Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

MATTHEW 10:8KJV
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Matthew 10:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:8 mean?

Matthew 10:8 records Jesus instructing his disciples to heal the sick, cleanse those with leprosy, raise the dead, and cast out demons, emphasizing that they should give freely because they have freely received these abilities. The verse highlights both the miraculous acts the disciples are to perform and the generous spirit in which they are to serve others.

Jesus is speaking directly to his twelve disciples as he sends them out on a mission to the people of Israel. He lists specific acts—healing, cleansing, raising, and casting out—as signs of God’s power at work through them. The final command, to give freely, stresses that these gifts and powers are not for personal gain but are to be shared without expecting payment, reflecting the way the disciples themselves received them from Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:8

  • "Freely" (δωρεάν, dōrean) is used twice here, meaning "as a gift" or "without cost." This repetition underlines that the disciples’ ministry must not be motivated by profit or reward, but by generosity.
  • "Heal" (θεραπεύετε, therapeuete) is the word for providing care or restoring health, not just physically but sometimes with a sense of attentive service.
  • "Cast out" (ἐκβάλλετε, ekballein) means to drive out or expel, used here for removing evil spirits, showing active authority over spiritual forces.
  • "Devils" (δαιμόνια, daimonia) refers to evil spirits or demons, not the devil himself, clarifying that Jesus is talking about exorcisms, not a battle with Satan directly.

Why Matthew 10:8 matters

  • Matthew 10:8 clarifies that the miraculous powers given to the disciples are not for their own benefit or to be used for personal profit, but are to be shared freely, just as they were received.
  • The verse connects the disciples’ actions directly to Jesus’ authority and mission, showing that their ministry is an extension of his work and compassion.
  • By listing specific miracles, Matthew 10:8 shows the practical ways the disciples are to demonstrate God’s kingdom, making clear that their message is backed by real acts of mercy and power.

Where else these words appear

“freely” Greek G1432 · used in 8 verses

  • John 15:25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

“lepers” Greek G3015 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
  • Matthew 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

“cleanse” Greek G2511 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

“sick” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?