King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:25 Mean?

Matthew 10:25 in the King James Version says “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of t... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul

Matthew 10:25 · KJV


Context

23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. have: or, end, or, finish

24

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul

26

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

27

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus continues: 'It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?' (αρκετον τω μαθητη ινα γενηται ως ο διδασκαλος αυτου και ο δουλος ως ο κυριος αυτου ει τον οικοδεσποτην Βεελζεβουλ επεκαλεσαν ποσω μαλλον τους οικιακους αυτου). 'Enough' (αρκετον) means sufficient—being like the master is adequate goal. Disciples needn't exceed Jesus; conformity to Him suffices. Then Jesus cites specific slander: enemies called Him 'Beelzebub' (Βεελζεβουλ, 'lord of the flies,' Satan). If they slandered the master as demon-possessed, 'how much more' (ποσω μαλλον) His 'household' (οικιακους)? If Jesus faced such accusations, His followers will too. This prepares disciples for slander, misrepresentation, and demonization.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Beelzebub (also Baalzebub) derives from Philistine god Baal-zebub (2 Kings 1:2), meaning 'lord of the flies.' Jews used it contemptuously for Satan. Religious leaders' accusation that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub (Matthew 9:34, 12:24) was blasphemous slander: attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Satan. Early Christians faced similar accusations: atheism (denying pagan gods), cannibalism (misunderstanding communion), immorality (secret meetings). Roman and Jewish sources slandered Christians grotesquely. Jesus' prediction prepared believers: expect slander; it confirms identification with Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians respond to slander and misrepresentation?
  2. What does this passage teach about the cost of identification with Christ?
  3. How can we maintain witness integrity when falsely accused?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἀρκετὸν1 of 26

It is enough

G713

satisfactory

τῷ2 of 26
G3588

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

μαθητῇ3 of 26

for the disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἵνα4 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

γένηται5 of 26

he be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὡς6 of 26

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

7 of 26
G3588

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

διδάσκαλος8 of 26

master

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

αὐτοῦ9 of 26

his

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

καὶ10 of 26

and

G2532

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

11 of 26
G3588

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

δοῦλος12 of 26

the servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ὡς13 of 26

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

14 of 26
G3588

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

κύριος15 of 26

lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

αὐτοῦ16 of 26

his

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

εἰ17 of 26

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τὸν18 of 26
G3588

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

οἰκοδεσπότην19 of 26

the master of the house

G3617

the head of a family

Βεελζεβοὺλ20 of 26

Beelzebub

G954

dung-god; beelzebul, a name of satan

ἐκάλεσαν,21 of 26

they have called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

πόσῳ22 of 26

how much

G4214

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

μᾶλλον23 of 26

more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

τοὺς24 of 26
G3588

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

οἰκιακοὺς25 of 26

household

G3615

familiar, i.e., (as noun) relatives

αὐτοῦ26 of 26

his

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


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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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