And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

MATTHEW 10:13KJV
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Matthew 10:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:13 mean?

Matthew 10:13 says that if the people in a house are “worthy,” the disciples’ blessing of peace should rest on that home, but if the house is not “worthy,” the blessing should return to the disciples instead. This means the disciples were to offer peace, but only those open and receptive to their message would truly receive it.

In this verse, Jesus is instructing his disciples as he sends them out to different towns. The “house” refers to the home where they would stay, and “peace” was a common Jewish greeting and blessing. Jesus tells them to discern whether the household welcomes their message and mission. If not, the blessing is not lost but comes back to the disciple.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:13

  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē) — “peace”: This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness, well-being, and blessing. Jesus is telling the disciples to offer a real, meaningful blessing, not just a polite greeting.
  • ἄξιος (axios) — “worthy”: This word means “deserving” or “fit.” The idea is not about moral perfection but about being open and receptive to the message and the messengers.
  • ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) — “return”: The instruction that peace can “return” to the disciples shows that the blessing is not wasted or lost if rejected; it remains with the one who offered it.

Why Matthew 10:13 matters

  • Matthew 10:13 clarifies that the disciples’ blessing is not automatic for everyone; it depends on the response of those who hear their message.
  • The verse highlights that spiritual blessings are not forced on anyone but are received by those who are open and welcoming.
  • This instruction fits into the larger context of Jesus preparing his followers for both acceptance and rejection, teaching them to move on without bitterness if their message is not received.

Where else these words appear

“return” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“if” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“be” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?