After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

LUKE 10:1KJV
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Luke 10:1 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:1 mean?

Luke 10:1 describes how Jesus appointed seventy other followers and sent them out in pairs ahead of him to every town and place he planned to visit. This verse shows Jesus organizing a larger group of disciples to prepare people for his arrival in various locations.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his followers, expanding his mission beyond the twelve apostles by involving seventy others. He sends them "two and two," which suggests teamwork and mutual support, and their task is to go ahead of Jesus to places he intends to visit. This moment sets up the following verses, where Jesus gives instructions for their journey and mission.

The Greek behind Luke 10:1

  • The word "appointed" (ἀνέδειξεν, anedeixen) means to select or designate for a purpose, highlighting that Jesus chose these seventy intentionally for a specific mission.
  • The phrase "two and two" (δύο δύο, duo duo) emphasizes that the disciples were sent in pairs, which was a common practice for safety and credibility in Jewish tradition.
  • The word "before his face" (πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ, pro prosōpou autou) is a Greek expression meaning "ahead of him" or "in advance of him," showing that these disciples were to prepare the way for Jesus himself.

Why Luke 10:1 matters

  • Luke 10:1 clarifies that Jesus’ ministry involved more than just the twelve apostles; a larger group was entrusted with spreading his message and preparing communities for his arrival.
  • The verse highlights the importance of teamwork and partnership in carrying out a mission, as Jesus sent the seventy in pairs rather than alone.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Luke’s Gospel of outreach and preparation, setting the stage for Jesus’ teachings about the work and challenges his followers would face.

Where else these words appear

“appointed” Greek G322 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

“seventy” Greek G1440 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
  • Acts 7:14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
  • Acts 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

“two” Greek G303 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

“whither” Greek G3757 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
  • Acts 28:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.