Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:16

What does Matthew 10:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:16 means

Jesus abruptly shifts from practical instructions to a sobering warning about the dangers awaiting His disciples. He sends them out "as sheep in the midst of wolves," an vivid metaphor for their vulnerability and the hostility they would encounter. Therefore, He instructs them to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." "Wise as serpents" implies shrewdness and prudence in avoiding unnecessary danger, while "harmless as doves" emphasizes purity of motive and innocent conduct, ensuring they give no legitimate cause for offense. This balance was crucial for navigating a hostile world while maintaining their integrity and mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

See, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Be then as wise as snakes, and as gentle as doves.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Lo, I do send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be ye therefore wise as the serpents, and simple as the doves.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore prudent as the serpents, and guileless as the doves.

Context

Following the specific instructions regarding provisions and responses to reception, this verse marks a significant transition to a series of warnings about the difficult realities of their mission. It introduces the theme of persecution and opposition, setting the tone for the challenging endurance required of them, which will be expanded upon in the subsequent verses detailing specific forms of opposition.

v.15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

v.16This passage

v.17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

Cross references

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

  • Acts 20:29

    I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:20

    avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:

  • Colossians 4:5

    Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    abstain from every form of evil.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.

  • Luke 10:3

    Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 10

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 10.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 10:16.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary