Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:3

What does Matthew 10:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:3 means

The list of apostles continues, mentioning Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew. Matthew's self-identification as "the publican" is significant; it highlights his former profession as a tax collector, a role generally despised by Jews due to its association with Roman occupation and corruption. This detail subtly emphasizes Jesus' inclusive grace, choosing men from various backgrounds, including those considered outcasts by society, to be His closest followers and emissaries. It shows the transformative power of Christ's call, reaching across social divides.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax-farmer; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James of Alpheus, and Lebbeus who was surnamed Thaddeus;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, who was surnamed Thaddaeus;

Context

This verse continues the enumeration of the twelve apostles, providing further identification of those Jesus will dispatch. It is part of the larger roll call that establishes the key players in the upcoming mission described in detail throughout the rest of the chapter. Understanding who these individuals were helps to grasp the diverse group Jesus chose to carry His message.

v.2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;

v.3This passage

v.4Simon the Cananæan, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Cross references

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

  • John 1:43

    On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.

  • Acts 15:13

    And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me:

  • John 12:21

    these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

  • John 20:24

    But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

  • Matthew 27:56

    among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

  • Mark 2:14

    And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll, and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

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