King James Version

What Does Luke 9:3 Mean?

Luke 9:3 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither h...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.”

Luke 9:3 · King James Version

Context

1

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

4

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Read Luke 9 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Take nothing for your journey (μηδὲν αἴρετε)—Jesus commands radical dependence on God's provision. The prohibition is comprehensive: neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats. The Greek construction with repeated mēde (nor) emphasizes absolute trust in divine provision rather than human preparation.

This mission training deliberately stripped the Twelve of self-sufficiency. Unlike Matthew 10:10 which allows a staff, Luke's account (like Mark 6:8) is stricter—no staff, no traveler's bag (pēra), no provisions, no money, not even a spare tunic. The message: God's servants must trust His provision through those who receive His Word. This anticipates Luke 22:35-36, where Jesus later permits provisions, showing the temporary nature of this training exercise in radical faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Palestine, travelers typically carried a staff for protection, a leather bag for provisions, bread, money (copper coins), and an extra tunic. Jewish custom permitted travelers to carry these essentials. Jesus's prohibition would have seemed shocking—sending His disciples out deliberately vulnerable and dependent on hospitality.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'provisions' do you rely on instead of trusting God's moment-by-moment provision?
  2. How does Jesus's later permission to carry provisions (Luke 22:35-36) inform our understanding of faith versus presumption?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 22

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς3 of 22

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς4 of 22

“them”

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

Μηδὲν5 of 22

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

αἴρετε6 of 22

“Take”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

εἰς7 of 22

“for”

G1519

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

τὴν8 of 22
G3588

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

ὁδόν9 of 22

“your journey”

G3598

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

μήτε10 of 22

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ῥάβδους,11 of 22

“staves”

G4464

a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)

μήτε12 of 22

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

πήραν13 of 22

“scrip”

G4082

a wallet or leather pouch for food

μήτε14 of 22

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ἄρτον15 of 22

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

μήτε16 of 22

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ἀργύριον17 of 22

“money”

G694

silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)

μήτε18 of 22

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ἀνὰ19 of 22

“apiece”

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

δύο20 of 22

“two”

G1417

"two"

χιτῶνας21 of 22

“coats”

G5509

a tunic or shirt

ἔχειν22 of 22

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:35Psalms 37:3Luke 10:4-12Matthew 10:9-142 Timothy 2:4Mark 6:8-11

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