Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:41

What does Matthew 10:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:41 means

Jesus further clarifies the reward for receiving His messengers based on their identity: "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." To receive someone "in the name of" means to welcome them because of who they represent—a prophet because he is a prophet of God, a righteous man because he demonstrates God's righteousness. The reward is commensurate with the identity of the person received, highlighting the spiritual discernment and motivation of the giver.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who gives honour to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, will be given a prophet's reward; and he who gives honour to an upright man, in the name of an upright man, will be given an upright man's reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

he who is receiving a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who is receiving a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward.

Context

Building on the general principle of receiving Christ's messengers, this verse provides specific examples of how such reception brings a corresponding reward. It differentiates the rewards based on the identity of the person being received, providing a deeper understanding of the spiritual principle. This then culminates in the final, most inclusive example of rewarding even the smallest act of kindness to a disciple.

v.40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

v.41This passage

v.42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 9:17

    For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

  • 1 Kings 18:3

    And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Jehovah greatly:

  • 3 John 1:5

    Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

  • 2 Kings 4:8

    And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

  • 2 Kings 4:32

    And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.

  • Matthew 6:6

    But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

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