King James Version

What Does Luke 10:5 Mean?

Luke 10:5 in the King James Version says “And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 10:5 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. The Greek imperative legete (λέγετε, "say") makes this blessing mandatory, not optional. The phrase Eirēnē tō oikō toutō (Εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ, "Peace to this house") employs eirēnē (εἰρήνη), the Greek equivalent of Hebrew shalom (שָׁלוֹם)—comprehensive wellbeing, wholeness, and right relationship with God.

This wasn't mere politeness but prophetic pronouncement. The disciples offered God's peace, which would either rest upon the house (v. 6) or return to the disciples if rejected. Jesus' messengers carried His authority to bestow blessing or warning. The word prōton (πρῶτον, "first") emphasizes priority—before requesting hospitality or proclaiming the kingdom, pronounce peace. This models the gospel's nature: grace precedes demand, blessing precedes obligation.

The early church continued this practice. Paul's letters characteristically begin with "Grace and peace" (charis kai eirēnē, χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη). Christian witness offers reconciliation with God—true shalom—not merely moral instruction or religious ritual.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew greeting 'Shalom aleichem' (peace be upon you) was standard in Jewish culture. However, Jesus transforms conventional greeting into prophetic blessing with spiritual efficacy. In first-century Palestine, hospitality was sacred duty; travelers depended on household generosity. The disciples' blessing would identify receptive households open to the gospel message. Homes that welcomed Jesus' messengers welcomed Jesus Himself (v. 16).

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the full biblical meaning of 'peace' (shalom/eirēnē), and how does it differ from modern notions of peace?
  2. How does pronouncing peace 'first' before any other interaction model the priority of grace in Christian witness?
  3. What does it mean that this peace can either 'rest upon' a house or 'return' to the disciples, and what does this reveal about the nature of blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
εἰς1 of 12

“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 12

“whatsoever”

G3739

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

δ'3 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν4 of 12
G302

whatsoever

οἰκίαν5 of 12

“house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

εἰσέρχησθε,6 of 12

“ye enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

πρῶτον7 of 12

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

λέγετε8 of 12

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰρήνη9 of 12

“Peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

τῷ10 of 12
G3588

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

οἴκῳ11 of 12

“house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τούτῳ12 of 12

“be to this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

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 10:5 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 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:6Matthew 10:12-13Isaiah 57:19Ephesians 2:172 Corinthians 5:18-20Luke 19:9

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