King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:1 Mean?

Matthew 10:1 in the King James Version says “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. against: or, over

Matthew 10:1 · KJV


Context

1

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. against: or, over

2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' calling 'his twelve disciples' shows intentional selection and training before commissioning. Giving them 'power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness' demonstrates delegated authority—they would minister in His name and power. This commissioning shows the kingdom advancing through multiplication of workers, not Jesus working alone. Their authority was both spiritual (demons) and physical (disease).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Twelve had followed Jesus for months, observing His ministry. Now He sends them to replicate it. This pattern (training then commissioning) models leadership development. The authority given was real but derived—effective only as they remained connected to Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' model of training disciples before sending challenge modern ministry?
  2. What authority has Jesus delegated to you, and how are you using it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

προσκαλεσάμενος2 of 21

when he had called

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

τοὺς3 of 21
G3588

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

δώδεκα4 of 21

twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

μαθητὰς5 of 21

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτὰ6 of 21

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

ἔδωκεν7 of 21

he gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτὰ8 of 21

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

ἐξουσίαν9 of 21

power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

πνευμάτων10 of 21

spirits

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἀκαθάρτων11 of 21

against unclean

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

ὥστε12 of 21

to

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἐκβάλλειν13 of 21

cast

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὰ14 of 21

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

καὶ15 of 21

And

G2532

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

θεραπεύειν16 of 21

to heal

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

πᾶσαν17 of 21

all manner

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

νόσον18 of 21

of sickness

G3554

a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability)

καὶ19 of 21

And

G2532

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

πᾶσαν20 of 21

all manner

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μαλακίαν21 of 21

of disease

G3119

softness, i.e., enervation (debility)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:1 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 Matthew 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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