Matthew 10:7

KJV

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as ye go {G4198}, preach {G2784}, saying {G3004},{G3754} The kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is at hand {G1448}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As you go, proclaim, `The Kingdom of Heaven is near,'

Berean Standard Bible

As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’

American Standard Version

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:7 encapsulates the core message and urgent mission Jesus entrusted to His twelve disciples as He dispatched them on His inaugural evangelistic journey. This pivotal verse instructs them to proclaim the imminent arrival of God's sovereign rule, signaling a profound shift in salvation history and inviting humanity into a new reality defined by divine authority and presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10:7 is situated within Jesus' extensive instructions to His twelve apostles, whom He has just empowered with authority over unclean spirits and the ability to heal every disease and sickness ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers His Disciples")). Following the list of the twelve apostles ([Matthew 10:2-4](/matthew/10-2-4 "Matthew 10:2-4 - The Twelve Apostles")), Jesus provides specific directives for their mission. These instructions include their geographical scope, initially limited to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 10:5-6](/matthew/10-5-6 "Matthew 10:5-6 - Mission to Israel")), and the precise message they are to deliver, as articulated in this verse. The broader chapter details their conduct, reliance on divine provision, and warnings about persecution, all undergirding the urgency and significance of their proclamation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, the concept of a "kingdom" was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatological hopes, often associated with the restoration of Israel's political sovereignty and the coming of the Messiah. Many expected a literal, earthly kingdom that would overthrow Roman oppression. Jesus' proclamation of the "kingdom of heaven" both affirmed these hopes and radically redefined them. The disciples, being Jewish, would have understood "heaven" as a reverential circumlocution for God, thus "kingdom of heaven" was synonymous with "kingdom of God." Their mission to "go" and "preach" mirrored the role of ancient heralds who would announce the arrival of a king or a significant decree, underscoring the authoritative and public nature of their message. The urgency implied by "at hand" would have resonated with a people longing for divine intervention and the fulfillment of prophetic promises.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven**, which is the central theme of Jesus' own ministry, as seen in [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry") where He begins preaching the same message. This theme emphasizes God's active, redemptive reign breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. Another key theme is **Urgency and Imminence**, conveyed by the phrase "is at hand," signifying that the Kingdom is not merely a future hope but has drawn near and is presently available through Jesus' person and work. This immediacy calls for an immediate response. Finally, the verse highlights the **Mandate for Discipleship and Evangelism**, establishing that sharing the good news of the Kingdom is a fundamental aspect of following Jesus, a mandate that would later be expanded to all nations in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preach (Greek, _kērýssō_):** From G2784, this verb means "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." It signifies a public, authoritative, and official declaration, much like a royal decree announced by a herald. It implies not merely sharing an opinion or teaching, but proclaiming a truth with divine backing and urgency.
* **Kingdom (Greek, _basileía_):** From G932, this noun properly means "royalty," and by extension, "rule" (abstractly) or "a realm" (concretely). In the context of "kingdom of heaven," it refers to God's sovereign reign, His kingly authority, and the sphere in which His rule is exercised. It encompasses both the present spiritual reality of God's reign and its future consummation.
* **At hand (Greek, _engízō_):** From G1448, this verb means "to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach." In the perfect tense, as used here, it signifies that something has drawn near and is therefore present or imminent. It conveys a sense of immediate proximity and active arrival, indicating that the Kingdom of heaven is not just approaching, but has already entered the present reality through Jesus' person and ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as ye go,"**: This introductory phrase, using the Greek verb `poreúomai` (G4198), establishes the active nature of their mission. It implies movement, travel, and purposeful dispatch. The disciples are not to wait for people to come to them, but are commanded to actively embark on a journey, taking the message to the people. This highlights the proactive and itinerant nature of evangelism.
* **"preach,"**: This is the central command of the verse, using the Greek `kērýssō` (G2784). It instructs the disciples to publicly and authoritatively proclaim their message. This is not a quiet suggestion or private conversation, but a bold, open declaration, akin to a herald announcing a royal decree. It underscores the divine authority behind their message and the urgency of its delivery.
* **"saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."**: This clause specifies the precise content of their proclamation. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" (Greek: `basileía tōn ouranōn`, G932 and G3772) refers to God's active, sovereign rule. Matthew's use of "heaven" (G3772) instead of "God" is a common Jewish circumlocution out of reverence. The verb "is at hand" (Greek: `engízō`, G1448) signifies that this divine rule has drawn near and is actively breaking into human history through Jesus' presence, teachings, miracles, and redemptive work. It conveys both an immediate reality and an ongoing, dynamic process, demanding an immediate response of repentance and faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Imperative Mood** is evident in the commands "go" and "preach," highlighting the authoritative nature of Jesus' instructions and the non-negotiable aspect of the disciples' mission. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "heaven" stands for God Himself, conveying reverence and emphasizing the divine origin and nature of this reign. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a **Summary Statement** or **Thematic Declaration**, encapsulating the core message not only of the disciples' initial mission but also of Jesus' own ministry and the overarching narrative of the Gospels. The repetition of this phrase ("the kingdom of heaven is at hand") throughout Matthew's Gospel (e.g., [Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Message"), [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins to Preach")) creates a powerful **Leitmotif**, reinforcing the central importance and urgency of the Kingdom's arrival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:7 stands as a foundational statement regarding the nature of God's redemptive work in the world. The proclamation that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" signifies the inauguration of God's reign in a new and decisive way through Jesus Christ. It is a declaration that God is not distant or passive, but actively intervening in human history to establish His righteous rule. This concept moves beyond a mere future hope, emphasizing a present reality where God's authority is accessible and His transformative power is at work. The disciples' mission, therefore, was to announce this radical shift, inviting people to align their lives with God's new order. This message of the Kingdom's imminence is a call to repentance and faith, urging individuals to enter into a relationship with the King and live according to His values.

* [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")
* [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")
* [Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul Preaching the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:7 provides a timeless blueprint for Christian mission and discipleship. While the specific context of the twelve disciples' initial mission to Israel was unique, the core message and the mandate to proclaim it remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to be heralds of the "kingdom of heaven," understanding that God's reign is not merely a future hope but a present reality that has broken into our world through Christ. This means our lives should not only proclaim the good news of salvation but also visibly demonstrate the values of God's Kingdom: justice, mercy, righteousness, and peace. The urgency implied by "at hand" should ignite a passion within us to share this transformative message with intentionality and boldness, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity for God's redemptive purposes to unfold. Our daily walk, our interactions, and our words should all point to the active reign of God, inviting others to experience His sovereignty and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" impact your sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel?**
* **In what practical ways can you "preach" the Kingdom of heaven in your daily life, beyond verbal proclamation?**
* **What aspects of God's "kingdom" do you most long to see manifested in your community and the world today?**

### FAQ

**What is the "kingdom of heaven" and how does it differ from the "kingdom of God"?**

Answer: In Matthew's Gospel, "the kingdom of heaven" is synonymous with "the kingdom of God" found in other Gospels (e.g., [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom"), [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")). Matthew, writing primarily to a Jewish audience, likely used "heaven" out of reverence for God's name, avoiding direct mention of the divine name. Both phrases refer to God's sovereign reign and active rule, both in the present spiritual reality (where God's authority is acknowledged and His will is done by believers) and in its future, full consummation at Christ's return. It is not primarily a physical territory but the dynamic exercise of God's kingly authority.

**What does "is at hand" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "is at hand" (Greek: `engízō`) means that the Kingdom of heaven has drawn near, is imminent, and has already begun to break into human history. It signifies that through the person, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's kingly rule has become actively present and accessible. It's not just a future hope but a present reality that can be entered into through faith and repentance. This highlights the urgency of Jesus' message and the disciples' mission, as the long-awaited reign of God was no longer distant but had arrived in a decisive, though not yet fully consummated, way.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:7, with its urgent proclamation of "the kingdom of heaven is at hand," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the messenger of the Kingdom; He is the King Himself, the embodiment and inaugurator of God's reign. The Kingdom is "at hand" precisely because Jesus, God incarnate, has drawn near to humanity. His life, teachings, miracles, and especially His death and resurrection, are the very means by which God's sovereign rule breaks into the world, conquering sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The authority given to the disciples to preach and heal ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers His Disciples")) flows directly from Christ's own authority, foreshadowing the greater power given to the church through the Holy Spirit to continue this Kingdom mission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The message of the Kingdom, first proclaimed by John the Baptist ([Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Message")) and then by Jesus ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins to Preach")), culminates in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, ushering in a spiritual Kingdom accessible to all who believe. The ultimate consummation of this Kingdom will be seen when Christ returns to establish His eternal reign in its fullness ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Acts 28:31

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Luke 9:60

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Luke 10:9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

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.

Luke 16:16

The law and the prophets [were] until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.