And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

MATTHEW 10:28KJV
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Matthew 10:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:28 mean?

Matthew 10:28 teaches that people should not be afraid of those who can only harm their physical bodies but cannot touch their souls; instead, they should have a greater respect or reverence for God, who has authority over both soul and body, even to the point of final judgment in hell. This verse shifts the focus from earthly threats to the ultimate power and authority of God.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He sends them out to spread His message, warning them about coming persecution and opposition. Jesus encourages them not to let fear of human violence or death control them, since human power is limited to the body. The verse emphasizes that God alone has the final say over both physical life and spiritual destiny, highlighting the seriousness of God’s authority compared to any human threat.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:28

  • "fear" (φοβέω, phobeō): This Greek word means to be afraid, but it can also mean to show deep respect or reverence. Here, Jesus uses it to contrast being afraid of people versus having a proper awe of God’s authority.
  • "soul" (ψυχή, psychē): This word refers to the inner life or the true self, not just the physical body. Jesus draws a line between what people can do to the body and what only God can do to the soul.
  • "destroy" (ἀπόλλυμι, apollymi): This word can mean to ruin, lose, or destroy completely. The sense here is not just physical death, but total loss or ruin, especially in the context of judgment.
  • "hell" (γέεννα, geenna): This word refers to a place of final judgment, often pictured as a place of punishment after death. Jesus uses it to stress the seriousness of God’s authority over eternal outcomes.

Why Matthew 10:28 matters

  • Matthew 10:28 corrects the common fear of human threats by reminding readers that God’s authority is far greater and more lasting than anything people can do.
  • The verse highlights the difference between temporary, physical harm and the eternal significance of the soul, helping readers see what truly matters in the face of danger or persecution.
  • In the wider context, this teaching prepares Jesus’ followers for courage and steadfastness, grounding their confidence not in their own safety, but in God’s ultimate power and justice.

Where else these words appear

“hell” Greek G1067 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

“kill” Greek G615 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 14:5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
  • Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

“rather” Greek G3123 · used in 81 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

“destroy” Greek G622 · used in 86 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.
  • Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.