King James Version

What Does Luke 10:8 Mean?

Luke 10:8 in the King James Version says “And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 10:8 · KJV

Context

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:

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,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. The conditional clause kai eis hēn an polin eiserchēsthe kai dechōntai hymas (καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν πόλιν εἰσέρχησθε καὶ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, "and into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you") uses the present subjunctive dechōntai (δέχωνται, "they receive"), indicating welcome and hospitality.

The command eat such things as are set before you (esthiete ta paratithemena hymin, ἐσθίετε τὰ παρατιθέμενα ὑμῖν) repeats verse 7's instruction with expanded application to entire cities, not just individual households. The present imperative commands ongoing action—consistently accept what's offered. For Jewish disciples, this would challenge kosher dietary laws when entering Gentile territories.

This anticipates the church's breakthrough in Acts 10-11, where Peter's vision declared all foods clean and opened the gospel to Gentiles. Paul later addressed food controversies in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-10, teaching that the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The gospel transcends ceremonial law and cultural boundaries.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) were identity markers separating Jews from Gentiles. Eating non-kosher food or at Gentile tables risked ceremonial defilement. Jesus' instruction to eat whatever was served challenged these boundaries, preparing disciples for universal mission. When the seventy encountered Samaritan or Gentile cities, they would face food that violated Levitical law. Jesus prioritized mission over ceremonial purity, foreshadowing the new covenant's replacement of external law with internal transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' command to eat whatever is served challenge both legalism and cultural superiority in Christian witness?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between ceremonial law and gospel mission?
  3. How should modern missionaries balance cultural sensitivity with the freedom Jesus grants to 'eat such things as are set before you'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

εἰς2 of 14

“into”

G1519

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

ἣν3 of 14
G3739

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

δ'4 of 14

“whatsoever”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν5 of 14
G302

whatsoever

πόλιν6 of 14

“city”

G4172

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

εἰσέρχησθε7 of 14

“ye enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

δέχωνται9 of 14

“they receive”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς10 of 14

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐσθίετε11 of 14

“eat such things”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

τὰ12 of 14
G3588

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

παρατιθέμενα13 of 14

“as are set before”

G3908

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

ὑμῖν14 of 14

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 10:8 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 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:27Matthew 10:40Luke 10:10Luke 9:48John 13:20

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