Matthew 10:17

KJV

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} beware {G4337} of {G575} men {G444}: for {G1063} they will deliver {G3860} you {G5209} up {G3860} to {G1519} the councils {G4892}, and {G2532} they will scourge {G3146} you {G5209} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogues {G4864};

Complete Jewish Bible

Be on guard, for there will be people who will hand you over to the local Sanhedrins and flog you in their synagogues.

Berean Standard Bible

But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.

American Standard Version

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:17 presents a sober warning from Jesus to His disciples regarding the inevitable opposition they would face in their ministry. As He commissions them, Jesus explicitly foretells that they will be betrayed and subjected to legal and physical persecution by human authorities, particularly within Jewish religious institutions. This verse underscores the cost of discipleship and prepares the apostles for the harsh realities of proclaiming the Kingdom of God in a hostile world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive "Missionary Discourse" in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Missionary Discourse"), where He commissions the twelve apostles and provides detailed instructions for their initial evangelistic journey. Following the empowerment of the disciples for healing and casting out demons ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers His Disciples")), Jesus immediately shifts to preparing them for the profound challenges and opposition they will encounter. The warnings about persecution (including [Matthew 10:16-23](/matthew/10-16-23 "Matthew 10:16-23 - Warnings of Persecution")) are interspersed with assurances of divine provision and the ultimate triumph of the gospel, culminating in the call to fear God alone ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")) and the promise of reward for faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is first-century Judea, where Jewish society operated under a complex system of religious and civil law, often intertwined. "Councils" (Greek: _synedria_) refers to various Jewish tribunals, from local courts in towns and villages to the supreme Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. These bodies had the authority to try cases, issue judgments, and impose punishments. "Synagogues" were not only places of worship but also served as community centers, schools, and local courts where disciplinary actions, including physical punishments like scourging, could be administered. For a Jew to be "delivered up" to these councils or "scourged in their synagogues" meant facing judgment and punishment from their own people and religious leaders, often for perceived heresy or blasphemy, which would have been deeply shaming and painful.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus' teaching. It highlights the **Reality of Persecution** for those who follow Christ, emphasizing that opposition is not merely external but can arise from within one's own community or religious establishment. This theme is echoed throughout the New Testament, notably in the early church's experiences in [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Early Church"). It also underscores **Divine Foresight and Preparation**, as Jesus, with full knowledge of future events, meticulously prepares His disciples, not to deter them, but to equip them for endurance. Furthermore, the verse illuminates the **Cost of Discipleship**, a recurring motif in Matthew, where following Jesus demands radical commitment and often involves suffering, as seen in the call to [take up one's cross](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beware (Greek, _proséchō'_):** This word (G4337) means "to hold the mind towards," implying a need to pay attention, be cautious about, apply oneself to, or adhere to. It conveys a sense of vigilance and discernment, urging the disciples not merely to be afraid, but to be alert and discerning regarding the potential dangers and the sources of opposition they will encounter.
* **deliver (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This term (G3860) signifies "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it carries the sinister connotation of betrayal or handing over someone to an authority for judgment or punishment. It points to the legal process of arrest and trial that the disciples would undergo, often at the hands of those who should have protected them.
* **scourge (Greek, _mastigóō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "whip," this verb (G3146) means "to flog" or "to scourge," whether literally or figuratively. It refers to a severe physical beating, a common and brutal form of judicial punishment in the ancient world, often inflicted with whips or rods. This detail emphasizes the physical suffering and humiliation the disciples would endure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But beware of men:"** The introductory "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a shift or contrast, moving from the positive aspects of their mission to the challenging realities. The command "beware" (G4337, _proséchō_) is a strong imperative, urging active vigilance and discernment regarding "men" (G444, _ánthrōpos_), referring to human beings in general, but specifically those who would oppose them. This is not a call to fear, but to be wise and discerning.
* **"for they will deliver you up to the councils,"** The conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason for the warning. The phrase "they will deliver you up" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) signifies betrayal and legal handover. "Councils" (G4892, _synédrion_) refers to various Jewish judicial bodies, from local courts to the Sanhedrin, indicating that the opposition would be formalized and legally sanctioned. The preposition "to" (G1519, _eis_) denotes the destination of this handing over.
* **"and they will scourge you in their synagogues;"** The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) connects this second form of persecution. "They will scourge you" (G3146, _mastigóō_) specifies the physical torment. The location "in their synagogues" (G1722, _en_ G846, _autós_ G4864, _synagōgḗ_) is highly significant, as synagogues were not only places of worship but also community centers and local courts where such punishments were administered. This highlights that the persecution would come from within the very religious institutions of their own people.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus explicitly predicts the future suffering of His disciples, preparing them for realities that would unfold in the Book of Acts and beyond. The stark contrast between the divine commission to preach and heal, and the human response of betrayal and violence, creates a powerful sense of **Irony**; those who should have recognized God's messengers would instead persecute them. The mention of "councils" and "synagogues" uses **Metonymy**, where these institutions stand in for the entire system of Jewish religious authority that would oppose Jesus' followers. The vivid imagery of being "scourged" serves as **Pathos**, evoking a strong emotional response and emphasizing the severe physical suffering involved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:17 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christian discipleship and mission. It reveals that suffering and persecution are not anomalies but integral aspects of following Christ in a fallen world. The warning underscores God's sovereign knowledge, as Jesus, knowing the future, lovingly prepares His servants for the trials ahead, equipping them with discernment rather than leaving them vulnerable. This divine foresight transforms potential fear into a call for vigilance and steadfastness, reminding believers that even in the face of betrayal and physical harm, their ultimate allegiance and hope rest in God.

* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples"): "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - All who desire to live godly will suffer persecution"): "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "1 Peter 4:12-13 - Suffering for Christ"): "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:17 serves as a timeless reminder that faithful adherence to Christ and His gospel often invites opposition, even from unexpected sources. For contemporary believers, this verse calls for a realistic understanding of the Christian journey, one that acknowledges the potential for adversity, misunderstanding, and even outright hostility. It compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that opposition may not always come from overt enemies, but sometimes from within systems or communities that claim religious authority or moral high ground. Rather than fostering fear, Jesus' warning is an act of grace, equipping us to stand firm, knowing that our suffering is not in vain but is part of participating in Christ's own experience. It encourages us to pray for wisdom, courage, and resilience, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and words in times of trial, just as He promised His first disciples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' warning in Matthew 10:17 challenge my preconceived notions about the ease or difficulty of Christian life?**
* **In what ways might "beware of men" apply to discerning spiritual dangers or false teachings in my current context?**
* **How can I prepare myself spiritually and emotionally to face potential opposition or misunderstanding for my faith?**
* **What comfort or strength can I draw from knowing that Jesus Himself forewarned His disciples about such trials?**

### FAQ
**Does "beware of men" mean we should be suspicious of everyone?**

Answer: No, "beware of men" (G4337, _proséchō_) in this context does not advocate for general suspicion or misanthropy. Instead, it is a call for spiritual discernment and vigilance. Jesus is warning His disciples to be acutely aware of the specific dangers posed by those who would oppose their message, particularly the religious and civil authorities of the time who would "deliver them up" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) and "scourge them" (G3146, _mastigóō_). It's a pragmatic warning to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")), not to live in fear, but to understand the reality of opposition to the gospel.

**What kind of "councils" and "synagogues" is Jesus referring to?**

Answer: Jesus is referring to the Jewish judicial and religious institutions of His day. "Councils" (G4892, _synédrion_) could denote various levels of Jewish courts, from local tribunals in towns and villages to the supreme Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. These bodies had legal authority to try cases and impose penalties. "Synagogues" (G4864, _synagōgḗ_) were not only places of worship and teaching but also served as community centers and local courts where disciplinary actions, including physical punishments like scourging, were administered. The warning highlights that persecution would come from within the very religious structures of their own people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:17, while a warning to the disciples, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the quintessential "man" (G444, _ánthrōpos_) who came to save humanity, was Himself the primary recipient of the very persecution He foretold for His followers. He was "delivered up" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) by Judas Iscariot ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas Betrays Jesus")) and subsequently handed over to the Jewish Sanhedrin ([Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Matthew 26:57-68 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")) and then to the Roman authorities ([Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")). He endured the brutal scourging ([Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus is Scourged")) before His crucifixion, a punishment often administered in public settings. Thus, Jesus' warning to His disciples is not merely a prediction, but a prophetic echo of His own impending suffering. He identifies with His persecuted followers, having Himself walked the path of betrayal, unjust trial, and physical torment. His suffering, culminating in His death and resurrection, provides both the pattern for Christian endurance and the ultimate victory over sin and death, transforming the disciples' potential suffering into a participation in His redemptive work ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")).

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

Mark 13:9

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Matthew 23:34

¶ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

Luke 12:11

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

John 16:2

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Acts 26:11

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.

Matthew 24:9

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.