New Testament
Luke 9:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If a town won't welcome you, shake the dust off your feet as you leave — as a witness against them."
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And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
What Luke 9:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to respond when they are not welcomed in a town. Shaking the dust off their feet symbolizes a clear break from that place and serves as a testimony against the people who rejected them. This act signifies that the disciples have fulfilled their responsibility to share the message of the Gospel, and now they leave the consequences of rejection to those who chose not to listen. It emphasizes the seriousness of accepting or rejecting the message of God. The act of shaking off dust is a cultural practice that indicates a clean separation, showing that the disciples are not carrying the rejection with them. This teaching prepares the disciples for the reality that not everyone will accept their message, and it encourages them to move on to those who will. It also serves as a reminder that the responsibility lies with the hearers to respond appropriately to the message of Christ.
How to apply Luke 9:5 to your life
When faced with rejection or hostility while sharing your faith, remember that it is not your fault. Move on gracefully, knowing you have done your part. Focus on those who are open to hearing the message and continue to spread positivity and hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Luke 9:1–6)
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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.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 9:5
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 9:5 mean?
Luke 9:5 means that when Jesus' disciples are not welcomed in a town, they should shake the dust off their feet as a sign of leaving that place behind. This act symbolizes a clear separation from those who rejected their message and serves as a testimony against them.
What is the significance of shaking the dust off in Luke 9:5?
Shaking the dust off in Luke 9:5 signifies a cultural practice of distancing oneself from rejection. It indicates that the disciples have fulfilled their duty to share the Gospel and are not carrying the burden of that rejection with them.
How should I apply Luke 9:5 in my life?
You can apply Luke 9:5 by recognizing that rejection in sharing your faith is not a personal failure. Instead, focus on those who are open to your message and move on gracefully when faced with hostility.
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