King James Version

What Does Luke 10:10 Mean?

Luke 10:10 in the King James Version says “But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,”

Luke 10:10 · KJV

Context

8

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

9

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

10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

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.

12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say... This verse transitions from receptive cities (vv. 8-9) to those that reject the gospel. The negative conditional kai eis hēn an polin eiselthēte kai mē dechōntai hymas (καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν πόλιν εἰσέλθητε καὶ μὴ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, "and into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not") uses the present subjunctive with the negative particle mē (μή), indicating refusal or rejection.

The response is public departure with prophetic declaration: go your ways out into the streets (exelthontes eis tas plateias autēs, ἐξελθόντες εἰς τὰς πλατείας αὐτῆς). The term plateias (πλατείας) means broad streets or public squares—places of maximum visibility. This isn't a quiet retreat but a visible, public witness to the city's rejection. The disciples will pronounce judgment in the city's hearing (v. 11).

This pattern reflects Old Testament prophetic tradition. When people refused God's messengers, prophets pronounced judgment publicly (Jeremiah 7:2, 11:6, 19:2). Rejection of God's messengers equals rejection of God Himself (v. 16). The disciples' public departure serves as testimony—the city had opportunity and refused. This establishes accountability and warns of coming judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cities often rejected traveling teachers whose message challenged local power structures or religious traditions. Jesus' disciples would face opposition from religious authorities threatened by the gospel. Public departure in the streets ensured the entire community witnessed the rejection—the city corporately refused God's offer. This public testimony protected the disciples from false accusations and demonstrated that they fulfilled their commission. The city's accountability was established before witnesses.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus command public departure 'into the streets' rather than quiet withdrawal when a city rejects the gospel?
  2. What does the pattern of pronouncing judgment on rejecting cities teach about divine accountability and human responsibility?
  3. How should modern evangelists balance persistence in witness with Jesus' instruction to leave cities that reject the message?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἰς1 of 16

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἣν2 of 16

“whatsoever”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'3 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν4 of 16
G302

whatsoever

πόλιν5 of 16

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

εἰσέρχησθε,6 of 16

“ye enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ8 of 16

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δέχωνται9 of 16

“they receive”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς10 of 16

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐξελθόντες11 of 16

“go your ways out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰς12 of 16

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλατείας14 of 16

“the streets”

G4113

a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square

αὐτῆς15 of 16

“of the same”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἴπατε16 of 16

“and say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 18:6Acts 13:51Matthew 10:14Luke 9:5

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