And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

MATTHEW 10:1KJV
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Matthew 10:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:1 mean?

Matthew 10:1 describes Jesus calling his twelve disciples to himself and giving them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of sickness and disease. This verse shows Jesus empowering his closest followers to continue his work of spiritual and physical healing.

In this scene, Jesus is the one speaking and acting, gathering his twelve chosen disciples. The verse marks a turning point where Jesus shares his authority with them, not just to teach but to perform acts that show God's power over evil and illness. This moment sets the stage for the disciples’ mission in the following passages.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:1

  • The word for "power" is ἐξουσία (exousia), which is often understood as "authority" or "the right to act," not just raw power. This means Jesus gave the disciples official permission and ability to act in his name.
  • The term for "unclean" is ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos), meaning ritually or morally impure. The phrase "unclean spirits" refers to evil forces considered opposed to God’s holiness.
  • The verb "to cast out" is ἐκβάλλω (ekballō), which means to drive out or expel forcefully. This highlights the active role the disciples are to take against evil.
  • The word for "heal" is θεραπεύω (therapeuō), which means to care for or restore health, showing that their mission included practical compassion as well as spiritual authority.

Why Matthew 10:1 matters

  • Matthew 10:1 clarifies that the disciples’ authority comes directly from Jesus, not from their own abilities or status.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ mission involves both spiritual deliverance and physical healing, showing a holistic concern for people’s well-being.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by introducing the specific group—the twelve disciples—who will be sent out in the next verses, highlighting their unique role in Jesus’ ministry.

Where else these words appear

“disease” Greek G3119 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

“sickness” Greek G3554 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

“unclean” Greek G169 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
  • Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.