New Testament
Luke 10:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now go! But understand this — I'm sending you out like lambs into a pack of wolves.
Compare translations
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
What Luke 10:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is instructing His disciples to go out and spread His message. The imagery of being sent as 'lambs among wolves' highlights the danger and vulnerability they will face in a hostile environment. Lambs are gentle and defenseless, while wolves are predatory and aggressive. This metaphor emphasizes the challenges of sharing the Gospel, as the disciples will encounter opposition and hostility. Jesus is preparing them for the reality that their mission will not be easy, but it is essential. He wants them to be aware of the risks involved while also encouraging them to proceed with faith and courage. The call to go signifies action and urgency in their mission, reminding them that they are not alone; they are sent with a purpose and divine backing. This verse serves as a reminder that while the path of faith may be fraught with challenges, it is also a vital part of their calling as followers of Christ.
How to apply Luke 10:3 to your life
When facing challenges in sharing your faith, remember that you may encounter resistance. Stay courageous and trust in God's guidance. Approach your mission with humility and love, knowing that you are not alone in your efforts to spread the message of hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out More Disciples (Luke 10:1–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 10:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 10:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:3 mean?
In Luke 10:3, Jesus is sending His disciples to share His message, comparing them to 'lambs among wolves' to illustrate the dangers and challenges they will face in a hostile environment.
What is the meaning of 'lambs among wolves' in Luke 10:3?
The phrase 'lambs among wolves' signifies the vulnerability of the disciples as they embark on their mission, highlighting the potential for opposition and hostility they will encounter.
How can I apply Luke 10:3 in my life?
You can apply Luke 10:3 by being courageous in sharing your faith, understanding that you may face challenges, and trusting in God's guidance as you spread hope and love.
What does Jesus mean by sending disciples like lambs?
By sending disciples like lambs, Jesus emphasizes their innocence and vulnerability, reminding them that they will need to rely on faith and divine support in a world that may be hostile to their message.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.