And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

LUKE 9:4KJV
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Luke 9:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:4 mean?

Luke 9:4 instructs Jesus’ followers that when they enter a house in a town, they should stay there until they leave that place, rather than moving from house to house. This guidance emphasizes contentment and stability during their travels as they rely on the hospitality of others.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He sends them out to preach and heal. The instruction comes as part of a set of directions for their journey, where they are to depend on the kindness of those who receive them. By telling them to remain in the first house that welcomes them, Jesus encourages them to avoid seeking better accommodations and to respect the generosity of their hosts.

The Greek behind Luke 9:4

  • The word "abide" (μένω, menō) means to stay or remain. Here, it suggests a settled presence, not moving around for personal advantage.
  • The phrase "thence depart" (ἐξέρχομαι, exerchomai) means to leave from that place. This clarifies that their departure should be from the same house where they first stayed, not after moving around.
  • The word "house" (οἰκία, oikia) refers to a household or dwelling, highlighting the personal and relational setting of their stay.

Why Luke 9:4 matters

  • Luke 9:4 clears up the idea that Jesus’ followers should not seek out better hospitality or more comfortable situations as they travel; instead, they are to accept what is first offered.
  • This verse highlights a theme of humility and trust in God’s provision, which runs through Jesus’ instructions to His disciples.
  • The instruction also helps prevent misunderstandings or offense among the local people, as moving from house to house could be seen as disrespectful or greedy.

Where else these words appear

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

“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,

“there” Greek G1563 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

“abide” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.