King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:40 Mean?

Matthew 10:40 in the King James Version says “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”

Matthew 10:40 · KJV

Context

38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

39

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

41

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares 'He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me'—establishing a profound chain of representation and authority. The verb 'receiveth' (δεχόμενος/dechomenos) means to welcome, accept, take in—not mere tolerance but genuine reception. Christ identifies so completely with His disciples that response to them is response to Him. This isn't automatic for all religious teachers but specifically for those He sends bearing His message. The double identification (disciples→Christ→Father) roots apostolic authority in divine authority itself. This provides theological grounding for why rejecting apostolic testimony constitutes rejecting God (1 Thessalonians 4:8). It also encourages missionaries: when faithful to Christ's message, they speak with His authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke this while commissioning the Twelve for their first independent mission (Matthew 10:5-42). In ancient Near Eastern culture, an apostle or sent-one (שָׁלִיחַ/shaliach in Hebrew, ἀπόστολος/apostolos in Greek) functioned as the sender's legal representative—their words carried the sender's authority. The saying 'a man's agent is as himself' was proverbial in Jewish law. Jesus applies this principle to spiritual mission: His disciples represent Him, who represents the Father. This verse shaped the early church's understanding of apostolic authority (Acts 2:42, Ephesians 2:20). During the first century, itinerant prophets and teachers moved between churches, raising questions about which messengers deserved reception.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to faithful preaching of God's Word—do you recognize Christ speaking through His messengers?
  2. What safeguards prevent this principle from being abused by false teachers claiming divine authority?
  3. How does this verse elevate the significance of evangelism and gospel ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ὁ1 of 13
G3588

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

δέχεται2 of 13

“He that receiveth”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς3 of 13

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐμὲ4 of 13

“me”

G1691

me

δέχεται5 of 13

“He that receiveth”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ7 of 13
G3588

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

ἐμὲ8 of 13

“me”

G1691

me

δέχεται9 of 13

“He that receiveth”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

δέχεται10 of 13

“He that receiveth”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τὸν11 of 13
G3588

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

ἀποστείλαντά12 of 13

“him that sent”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

με13 of 13

“me”

G3165

me

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 10:40 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 10:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 13:20Luke 9:48Luke 10:16Matthew 18:5Galatians 4:14John 20:21

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