King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:28 Mean?

Matthew 10:28 in the King James Version says “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy b... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28 · KJV


Context

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.

28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. farthing: it is in value halfpenny farthing in the original, as being the tenth part of the Roman penny

30

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus reorders fears: 'And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell' (Greek: φοβεῖσθε δὲ μᾶλλον τὸν δυνάμενον καὶ ψυχὴν καὶ σῶμα ἀπολέσαι ἐν γεέννῃ, 'fear rather the one able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna'). The command distinguishes temporal versus eternal threats. Humans can only kill the body (σῶμα) - temporal harm. God can destroy both soul (ψυχή) and body in hell (γέεννα, Gehenna) - eternal judgment. This isn't fear as terror but reverent awe that prioritizes eternal over temporal consequences. Right fear of God eliminates paralyzing fear of humans.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Disciples faced persecution from religious authorities (Acts 4:1-3, 5:17-18) and civil powers (Acts 12:1-3). Jesus prepares them for martyrdom by establishing proper fear hierarchy. 'Gehenna' referred to Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem where refuse burned, symbolizing final judgment. Jewish martyrdom theology (2 Maccabees 7) emphasized faithfulness despite bodily death, trusting resurrection. Early Christian martyrs embodied this teaching, fearing God more than execution. The promise addressed real threats, not hypothetical persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does proper fear of God eliminate unhealthy fear of human threats?
  2. What is the relationship between reverent awe of God and confidence in His protection?
  3. What temporal fears need reordering in light of eternal realities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

μὴ2 of 26

not

G3361

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

φοβηθήτε3 of 26

fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

ἀπὸ4 of 26
G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τὸν5 of 26

him which

G3588

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

ἀποκτεῖναι·6 of 26

kill

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

τὸν7 of 26

him which

G3588

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

σῶμα8 of 26

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τὸν9 of 26

him which

G3588

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

δὲ10 of 26

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ψυχὴν11 of 26

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μὴ12 of 26

not

G3361

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

δυνάμενον13 of 26

able

G1410

to be able or possible

ἀποκτεῖναι·14 of 26

kill

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

φοβηθήτε15 of 26

fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

δὲ16 of 26

but

G1161

but, and, etc

μᾶλλον17 of 26

rather

G3123

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

τὸν18 of 26

him which

G3588

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

δυνάμενον19 of 26

able

G1410

to be able or possible

καὶ20 of 26

And

G2532

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

ψυχὴν21 of 26

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

καὶ22 of 26

And

G2532

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

σῶμα23 of 26

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ἀπολέσαι24 of 26

to destroy

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἐν25 of 26

in

G1722

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

γεέννῃ26 of 26

hell

G1067

valley of (the son of) hinnom; ge-henna (or ge-hinnom), a valley of jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting p


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 10:28 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 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study