Matthew 10:28

KJV

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} fear {G5399}{G575} not {G3361} them which {G3588} kill {G615} the body {G4983}, but {G1161} are {G1410} not {G3361} able {G1410} to kill {G615} the soul {G5590}: but {G1161} rather {G3123} fear {G5399} him which {G3588} is able {G1410} to destroy {G622} both {G2532} soul {G5590} and {G2532} body {G4983} in {G1722} hell {G1067}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are powerless to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gei-Hinnom.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

American Standard Version

And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:28 presents a stark and profound contrast between the limited power of human adversaries and the ultimate, eternal authority of God. In this pivotal instruction to His disciples, Jesus urges them not to fear those who can inflict only physical harm, but rather to cultivate a reverent awe for God, who alone possesses the power to determine the eternal destiny of both body and soul in the afterlife. This declaration serves as a foundational call to prioritize an eternal perspective and to place ultimate trust and allegiance in the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive commissioning discourse to His twelve apostles in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Twelve"). As Jesus sends them out to proclaim the kingdom, heal, and cast out demons, He simultaneously prepares them for the inevitable opposition, persecution, and suffering they will face. The preceding verses (e.g., [Matthew 10:16-25](/matthew/10-16-25 "Matthew 10:16-25 - Warnings of Persecution")) detail the various forms of hostility, including betrayal by family, arrests, and even death, that they will encounter for His name's sake. Amidst these dire warnings, Jesus intersperses profound encouragement, assuring them of divine protection and the ultimate triumph of truth. Matthew 10:28 stands as a powerful antidote to the natural human fear of persecution, redirecting the disciples' ultimate allegiance and reverence from temporal authorities to the eternal God. It is a call to courage and unwavering faith in the face of earthly threats, setting the stage for subsequent assurances of God's meticulous care, even over sparrows ([Matthew 10:29-31](/matthew/10-29-31 "Matthew 10:29-31 - God's Care for His Disciples")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples were being sent into a world where opposition to their message was not merely theoretical but a tangible threat. In first-century Judea, religious and political authorities (both Jewish and Roman) held significant power, including the power of arrest, imprisonment, and execution. The concept of martyrdom for one's faith was not new, but Jesus' words gave it a distinct theological framework. The reference to "hell" (Greek: _Gehenna_) carries significant cultural weight. _Gehenna_ was the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew _Ge Hinnom_ (Valley of Hinnom), a literal valley outside Jerusalem. Historically, it was a place where child sacrifices were offered to Molech ([2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth")), later becoming a refuse dump where fires burned continually to consume waste and carcasses. By Jesus' time, it had become a vivid metaphor for a place of fiery judgment and eternal destruction, deeply ingrained in Jewish apocalyptic thought. This imagery would have immediately conveyed to His Jewish listeners a profound sense of ultimate, irreversible divine judgment, far surpassing any earthly suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Sovereignty and Ultimate Authority of God** over all life and destiny, contrasting it sharply with **The Limited Power of Human Oppressors**. While humans can inflict physical death, their power ends there; they cannot touch the eternal soul. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **The Proper Object of Fear**. Jesus commands His followers not to fear those who can only cause temporal harm, but rather to cultivate a reverent, awe-filled fear of God. This is not a cowering dread but a profound respect for His holiness, justice, and ultimate authority over life and eternity, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Thirdly, the verse compels believers to adopt an **Eternal Perspective**, valuing their spiritual well-being and relationship with God far above temporal safety or comfort. The temporary suffering of the body is insignificant compared to the eternal consequences for the soul, a truth that empowers disciples to endure persecution and remain faithful, knowing their ultimate reward is with God ([Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessings for the Persecuted")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Greek, _phobéō_):** From G5399, meaning "to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere." In the first instance ("fear not them"), it denotes a cowering dread or terror that paralyzes action and compromises faith. In the second instance ("rather fear him"), it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's power and holiness, which motivates obedience and trust rather than paralysis. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nature of biblical fear.
* **soul (Greek, _psychḗ_):** From G5590, meaning "breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from πνεῦμα [pneuma], which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from ζωή [zoē], which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew נֶפֶשׁ [nephesh], רוּחַ [ruach] and חַי [chai])." In this context, _psychē_ refers to the immortal, non-physical essence of a human being, the animating life principle that transcends physical death and continues to exist eternally.
* **hell (Greek, _géenna_):** From G1067, "of Hebrew origin (גַּיְא and הִנֹּם); valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment." Jesus uses this term to denote the ultimate, final place of divine judgment and eternal punishment, characterized by destruction and separation from God. It signifies an irreversible state of conscious suffering and ruin of well-being, not annihilation of existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And fear not them which kill the body,"**: Jesus begins with a command to release the grip of fear from human adversaries. The phrase "kill the body" (G615 _apokteínō_ and G4983 _sōma_) refers to physical death, the most extreme form of harm humans can inflict. This part of the command acknowledges the real and present danger the disciples faced, yet immediately mitigates its ultimate significance.
* **"but are not able to kill the soul:"**: This clause introduces the crucial limitation of human power. The conjunction "but" (G1161 _dé_) emphasizes the contrast. While humans can end physical life, they have no dominion over the "soul" (G5590 _psychḗ_), the eternal, non-physical essence of a person. This provides immense comfort and courage, as it asserts that the most profound part of a person—their eternal self—remains beyond the reach of human malice.
* **"but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."**: This is the counter-command, directing fear to its proper object: God. The adverb "rather" (G3123 _mâllon_) intensifies the contrast. God alone possesses the absolute power (G1410 _dýnamai_) to "destroy" (G622 _apóllymi_) both the "soul" and the "body" in "hell" (G1067 _géenna_). "Destroy" here does not imply annihilation but rather a state of utter ruin, loss, and eternal condemnation—a complete and irreversible separation from God's presence and blessing, leading to conscious suffering. This profound warning underscores the gravity of sin and the ultimate consequences of rejecting God's authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's structure and meaning. Jesus sets up a direct opposition between "them which kill the body" and "him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell," highlighting the vast disparity between human and divine power. This contrast is further emphasized by the repeated use of "but" (G1161 _dé_ and G1161 _dé_) and "rather" (G3123 _mâllon_), which serve to pivot the listener's focus from the temporal to the eternal, and from human threats to divine authority. The phrase "kill the body" versus "kill the soul" employs **Parallelism** with a striking **Antithesis**, underscoring the qualitative difference in the targets of destruction. Furthermore, the term "hell" (_Gehenna_) functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. Drawing on the historical Valley of Hinnom, it evokes vivid imagery of fire, decay, and utter destruction, symbolizing the ultimate and irreversible judgment of God. This metaphorical use transforms a physical location into a spiritual reality, communicating the severity of eternal consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:28 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of true fear, the sovereignty of God, and the eternal destiny of humanity. It unequivocally asserts God's ultimate authority over life and death, both physical and spiritual, challenging believers to align their priorities with an eternal perspective. The "fear of the Lord" it advocates is not a cowering terror but a profound reverence that acknowledges His absolute power, holiness, and justice. This reverential fear liberates believers from the fear of human persecution and empowers them to live courageously for Christ, knowing that the worst humans can do is temporary, while God's judgment and salvation are eternal. It underscores the preciousness of the soul and the terrifying reality of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him.

* [Luke 12:5](/luke/12-5 "Luke 12:5 - Whom to Fear")
* [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment")
* [Hebrews 10:31](/hebrews/10-31 "Hebrews 10:31 - A Terrifying Thing to Fall into God's Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:28 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to re-evaluate the true objects of our fear and allegiance. In a world where societal pressure, cancel culture, and even physical threats can arise for those who stand firm in their faith, this verse calls us to an unshakeable courage rooted in an eternal perspective. It compels us to prioritize God's will and eternal consequences over human opinion or temporal safety. Living out this truth means being willing to speak truth, uphold righteousness, and follow Christ's commands, even when it is unpopular or costly. It reminds us that our ultimate security and destiny rest in God's hands alone, not in the fleeting power of any earthly authority. This understanding should cultivate a deep, reverent awe for God, motivating us to live lives of obedience, repentance, and faithful discipleship, knowing that He alone holds the keys to both life and eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly fears or pressures currently influence your decisions more than your reverence for God?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate power over both soul and body change your perspective on suffering or persecution for your faith?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper, reverent fear of God in your daily life?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the value of your soul and the seriousness of eternal judgment?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "killing the body" and "destroying both soul and body in hell"?**

Answer: "Killing the body" refers to physical death, the cessation of biological life. This is the extent of human power; humans can end a person's earthly existence. "Destroying both soul and body in hell," however, refers to God's unique and ultimate authority over eternal destiny. The "soul" (Greek: _psychē_) is the immortal, non-physical essence of a person. To "destroy" (Greek: _apóllymi_) in this context does not mean annihilation or ceasing to exist, but rather a state of utter ruin, loss, and eternal condemnation. It signifies an irreversible state of conscious separation from God's presence and blessing, a spiritual death that extends beyond physical death and encompasses the whole person (both the re-embodied soul and body in the resurrection, as implied by the phrase "both soul and body"). This ultimate judgment takes place in "hell" (Greek: _géenna_), a metaphor for the place of eternal punishment.

**Does "fear God" mean to be terrified of Him?**

Answer: While the word "fear" (Greek: _phobéō_) can imply terror, in the context of "fearing God," it primarily means to hold Him in reverent awe, profound respect, and worshipful submission. It's an acknowledgment of His absolute holiness, power, justice, and sovereignty. This kind of fear leads to obedience, trust, and a desire to please Him, rather than cowering dread. It's a healthy, appropriate response to the Creator of the universe who holds ultimate authority over life and death. This reverential fear is often described as the "beginning of wisdom" in the Old Testament ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")).

**Is "hell" in Matthew 10:28 a literal place of fire, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The term "hell" in this verse is _géenna_ (Gehenna), which originated from the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem. This valley became a refuse dump and a place associated with impurity and judgment. Jesus frequently used _géenna_ as a powerful metaphor and symbol for the ultimate place of divine judgment and eternal punishment. While the imagery of fire and destruction is symbolic of the severity and nature of this judgment—representing torment, separation, and utter ruin—the reality of what it signifies is profoundly literal: a conscious, eternal state of separation from God for those who reject Him. It is not merely a metaphor for a bad life, but a real, eternal consequence for sin, as seen in other passages like [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire Prepared for the Devil and His Angels").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:28, while a stark warning, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very "Him" whom we are to fear—the One with ultimate authority over soul and body in hell—is revealed to us through Christ. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodies the divine authority and judgment mentioned here. Yet, He is also the one who, through His life, death, and resurrection, provides the only escape from the very destruction He warns about. He Himself faced the ultimate "killing of the body" on the cross, demonstrating that even death had no power over His divine soul, for He rose again, conquering death and the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). By His atoning sacrifice, Jesus disarmed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Therefore, for those who are "in Christ Jesus," there is "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")), because He bore the judgment for sin. Our fear of God is transformed from a dread of punishment into a reverent love and worship, knowing that through faith in Jesus, we have passed from death to eternal life, escaping the destruction of both soul and body in hell ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Eternal Life Through Faith")). Thus, Matthew 10:28 ultimately points us to Christ as our deliverer from ultimate judgment and the source of our eternal security.

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 12:4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Isaiah 8:12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

Isaiah 8:13

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

James 4:12

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Romans 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?