King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:11 Mean?

Matthew 10:11 in the King James Version says “And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.”

Matthew 10:11 · KJV

Context

9

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Provide: or, Get

10

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. staves: Gr. a staff

11

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

12

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus provides protocol: 'into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence' (εις ην δ αν πολιν η κωμην εισελθητε εξετασατε τις εν αυτη αξιος εστιν κακει μεινατε εως αν εξελθητε). 'Enquire who is worthy' (εξετασατε τις αξιος) means find someone of good reputation, likely meaning receptive to the gospel and able to provide hospitality. 'There abide' instructs staying put rather than moving between hosts. This prevents appearance of seeking better accommodation or offending first host by leaving. Stability in one location creates community center for ministry. The instruction balances missionary mobility (moving town to town) with local stability (staying with one host per location).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient hospitality was sacred duty, especially in Jewish culture. Travelers depended on hospitality for survival. However, hospitality could be abused by opportunists. Jesus' instruction to stay with one worthy host avoided offense and demonstrated contentment. Moving between hosts suggested either dissatisfaction or seeking advantage. Staying put honored the host and created stable base for ministry. Early Christian missionaries followed this pattern (Acts 16:15, 40). The practice built relationships and allowed sustained teaching rather than hit-and-run evangelism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does seeking a 'worthy' host teach about wisdom in ministry relationships?
  2. How does staying with one host demonstrate contentment and honor?
  3. What is the balance between missionary mobility and local stability in Christian ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἰς1 of 19

“into”

G1519

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

ἣν2 of 19
G3739

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

δ'3 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν4 of 19

“till”

G302

whatsoever

πόλιν5 of 19

“city”

G4172

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

ἢ6 of 19

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κώμην7 of 19

“town”

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

εἰσέλθητε8 of 19

“ye shall enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ἐξετάσατε9 of 19

“enquire”

G1833

to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e., ascertain or interrogate

τίς10 of 19

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐν11 of 19

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῇ12 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

ἄξιός13 of 19

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ἐστιν·14 of 19

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

κἀκεῖ15 of 19

“and there”

G2546

likewise in that place

μείνατε16 of 19

“abide”

G3306

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

ἕως17 of 19
G2193

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

ἂν18 of 19

“till”

G302

whatsoever

ἐξέλθητε19 of 19

“ye go thence”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

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 10:11 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 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 10:7-8Job 31:321 Kings 17:9-24Acts 18:1-3Mark 6:10Genesis 19:1-3

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