Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:7

What does Matthew 10:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:7 means

As they traveled, the apostles were to "preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." This was the core message of their mission, directly echoing Jesus' own initial proclamation. "The kingdom of heaven" refers to God's sovereign rule, which was actively breaking into human history through Jesus Christ and His ministry. "Is at hand" signifies its imminent arrival and present reality, calling for repentance and faith. This message was a powerful declaration of God's saving activity and the urgent need for a response, showing that Jesus' work was establishing a new spiritual order.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And, on your way, say, The kingdom of heaven is near.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And, going on, proclaim saying that, the reign of the heavens hath come nigh;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of the heavens has drawn nigh.

Context

Following the directives about where to go (and not to go), this verse provides the essential CONTENT of the apostles' preaching. It unveils the central message they are to proclaim, thereby defining the very purpose of their mission. The instructions for their conduct and the miraculous signs that accompany their preaching will build upon this foundational message.

v.6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

v.7This passage

v.8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 28:31

    preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.

  • John 3:2

    the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.

  • Matthew 11:1

    And it came to pass when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities.

  • Acts 10:25

    And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

  • Matthew 21:31

    Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

  • Mark 6:12

    And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

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