King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:14 Mean?

Matthew 10:14 in the King James Version says “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust o... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Matthew 10:14 · KJV


Context

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.

14

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

15

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. harmless: or, simple


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus addresses rejection: 'whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet' (και ος εαν μη δεξηται υμας μηδε ακουση τους λογους υμων εξερχομενοι εξω της οικιας η της πολεως εκεινης εκτιναξατε τον κονιορτον των ποδων υμων). Shaking dust was Jewish practice when leaving Gentile territory, symbolizing separation from uncleanness. Applied to Israel's cities, it's devastating: you're treating covenant people like pagans. The gesture declares: we brought God's kingdom; you rejected it; we testify against you; we're done. It's not vindictive but testimonial—public witness that gospel was offered and refused. The action liberates messengers from responsibility for rejection while establishing rejectors' accountability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pious Jews shook dust from feet when returning from Gentile lands to avoid bringing ceremonial uncleanness into Israel. Jesus instructs using this same gesture toward rejecting Israelites—shocking reversal. Paul and Barnabas enacted this at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:51). Jesus Himself couldn't shake dust from unrepentant cities but pronounced woes (11:20-24). The gesture wasn't personal offense but prophetic sign of judgment. It declared that rejectors placed themselves outside covenant community through their refusal. Early church understood that gospel creates division: acceptance or rejection, blessing or curse.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does shaking dust from feet teach about appropriate responses to gospel rejection?
  2. How do we maintain gospel urgency while respecting human free will to reject?
  3. When is it appropriate to move on from resistant people or places in evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

ὃς2 of 24

whosoever

G3739

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

ἐὰν3 of 24
G1437

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

μὴ4 of 24
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δέξηται5 of 24

receive

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς6 of 24

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

μηδὲ7 of 24

nor

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ἀκούσῃ8 of 24

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τοὺς9 of 24
G3588

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

λόγους10 of 24

words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ὑμῶν11 of 24

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐξερχόμενοι12 of 24

when ye depart out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

τῆς13 of 24
G3588

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

οἰκίας14 of 24

house

G3614

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

15 of 24

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τῆς16 of 24
G3588

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

πόλεως17 of 24

city

G4172

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

ἐκείνης18 of 24

of that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐκτινάξατε19 of 24

shake off

G1621

to shake violently

τὸν20 of 24
G3588

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

κονιορτὸν21 of 24

the dust

G2868

pulverulence (as blown about)

τῶν22 of 24
G3588

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

ποδῶν23 of 24

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

ὑμῶν24 of 24

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study