King James Version

What Does Mark 6:10 Mean?

Mark 6:10 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.”

Mark 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. money: the word signifieth a piece of brass money, in value somewhat less than a farthing, Mat.10.9.but here it is taken in general for money

9

But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

10

And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. and: Gr. or

12

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. Jesus provides hospitality protocol for the traveling disciples. 'In what place soever ye enter into an house' (ὅπου ἐὰν εἰσέλθητε εἰς οἰκίαν, hopou ean eiselthēte eis oikian) assumes they will receive housing invitations. 'There abide till ye depart from that place' (ἐκεῖ μένετε ἕως ἂν ἐξέλθητε ἐκεῖθεν, ekei menete heōs an exelthēte ekeithen) commands staying with the first host offering hospitality rather than seeking better accommodations.

This instruction served multiple purposes: preventing appearance of seeking comfort or favoritism by moving to wealthier homes, avoiding offense to initial hosts who showed generosity, maintaining focus on ministry rather than housing upgrades, and demonstrating contentment with God's provision. The principle teaches gospel ministers should gratefully receive hospitality without constantly seeking better situations. Contentment with God's provision, even if modest, honors Him and those who serve. The command also created accountability—staying with one family meant that household witnessed the disciples' lives consistently. Reformed theology emphasizes contentment as mark of godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-8)—finding sufficiency in God's provision rather than constantly seeking more.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern hospitality was sacred duty—travelers depended on community generosity for food, shelter, and protection. Accepting someone's hospitality created bond of obligation and friendship. Moving from one host to another could insult the first host, implying their provision was inadequate. Itinerant teachers sometimes developed reputation for seeking wealthy patrons—Jesus' instruction prevented His disciples from this appearance. The command to stay 'till ye depart from that place' meant remaining with one host family for the entire ministry period in that town/village, potentially days or weeks. This created stability for ministry and prevented distraction of house-hunting or social climbing. Ancient moral philosophers often addressed proper guest behavior—excessive demands, overstaying welcome, or constant movement to better accommodations damaged reputations. Jesus' instruction ensured disciples wouldn't develop reputation as freeloaders or opportunists. Early church leaders (Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:4-15) discussed proper support for ministers, balancing right to receive provision with wisdom about creating offense or appearing motivated by money.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this command to remain with the first host challenge the modern tendency to constantly seek better circumstances or opportunities?
  2. In what ways might restless pursuit of 'upgrades'—in ministry, career, relationships, or possessions—reveal discontentment with God's current provision?

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

ἔλεγεν2 of 14

“he said”

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

αὐτοῖς3 of 14

“unto 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

Ὅπου4 of 14

“In what place soever”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἐὰν5 of 14
G1437

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

εἰσέλθητε6 of 14

“ye enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς7 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

οἰκίαν8 of 14

“an house”

G3614

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

ἐκεῖ9 of 14

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

μένετε10 of 14

“abide”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἕως11 of 14

“till”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν12 of 14
G302

whatsoever

ἐξέλθητε13 of 14

“ye depart”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκεῖθεν14 of 14

“from that place”

G1564

thence

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 6:10 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 Mark 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:11-13Luke 10:7-8Luke 9:4Acts 17:5-7Acts 16:15

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