Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:12

What does Matthew 10:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:12 means

When entering a house, the apostles were instructed to "salute it." This refers to the customary Eastern greeting of peace, like "Shalom" in Hebrew or "Peace be with you." This simple act was more than mere formality; it carried a profound spiritual intention, offering God's blessing and well-being. It was a gesture of goodwill and a declaration of the nature of their mission — one that sought to bring peace through the good news of the kingdom. This custom set the tone for their interaction, initiating hospitality and receptiveness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as ye enter into the house, salute it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as ye enter into the house, salute it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when you go in, say, May peace be on this house.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And coming to the house salute it,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when you come into the house, salute it, saying: Peace be to this house.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as ye enter into a house salute it.

Context

Building on the instruction to find a "worthy" house, this verse provides the immediate action to take upon entering such a dwelling. It establishes the initial spiritual and social interaction, setting the stage for the conditional blessing or withdrawal of peace described in the subsequent verses, as their mission was intrinsically tied to the reception of their message.

v.11And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth.

v.12This passage

v.13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20

    We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

  • Luke 10:5

    And into whatsoever house ye shall enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

  • 1 Samuel 25:6

    and thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

  • 3 John 1:14

    but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.

  • Acts 10:36

    The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—

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