New Testament
Matthew 10:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If anyone refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or town.
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And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
What Matthew 10:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to respond to rejection when they share His message. If people do not welcome them or listen to their teachings, they are to shake the dust off their feet as a symbolic act of leaving that place behind. This gesture signifies that they are not responsible for the rejection and that they are moving on to others who may be more receptive. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in their mission and the need to focus on those who are willing to hear the message. This act also serves as a warning to those who reject the message, indicating that they have missed an important opportunity. Overall, it teaches the disciples to remain steadfast in their mission, even in the face of opposition, and to recognize when it is time to move on.
How to apply Matthew 10:14 to your life
When sharing your beliefs or values, be prepared for rejection. This verse encourages you to not take it personally and to move on to those who are open to listening. Focus your energy on positive interactions rather than dwelling on negativity.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does shaking the dust off your feet mean?
Shaking the dust off your feet is a symbolic act that signifies leaving behind a place or situation where you are not welcomed or heard. In Matthew 10:14, Jesus instructs His disciples to perform this gesture as a way to show that they are not responsible for the rejection of their message. It serves as a reminder to move on to those who are more receptive to their teachings.
How should I respond to rejection when sharing my beliefs?
When faced with rejection while sharing your beliefs, it's important to remember that not everyone will be open to your message. Matthew 10:14 encourages you to not take it personally and to shake off the negativity. Focus on those who are willing to listen and engage positively, rather than dwelling on those who reject you.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 10:14?
Matthew 10:14 teaches us about the importance of perseverance in our mission to share our beliefs. It highlights that rejection is a part of the process and encourages us to recognize when it's time to move on. This verse reminds us to focus our efforts on those who are receptive and to not let rejection deter us from our purpose.
Is it okay to walk away from people who reject my message?
Yes, according to Matthew 10:14, it is acceptable to walk away from those who reject your message. Jesus advises His disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a way to signify that they are moving on. This act emphasizes the importance of not feeling responsible for others' rejection and encourages you to invest your time and energy in those who are open to hearing your message.
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