Matthew 10:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

NIV: If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

NASB: And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet.

CSB: If anyone does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.

NLT: If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.

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.

NKJV: And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

Jesus told the apostles to decide if a person or their home was worthy, as they traveled in pairs (Matthew 10:7–13). This verse clarifies how the disciples were meant to make that decision. Jesus wasn't talking about religious stature or sinlessness or being well-regarded by their neighbors. Those who were worthy of hosting Jesus' representatives were the ones who received them and listened to their words. The worthy ones would hear and, most likely, believe.

If they will not listen and will not receive the apostles, Jesus says they are not worthy of the apostles' time, attention, and continued effort. Jesus tells them here to shake the dust off their feet when leaving that unworthy house. If nobody in the town will hear them, they must shake the dust off their feet on the way out of town. This gesture is connected to Jewish culture and carries heavy symbolism.

The Jewish people would shake the dust off their feet when leaving a Gentile place. They showed in doing this that they were carrying no part of that Gentile world with them, including the dust that might cling to their sandals. They saw it as symbolic of obeying God's command to remain separate from their Gentile neighbors. Jesus claims this symbol for His disciples now, though, as a sign of God's coming judgment on those left behind in such a way.

In a modern application, this verse reminds believers not to "carry" anything from those who reject the message of Christ. Earlier, Jesus commanded His followers not to waste time or effort on those who were clearly hostile (Matthew 7:6). Here, His words serve as a reminder that believers should be willing to let go, and move on, when their message is not accepted.

Matthew 10:5–15 contains Jesus' instructions for His twelve apostles, for their missionary trip to the towns of Galilee, in northern Israel. Their mission will be to preach His message that the kingdom of heaven is near, while also healing people and casting out demons. The apostles must not take with them extra money or clothes. Instead, they will stay with those who are worthy in each town they visit. If nobody in a town believes their message, the disciples are to shake the dust of that town from their feet. Jesus will follow these instructions with a series of warnings and encouragements.

Jesus gives His authority over disease, demons, and even death to His twelve hand-picked apostles. He gives them instructions in preparation both for a short-term trip to the towns of Galilee and their ministry after He has left the earth. First, they will preach His message of the kingdom in Israelite towns as they heal and cast out demons to demonstrate His power. Later, they will suffer great persecution as they represent Him before both Jews and Gentiles. They should not be afraid, though, and trust their Father to be with them and to reward them.

Jesus has recently expressed compassion for the people of Israel, who are spiritually lost. Matthew 10 is a record of Jesus' instructions to His twelve core apostles, as He sends them on a short-term trip to the towns of Galilee. He also includes warnings and encouragements about the persecution they will eventually experience. In chapter 11, Jesus will continue to proclaim truth to the people of Israel, leading to further conflict with local religious leaders.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.