But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

MATTHEW 10:23KJV
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Matthew 10:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:23 mean?

Matthew 10:23 means that when Jesus’ followers face persecution in one city, they should not stay and endure harm but instead move on to another place. Jesus assures them that they will not finish visiting all the towns of Israel before the “Son of man” comes, suggesting their mission will be interrupted or overtaken by a significant event involving him.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out on a mission to the towns of Israel. He prepares them for opposition and tells them to keep moving rather than seeking out danger. The statement about not finishing going through all the cities before the “Son of man” comes has been understood in different ways, but it clearly points to a sense of urgency and the idea that their work will be cut short by something important connected to Jesus himself.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:23

  • The word “persecute” (διώκω, diōkō) means to pursue or harass, often with the intent to harm. Here, it emphasizes that real danger is expected, not just mild opposition.
  • The phrase “flee ye into another” uses the word φεύγω (pheugō), meaning to escape or seek safety. Jesus is not calling for reckless bravery but for wise avoidance of harm.
  • “Ye shall not have gone over” comes from the Greek word τελέω (teleō), which means to finish or complete. This suggests the disciples’ mission will remain unfinished when the “Son of man” comes.
  • “Son of man” (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou) is a title Jesus often uses for himself, carrying echoes of both humanity and a special, prophetic figure.

Why Matthew 10:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus does not expect his followers to seek out martyrdom or unnecessary suffering; he values their safety and the continuation of their mission.
  • The urgency in Jesus’ words highlights that their mission is time-sensitive and that something significant—his coming as the “Son of man”—will interrupt their work.
  • Matthew 10:23 ties the disciples’ immediate experiences to larger events in Jesus’ life and mission, showing that their hardships are part of a bigger story unfolding.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
  • Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
  • James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“ye” Greek G5343 · used in 31 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 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

“persecute” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.