Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

LUKE 10:11KJV
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Luke 10:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:11 mean?

Luke 10:11 describes how Jesus’ followers, when rejected by a town, were to shake off even the dust from their feet as a sign against that place, but still declare that God’s kingdom had come near. This act showed both a warning and a message: even if people refused the messengers, God’s offer had truly reached them.

In this scene, Jesus is instructing his disciples as he sends them out to preach. The disciples are told what to do if a city does not welcome them or their message. Shaking off the dust was a symbolic gesture in that culture, showing separation and a kind of protest. Yet, the disciples are also to make it clear that the arrival of God’s kingdom—God’s rule and presence—was real and close, regardless of the town’s response.

The Greek behind Luke 10:11

  • "dust" (κονιορτός, koniortos): This word refers to the fine dust that would cling to travelers’ feet. Shaking it off was a visible sign of breaking ties or responsibility, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting the message.
  • "cleaveth" (κολληθέντα, kollēthenta): This word means to stick or cling. The idea is that even what sticks to the messengers is left behind, showing a complete disassociation.
  • "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): This refers to God’s reign or rule. The disciples are not just bringing a message, but announcing that God’s active rule is now near, whether or not people accept it.
  • "nigh" (ἤγγικεν, ēngiken): This word means to draw near or approach. It stresses that God’s kingdom is not a distant idea, but something that has come close in time and place.

Why Luke 10:11 matters

  • Luke 10:11 clarifies that rejecting the messengers does not stop God’s kingdom from arriving; the opportunity and responsibility remain with those who heard.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of rejecting Jesus’ message, using a cultural gesture (shaking off dust) to make the warning clear and memorable.
  • This instruction connects to the broader mission Jesus gives his followers, showing both the urgency of their message and the reality that not everyone will respond positively.

Where else these words appear

“dust” Greek G2868 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
  • Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

“cleaveth” Greek G2853 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
  • Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
  • Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

“notwithstanding” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“nigh” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.