Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

LUKE 10:4KJV
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Luke 10:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:4 mean?

Luke 10:4 records Jesus instructing His followers not to take a purse, bag, or extra shoes, and not to greet anyone on the road as they go out on their mission. This verse emphasizes traveling light and staying focused on their task, without distractions or extra preparations.

Jesus is speaking to seventy of His disciples, sending them ahead to towns He plans to visit. By telling them not to carry extra supplies or stop for greetings, Jesus is urging urgency and trust in God’s provision. The instruction about not greeting people on the way reflects the need to avoid delays, since greetings in that culture could be lengthy and involved.

The Greek behind Luke 10:4

  • "purse" (βαλάντιον, balantion): This word refers to a money bag or wallet. Jesus is telling the disciples not to rely on their own financial resources.
  • "scrip" (πήρα, pēra): This means a traveler’s bag or a small sack for provisions. The instruction is to avoid carrying extra supplies, highlighting dependence on hospitality.
  • "salute" (ἀσπάσησθε, aspasēsthe): In the culture of the time, greetings could be formal and time-consuming. Jesus’ use of this word suggests the disciples should not get sidetracked by social customs, but focus on their mission.

Why Luke 10:4 matters

  • Luke 10:4 helps clarify that Jesus wanted His followers to rely on God and the kindness of others, not their own preparations or possessions.
  • The verse highlights the urgency and importance of the mission, showing that nothing should distract from the task Jesus was sending them to do.
  • Understanding the cultural background of greetings and travel supplies helps modern readers see the depth of trust and focus Jesus was asking from His disciples.

Where else these words appear

“purse” Greek G905 · used in 4 verses

  • 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 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
  • Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

“scrip” Greek G4082 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
  • Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
  • Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

“shoes” Greek G5266 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
  • John 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

“Carry” Greek G941 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
  • Romans 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.