Luke 10:4
What does Luke 10:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 10:4 means
Jesus tells the disciples to travel light—no purse, wallet, or extra shoes—and to avoid greetings that would delay them. This radical instruction trusts God for provision and emphasizes urgency and dependence. It frees them from material concerns and social formalities so they can focus on their mission. The instruction also prevents distraction with comfort-seeking and prolonged visits. Practical simplicity underscores the seriousness of their task and reliance on hospitality and God’s care along the way.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take no bag for money or for food, and no shoes; say no word to any man on the way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862carry no bag, no scrip, nor sandals; and salute no one on the way;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Carry neither purse nor scrip nor sandals, and salute no one on the way.
Context
These travel rules follow the warning of danger and support the theme of dependence on God. They show how the seventy must live while entering towns Jesus intends to visit. The next verses expand how they should interact with households, setting a pattern for accepting hospitality and remaining focused on their mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 24:33
And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
- 1 Samuel 21:8
And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thy hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.
- 2 Kings 4:29
Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thy hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
- Luke 9:3
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.
- Luke 22:35
And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.
- Mark 6:8
and he charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse;
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