These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

MATTHEW 10:5KJV
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Matthew 10:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:5 mean?

Matthew 10:5 describes Jesus sending out His twelve disciples with specific instructions not to go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but instead to focus their mission elsewhere for the time being. Jesus is setting clear boundaries for where the disciples should and should not go as they begin their ministry.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to the twelve disciples, giving them their first assignment as His messengers. The instruction to avoid Gentile and Samaritan areas highlights that, at this stage, their mission is directed toward the Jewish people. This focus fits the immediate context, as Jesus is preparing His followers to reach out first to those within their own community before the message later spreads more widely.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:5

  • "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē): This word refers to non-Jewish people or nations. Jesus’ instruction not to go to the Gentiles shows a deliberate limitation, emphasizing the initial focus on the Jewish population.
  • "Samaritans" (Σαμαρειτῶν, Samareitōn): The Samaritans were a distinct group with a complex relationship to the Jews. By telling the disciples not to enter any Samaritan city, Jesus is further narrowing their immediate mission field.
  • "Commanded" (παραγγείλας, parangeilas): This word carries the sense of giving a direct order or instruction, stressing that Jesus’ directions are not suggestions but authoritative commands for the disciples’ first mission.

Why Matthew 10:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ initial ministry strategy was to reach the Jewish people first, which helps explain the order and progression of the gospel’s spread in the New Testament.
  • It addresses a common misunderstanding that Jesus’ message was always meant for everyone right away; instead, there was a specific sequence in how the message was shared.
  • Matthew 10:5 sets the stage for the disciples’ training, showing how Jesus gradually expanded their mission and prepared them for broader outreach later in the story.

Where else these words appear

“Samaritans” Greek G4541 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
  • Luke 17:16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
  • John 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

“These” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“commanded” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
  • 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.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.