New Testament

Matthew 10:23

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 followers on how to respond to persecution.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

When they persecute you in one city, escape to the next. I tell you the truth: you won't finish going through all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

KJVKing James Version

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus instructs His followers on how to respond to persecution. He advises them to flee to another city if they face hostility in one place. This reflects the urgency and seriousness of their mission. Jesus emphasizes that they will not finish their journey through all the cities of Israel before He returns, indicating the imminent nature of His coming. This statement serves as a reminder of the transient nature of their work and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. The mention of the 'Son of Man' coming highlights the hope and expectation of His return, which should motivate the disciples to continue their mission despite difficulties. The verse encourages believers to be wise and strategic in their ministry, understanding that not every place will be receptive to their message.

Key themes

Related topics

persecution, fear, strength

How to apply Matthew 10:23 to your life

When facing challenges or rejection in our lives, we can learn from this verse to seek new opportunities rather than becoming discouraged. It encourages us to be adaptable and persistent in our efforts to share our faith, knowing that our work is part of a larger purpose.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 10:23 mean?

Matthew 10:23 means that Jesus is advising His followers to flee to another city if they face persecution. This reflects the urgency of their mission and the need to continue spreading their message despite challenges.

What is the significance of the 'Son of Man' in Matthew 10:23?

The 'Son of Man' in Matthew 10:23 refers to Jesus Himself, indicating His future return. This highlights the importance of the disciples' mission and the expectation of His coming.

How should we respond to rejection according to Matthew 10:23?

According to Matthew 10:23, we should respond to rejection by seeking new opportunities rather than becoming discouraged. It encourages adaptability and persistence in sharing our faith.

What themes are present in Matthew 10:23?

Themes in Matthew 10:23 include persecution, the urgency of the mission, the hope of Christ's return, and the importance of strategic ministry in the face of challenges.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew 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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.