Devine Scripture

Luke 9:3

What does Luke 9:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:3 means

Jesus instructs them to travel with nothing extra: no staff, wallet, bread, money, or extra coat. This radical dependence teaches trust in God’s provision and hospitality of those they serve. It removes distractions and possessions that might hinder the mission or cause unnecessary worry. The command also emphasizes urgency and freedom: they should not be encumbered by material security. Practically, it tests faith that God will supply through others and protects the integrity of their testimony by preventing accusations of seeking gain.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Take nothing for your journey, no stick or bag or bread or money, and do not take two coats.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said unto them, `Take nothing for the way, neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats each;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Take nothing for the way, neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; nor to have two body-coats apiece.

Context

This verse follows the mission command and gives practical rules for conduct while traveling. These limitations prepare the apostles for itinerant ministry among receptive households. The next verses (4–6) expand on those travel customs and what to do when hospitality is refused. Understanding this rule clarifies how Jesus intended ministry to be dependent, humble, and focused on proclamation rather than personal comfort.

v.2And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

v.3This passage

v.4And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 10:9

    Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;

  • Luke 12:28

    But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

  • Luke 12:22

    And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.

  • Luke 3:11

    And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.

  • 2 Timothy 2:4

    No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

  • Luke 10:4

    Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way.

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