New Testament
Mark 6:11
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If any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet as you leave, as a testimony against them. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
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And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
What Mark 6:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to respond to towns that reject their message. Shaking the dust off their feet symbolizes a clear break from those who refuse to listen. It serves as a warning that such rejection has serious consequences. Jesus emphasizes that the judgment for those who turn away from His message will be severe, even more so than the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, known for their wickedness. This highlights the importance of accepting the gospel and the gravity of ignoring it. The act of shaking dust off their feet is not just a cultural gesture; it signifies a serious spiritual warning and a call to accountability for those who choose to reject the truth. It reminds us that there are consequences for our choices regarding faith and acceptance of God's message.
How to apply Mark 6:11 to your life
When sharing your faith, be prepared for rejection. If people refuse to listen, don’t take it personally. Instead, move on and focus on those who are open to the message. Remember, everyone is accountable for their response to the truth.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Mark 6:7–13)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 6:11 mean?
Mark 6:11 conveys Jesus' instruction to His disciples on how to handle rejection. If a town does not welcome them or listen to their message, they should shake the dust off their feet as a sign of disassociation and a warning of the serious consequences of rejecting the gospel.
What is the significance of shaking the dust off in Mark 6:11?
Shaking the dust off symbolizes a complete break from those who refuse to accept the message. It serves as a spiritual warning and indicates that the rejected message carries serious consequences for those who choose to ignore it.
What does Jesus mean by Sodom and Gomorrah in Mark 6:11?
In Mark 6:11, Jesus refers to Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of cities that faced severe judgment for their wickedness. He emphasizes that the judgment for those who reject His message will be even harsher than what those cities experienced.
How should I respond to rejection when sharing my faith, based on Mark 6:11?
Mark 6:11 teaches that when faced with rejection, it's important not to take it personally. Instead, move on to those who are receptive to the message, understanding that everyone is responsible for their response to the truth.
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