King James Version

What Does Luke 10:6 Mean?

Luke 10:6 in the King James Version says “And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 10:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. The phrase huios eirēnēs (υἱὸς εἰρήνης, "son of peace") is a Hebraism meaning one characterized by or destined for peace—someone receptive to the gospel. The genitive construction "son of" indicates essential character or belonging (compare "sons of disobedience," Ephesians 2:2; "children of wrath," Ephesians 2:3).

The conditional promise uses epanapausetai (ἐπαναπαύσεται, "shall rest upon") from anapauō (ἀναπαύω), meaning to give rest, settle upon, or remain. If received, the peace abides and takes effect. If rejected, it hypostrepsei (ὑποστρέψει, "shall return") to the disciples—they lose nothing and waste no effort. This reveals divine sovereignty in salvation: God has prepared receptive hearts, and faithful witness will find them.

This principle explains varied responses to gospel proclamation. Some are "sons of peace" whom God has prepared (Acts 16:14: Lydia's heart opened); others reject with hostility. The messenger's responsibility is faithful delivery; results belong to God. Paul later wrote of being a "fragrance of life to life" in some, "death to death" in others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish culture recognized divine sovereignty in human response. Jesus' teaching that the Father must 'draw' people (John 6:44) and that sheep recognize the shepherd's voice (John 10:4) was familiar. The disciples' experience confirmed this: some welcomed the gospel gladly while others violently opposed it. This doesn't negate human responsibility but affirms that conversion is ultimately God's work. The early church's missionary journeys demonstrated this pattern repeatedly: some believed, others rejected (Acts 13:48; 17:11-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the term 'son of peace' reveal about God's preparation of hearts before the gospel is proclaimed?
  2. How should understanding that peace 'returns' to the messenger if rejected comfort those whose witness seems unfruitful?
  3. How does this verse balance divine sovereignty in salvation with human responsibility to proclaim the gospel faithfully?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἐὰν2 of 19

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μέν3 of 19
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

4 of 19

be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

ἐκεῖ5 of 19

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

υἱὸς6 of 19

the son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

εἰρήνη7 of 19

of peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἐπαναπαύσεται8 of 19

shall rest

G1879

to settle on; literally (remain) or figuratively (rely)

ἐφ'9 of 19

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτὸν10 of 19

it

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

11 of 19
G3588

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

εἰρήνη12 of 19

of peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ὑμῶν·13 of 19

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰ14 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ15 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

μήγε,16 of 19
G3361

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

ἐφ'17 of 19

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς18 of 19

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀνακάμψει19 of 19

again

G344

to turn back


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 10:6 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 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study