New Testament
Luke 9:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to respond when they are not welcomed in a town.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
If a town won't welcome you, shake the dust off your feet as you leave — as a witness against them."
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.
Verse Analysis
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
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.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.