King James Version

What Does Luke 10:4 Mean?

Luke 10:4 in the King James Version says “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.”

Luke 10:4 · KJV

Context

2

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. This radical instruction mandates complete dependence on God's provision. The Greek ballantian (βαλλάντιον, "purse") refers to a money bag; pēran (πήραν, "scrip") means a traveler's bag for provisions; hypodēmata (ὑποδήματα, "shoes") are sandals. Jesus commands them to travel without financial resources, food supplies, or even extra footwear.

The prohibition against greeting people on the way (kata tēn hodon, κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν) doesn't mandate rudeness but urgency. Ancient Middle Eastern greetings involved elaborate courtesies and lengthy conversations (2 Kings 4:29). Jesus demands single-minded focus on the mission—no delays, no distractions. This echoes Elisha's instruction to Gehazi: "if thou meet any man, salute him not" (2 Kings 4:29).

This temporary provision test (later modified in Luke 22:35-36) taught disciples that God supplies workers' needs through receptive hearers. The laborer is worthy of hire (v. 7; 1 Timothy 5:18). They learned dependence, urgency, and trust.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient travelers typically carried provisions for multi-day journeys. Jesus' instructions made the seventy conspicuously dependent and vulnerable. This radical trust demonstrated faith and forced reliance on hospitality—a sacred duty in Middle Eastern culture. Those who received traveling teachers were expected to provide food and lodging. This pattern continued in early Christianity: traveling prophets and teachers depended on local believers' support (3 John 5-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' command to travel without provisions teach about faith, dependence, and God's provision for those in ministry?
  2. How does the prohibition against greeting people 'by the way' challenge modern ministry's tendency toward networking and relationship-building at the expense of mission urgency?
  3. Why did Jesus later modify these instructions (Luke 22:35-36), and what does this teach about context-specific obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
μὴ1 of 13

“neither”

G3361

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

βαστάζετε2 of 13

“Carry”

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

βαλάντιον,3 of 13

“purse”

G905

a pouch (for money)

μὴ4 of 13

“neither”

G3361

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

πήραν5 of 13

“scrip”

G4082

a wallet or leather pouch for food

μηδὲ6 of 13

“nor”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ὑποδήματα7 of 13

“shoes”

G5266

something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

καὶ8 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

μηδένα9 of 13

“no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

κατὰ10 of 13

“by”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν11 of 13
G3588

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

ὁδὸν12 of 13

“the way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἀσπάσησθε13 of 13

“salute”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

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 10:4 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 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:29Luke 22:35Luke 10:4-121 Samuel 21:8Mark 6:8-112 Kings 4:24

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