of their own choosing, and the messengers are absolved of further responsibility for their fate.

* [Luke 10:10-12](/luke/10-10-12 "Luke 10:10-12 - Similar Instructions to the Seventy-Two")
* [Acts 13:51](/acts/13-51 "Acts 13:51 - Paul and Barnabas Shake Off Dust")
* [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, Matthew 10:14 offers crucial guidance for navigating evangelism and personal witness in a world often resistant to the gospel. It teaches us to prioritize faithfulness in proclamation over guaranteed results. Our call is to clearly and lovingly deliver the message of Christ, understanding that the ultimate outcome rests with the hearer and God's sovereign will. This verse liberates us from the crushing burden of others' unbelief, providing a healthy spiritual mechanism for processing rejection. We are to release the responsibility for their response, knowing we have fulfilled our part, and to move forward without bitterness or discouragement. It reminds us that while we are called to persist in sharing the good news, there are times when a definitive "no" from an individual or community requires us to prayerfully discern when to disengage and redirect our efforts, trusting God with the spiritual consequences of their choices. This allows us to maintain our spiritual purity and focus on those who are receptive to the Lord's invitation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the cultural context of "shaking off the dust" deepen your appreciation for Jesus' instruction to His disciples?**
* **In what ways might believers today "carry the dust" of others' unbelief, and how can this verse help us release that burden?**
* **What is the balance between persistent evangelism and knowing when to "shake off the dust" and move on?**
* **How does this verse remind us of the seriousness of rejecting God's message, both for the hearer and the messenger?**

### FAQ

**Does "shaking off the dust" mean we should never try to reach those people again?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While the act signifies a definitive break and a testimony against those who have definitively rejected the message, it does not preclude future opportunities for the gospel to be heard. The immediate instruction is for the disciples to move on from that particular encounter or place. However, God's grace is persistent, and individuals or communities may later become receptive. For example, the apostle Paul, after shaking off the dust in Antioch of Pisidia ([Acts 13:51](/acts/13-51 "Acts 13:51 - Paul and Barnabas Shake Off Dust")), continued his missionary journeys, and the gospel eventually spread widely. The primary lesson is to avoid lingering where there is entrenched, hostile rejection, and to trust God with the long-term spiritual trajectory of those who refuse His initial overture.

**Is this instruction still relevant for Christians in modern evangelism?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the literal act of shaking dust from one's feet might not be a common practice today, the spiritual principle behind it remains profoundly relevant. It teaches us about the responsibility of the hearer, the importance of delivering the gospel faithfully, and the need for messengers to protect their own spiritual well-being from the weight of persistent rejection. It encourages healthy detachment from outcomes that are beyond our control, allowing us to continue serving God without being consumed by discouragement or bitterness when our message is not received. It reminds us that our primary call is to be faithful witnesses, leaving the results to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:14, though given to the disciples, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the quintessential messenger of God, experienced profound rejection throughout His earthly ministry. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). He proclaimed the Kingdom of God, yet many in His own cities, like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, refused to repent despite witnessing His mighty works ([Matthew 11:20-24](/matthew/11-20-24 "Matthew 11:20-24 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")). In a sense, Jesus Himself "shook off the dust" of these cities, not by a physical gesture, but by pronouncing woes upon them, highlighting the severe judgment awaiting those who reject the very Son of God. His ultimate rejection on the cross, where He was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")), underscores the solemn truth that the message of salvation, though offered in divine love, can be tragically refused. Thus, the disciples' act of shaking off dust foreshadows the ultimate consequence of rejecting Christ, the Living Word, whose reception means life and whose rejection means condemnation ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He Who Believes Is Not Condemned")). The instruction to the disciples is a microcosm of the larger divine principle revealed in Christ: God offers His truth, and humanity is held accountable for its response.

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 10:10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

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.

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 13:51

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

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.

Luke 9:5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.