Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:4

What does Matthew 10:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:4 means

The final two apostles named are Simon the Cananaean and Judas Iscariot. Simon's designation as a "Cananaean" (often interpreted as a Zealot, a political nationalist) further illustrates the diversity within the apostolic band, including individuals with potentially opposing ideologies. The chilling note about Judas Iscariot, "who also betrayed him," serves as a stark harbinger, an early warning of the profound betrayal to come. This inclusion, even with foreknowledge, emphasizes God's sovereign plan unfolding through human choices, even sinful ones, and the reality of human brokenness within the disciples' ranks.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who was false to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who did also deliver him up.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Simon the Cananaean, and Judas the Iscariote, who also delivered him up.

Context

Concluding the roster of the twelve apostles, this verse completes the identification of the individuals chosen by Jesus for this specific mission. It directly precedes Jesus' detailed instructions to these very men, making the list a critical prerequisite for understanding to whom the subsequent commands are given. The mention of Judas Iscariot adds a layer of dramatic irony and theological depth.

v.3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;

v.4This passage

v.5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:

Cross references

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

  • Mark 14:10

    And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them.

  • Matthew 26:14

    Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

  • Luke 22:47

    While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

  • Luke 22:3

    And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

  • John 18:2

    Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.

  • John 6:71

    Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

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