But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

MATTHEW 10:6KJV
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Matthew 10:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:6 mean?

Matthew 10:6 records Jesus instructing his disciples to focus their mission on “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” meaning they were to seek out and help Jewish people who had strayed from God. At this stage, their outreach was not to the wider world but specifically to their own people.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking directly to his twelve disciples as he sends them out for their first mission. The phrase “lost sheep” paints a picture of people who have wandered away or are spiritually in need. By saying “the house of Israel,” Jesus is narrowing their assignment to the Jewish community, highlighting a focused and purposeful beginning to their ministry.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:6

  • “Lost” (ἀπολωλότα, apolōlota): This word is often understood as “destroyed” or “perished,” but in this context, it means those who are spiritually lost or in need of guidance. It emphasizes the urgent need for restoration.
  • “Sheep” (πρόβατα, probata): Sheep were a common symbol for people in need of care and direction. The use of this word underlines the idea of vulnerability and dependence.
  • “House” (οἶκος, oikos): This term refers to a household or family, here meaning the people of Israel as a whole group, not just individual families.

Why Matthew 10:6 matters

  • Matthew 10:6 clarifies that Jesus’ initial mission was directed specifically to the Jewish people, not to Gentiles or Samaritans, which is an important detail in understanding the unfolding of his ministry.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ compassion for those within his own community who were spiritually lost, showing a pattern of starting ministry “at home” before expanding outward.
  • This instruction sets the stage for later developments in the New Testament, where the message is eventually taken to all nations, making the progression of Jesus’ mission clearer.

Where else these words appear

“sheep” Greek G4263 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

“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.

“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.

“lost” 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.