Matthew 10:23

KJV

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G3752} they persecute {G1377} you {G5209} in {G1722} this {G5026} city {G4172}, flee ye {G5343} into {G1519} another {G243}: for {G1063} verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Ye shall {G5055} not {G3364} have gone over {G5055} the cities {G4172} of Israel {G2474}, till {G2193} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} be {G302} come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you are persecuted in one town, run away to another. Yes indeed; I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Isra'el before the Son of Man comes.

Berean Standard Bible

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

American Standard Version

But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:23 provides crucial instructions to Jesus' disciples regarding their initial mission to Israel, advising them to strategically evade persecution by moving to another city. This command is immediately followed by a profound and debated eschatological statement: they will not complete their evangelization of the cities of Israel "till the Son of man be come." This verse thus blends practical wisdom for ministry in hostile environments with a prophetic declaration concerning a significant, divinely appointed turning point in redemptive history, impacting the scope and urgency of the apostolic mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10:23 is nestled within Jesus' extensive commissioning discourse to His twelve apostles, as He sends them out on their first missionary journey. Beginning in [Matthew 10:5](/matthew/10-5 "Matthew 10:5 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve"), Jesus grants them authority to perform miracles and preach the kingdom. He specifically directs them to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to Israel")). Immediately preceding verse 23, Jesus delivers stark warnings about the severe persecution they will face, not only from Jewish synagogues but also from Gentile authorities and even family members ([Matthew 10:17-22](/matthew/10-17-22 "Matthew 10:17-22 - Warnings of Persecution")). The instruction to "flee ye into another" city in [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution") serves as a practical, divinely sanctioned response to this anticipated hostility, while the subsequent prophetic statement about the "Son of man" introduces a critical temporal and theological dimension to their mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is first-century Galilee and Judea, a region under Roman occupation but with significant Jewish religious and cultural autonomy. The disciples, being Jewish, were initially sent to fellow Jews, reflecting the prevailing understanding that salvation was "from the Jews" ([John 4:22](/john/4-22 "John 4:22 - Salvation is from the Jews")). Persecution for religious reasons was common, often instigated by established Jewish authorities (Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin) who viewed Jesus and His followers as a heretical sect. Synagogues served as centers of community life, worship, and local justice, making them potential sites of both evangelism and opposition. The instruction to flee acknowledges the real dangers faced by early missionaries, who often relied on the hospitality of others and moved between towns. The phrase "cities of Israel" specifically points to the geographical and ethnic scope of this initial mission, distinct from the later, broader Gentile mission that would emerge after Jesus' resurrection and the destruction of Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **strategic wisdom in ministry**, demonstrating that faithfulness does not always equate to reckless endangerment, but sometimes involves prudent withdrawal to preserve the mission. Secondly, it highlights the **urgency and specific scope of the initial mission to Israel**, emphasizing that the evangelization of the Jewish people was a primary, time-sensitive focus before a significant eschatological event. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it introduces the enigmatic theme of the **"coming of the Son of Man,"** a phrase used by Jesus to refer to various manifestations of His sovereign activity, ranging from His resurrection and Pentecost to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and ultimately His glorious Second Coming. In the immediate context of [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Twelve"), the most compelling interpretation for "the Son of man be come" points to a historical event that would decisively alter the landscape of the disciples' mission within Israel, most likely the judgment upon Jerusalem in A.D. 70, which marked a pivotal shift from a Jewish-centric mission to a global one ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Persecute (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** This verb, G1377, means "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." It signifies an active, hostile pursuit, not merely passive opposition. In this context, it implies a relentless hounding or driving out of the disciples from a city, necessitating their strategic flight. It highlights the real and aggressive opposition the early missionaries faced.
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** G281, from Hebrew, meaning "firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)." Jesus' use of "amen" (often translated "truly" or "verily") before a statement signifies its absolute truth, certainty, and divine authority. It serves as a solemn affirmation, drawing attention to the profound significance of what follows, particularly the prophetic statement about the Son of Man's coming.
* **Have gone over (Greek, _teléō'_):** This verb, G5055, means "to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)." In this verse, "Ye shall not have gone over" (a double negative with `ou mḗ` G3364, strengthening the denial) means "you will by no means finish" or "you will not complete the evangelization of." It emphasizes the limited time frame for their mission within the cities of Israel before the prophesied event occurs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another:"** This clause provides a practical, strategic instruction for the disciples. It is not a command to abandon their mission out of fear, but a wise directive to preserve their lives and ministry effectiveness. Rather than needlessly becoming martyrs in one location, they are to relocate to continue proclaiming the Gospel elsewhere. This demonstrates a divinely sanctioned flexibility in mission strategy when faced with overwhelming opposition.
* **"for verily I say unto you,"** This phrase, introduced by "for" (G1063, _gár_, assigning a reason) and affirmed by "verily" (G281, _amḗn_), signals that what follows is a solemn, authoritative, and absolutely true declaration from Jesus, providing the underlying reason or justification for the preceding instruction. It emphasizes the prophetic weight of the subsequent statement.
* **"Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."** This is the most profound and debated part of the verse. "Ye shall not have gone over" (G5055, _teléō_, with a strong negative G3364) indicates that the disciples would not complete their evangelistic circuit of all the cities of Israel. The critical temporal marker "till" (G2193, _héōs_) points to a specific event: "the Son of man be come" (G5207 _huiós_ G444 _ánthrōpos_ G2064 _érchomai_). This "coming" is widely interpreted as referring to Jesus' coming in judgment upon Jerusalem and the Jewish nation in A.D. 70, which brought an end to the temple system, dispersed the Jewish people, and fundamentally altered the trajectory of the early church's mission, opening the door more fully to the Gentile world. It signifies a decisive, historical intervention by Christ, exercising His divine authority as the Son of Man.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:23 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells both the persecution the disciples will face and a future, decisive "coming of the Son of Man." This prophetic statement also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a major eschatological event that will dramatically impact the mission's scope and the fate of Israel. The phrase "Son of Man" itself is a powerful **Messianic Title**, frequently used by Jesus to refer to Himself, drawing on the imagery of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man in Daniel") to emphasize both His humanity and His divine authority, particularly in judgment. The instruction to "flee" implies a **Paradoxical Wisdom**, where strategic retreat is presented not as cowardice but as a means to further the mission, contrasting with a simplistic expectation of always standing firm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:23 is a deeply theological verse, intertwining themes of divine sovereignty, the nature of discipleship, and eschatology. It reveals that God's mission is not haphazard but unfolds according to a divine timetable, orchestrated by the sovereign Son of Man. The instruction to flee underscores that faithful witness sometimes requires strategic discernment rather than reckless martyrdom, prioritizing the continuation of the Gospel message. The enigmatic "coming of the Son of Man" emphasizes Christ's active involvement in history, not just at the end of time, but also in pivotal historical judgments that shape the course of redemption. This verse reminds believers that their efforts are part of a larger, divinely controlled narrative, providing both urgency and assurance in their witness.

* [Matthew 24:27-31](/matthew/24-27-31 "Matthew 24:27-31 - The Coming of the Son of Man")
* [Acts 14:5-7](/acts/14-5-7 "Acts 14:5-7 - Paul and Barnabas Flee Persecution")
* [Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - The Desolation of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:23 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Gospel. It challenges us to cultivate a discerning spirit, recognizing that while boldness in faith is crucial, there are times when strategic withdrawal or relocation is the wisest course of action to preserve our ability to serve God and continue the mission. This is not an endorsement of cowardice, but a call to prioritize the spread of the Gospel over personal comfort or even martyrdom when an alternative path allows for continued witness. Furthermore, the verse reminds us that our ministry operates within God's sovereign timeline. We are called to be faithful in our sphere, trusting that the "coming of the Son of Man"—whether in historical judgment, empowering presence, or ultimate return—will fulfill God's purposes. This instills both urgency in our evangelism and profound peace, knowing that the ultimate success of the mission rests in Christ's hands, not solely on our efforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern when to stand firm in the face of opposition and when to strategically withdraw or relocate for the sake of the Gospel?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize my own comfort or safety over the continuation of God's mission, and how can I overcome this?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereign timing for the "coming of the Son of Man" impact my sense of urgency and peace in ministry?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Son of man be come" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: While "Son of Man" often refers to Jesus' ultimate Second Coming in glory, in the immediate context of [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution"), the most widely accepted scholarly interpretation is that it refers to Jesus' coming in judgment upon Jerusalem and the Jewish nation, culminating in the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70. This event would drastically alter the landscape of the disciples' mission in Israel, effectively bringing to a close the initial, exclusive focus on the "cities of Israel" and ushering in the broader mission to the Gentiles. It represents a historical manifestation of Christ's kingly authority and judgment, rather than His final eschatological return.

**Does this verse encourage cowardice or abandoning the faith when facing persecution?**

Answer: Absolutely not. This verse is not an instruction for cowardice but for strategic wisdom and perseverance in mission. Jesus had just warned His disciples of severe persecution, even death ([Matthew 10:21](/matthew/10-21 "Matthew 10:21 - Family Division and Persecution")). The command to "flee ye into another" city is a pragmatic directive to avoid needless self-sacrifice and to preserve their lives and ability to continue proclaiming the Gospel. It's about maximizing their effectiveness for the kingdom, ensuring the message continues to spread, rather than being silenced by localized opposition. Many early apostles and missionaries, including Paul, strategically withdrew from hostile areas to continue their work elsewhere ([Acts 14:6-7](/acts/14-6-7 "Acts 14:6-7 - Paul and Barnabas Flee to Lystra and Derbe")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:23 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the person of Jesus as the "Son of Man" but also in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The very title "Son of Man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His divine authority as the figure prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"). His "coming" in this verse, understood as the judgment upon Jerusalem in A.D. 70, signifies Christ's active, sovereign rule over history, demonstrating His power to bring about pivotal shifts in redemptive history. This historical "coming" was a necessary step in the expansion of His kingdom, as it dismantled the old covenant order and paved the way for the Gospel to fully break out beyond Israel to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission given by the resurrected Christ ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the verse points to Christ as the one who orchestrates history, empowers His disciples to strategically advance His kingdom, and ultimately ensures the triumph of His Gospel through both His present reign and His future glorious return ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")).

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

Matthew 16:28

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Acts 8:1

¶ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

John 11:53

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

John 11:54

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

Acts 17:10

¶ And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Luke 4:29

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

Luke 4:31

¶ And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.