And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

LUKE 10:5KJV
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Luke 10:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:5 mean?

Luke 10:5 records Jesus instructing his followers that whenever they enter a house, their first words should be a blessing: “Peace be to this house.” This greeting is both a wish for well-being and a respectful way to begin any visit.

In this scene, Jesus is sending out seventy-two of his disciples to travel ahead of him, visiting towns and homes. He tells them to offer peace—meaning safety, wholeness, and goodwill—to each household they enter. This greeting sets a tone of kindness and shows respect for the people they meet, reflecting the disciples’ mission to bring good news and healing.

The Greek behind Luke 10:5

  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, G1515): This word is translated “Peace” and often means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of well-being, harmony, and blessing. In this context, it shows that the disciples are to wish for the full welfare of the household, not just a casual greeting.
  • πρῶτον (prōton, G4412): This word means “first,” emphasizing that offering peace should be the disciples’ immediate priority upon entering a home, before saying or doing anything else. It highlights the importance of beginning every encounter with goodwill.

Why Luke 10:5 matters

  • Luke 10:5 clarifies that Jesus wanted his followers to approach others with respect and goodwill, not with demands or judgment.
  • The verse shows that the disciples’ mission was not just about preaching but also about building trust and positive relationships.
  • This greeting of peace connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s desire for reconciliation and well-being among people, setting the tone for the disciples’ work in the rest of the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

“Peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.