Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:6

What does Matthew 10:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:6 means

In direct contrast to the prohibited areas, Jesus specifically commanded His apostles to go "rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This highlights the immediate, primary focus of their mission: to reach God's chosen people who were spiritually adrift and without true shepherding. The metaphor of "lost sheep" conveys their spiritual condition, emphasizing their need for guidance and salvation. This command aligns with Jesus' own ministry, which was primarily directed toward Israel, fulfilling Old Testament promises and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But go to the wandering sheep of the house of Israel,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and be going rather unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Context

This verse offers the affirmative directive for the apostles' mission, immediately following the negative commands about where not to go. It establishes the central target audience for their initial evangelistic efforts and sets the stage for the specific message and methods they are to employ among the people of Israel, which are detailed in the subsequent verses.

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:

v.6This passage

v.7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 15:3

    And he spake unto them this parable, saying,

  • Matthew 15:24

    But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

  • 1 Peter 2:25

    For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

  • Isaiah 53:6

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Matthew 18:10

    See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

  • Romans 11:11

    I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

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