New Testament
Matthew 10:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus sent out these twelve and instructed them, saying, 'Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans.'
Compare translations
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
What Matthew 10:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples with specific instructions. He tells them not to go to the Gentiles or enter the cities of the Samaritans. This directive highlights the initial focus of Jesus' ministry on the Jewish people. At this time, the disciples were to concentrate on the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing the importance of reaching their own people first. The Gentiles and Samaritans were often viewed with suspicion and hostility by the Jews, so this instruction reflects the cultural and religious context of the time. Jesus' mission was to fulfill the promises made to Israel before extending His message to the wider world. This verse sets the stage for understanding the unfolding of the Gospel, which later includes all nations. It also illustrates the importance of following divine guidance in ministry and outreach, as the disciples were to be obedient to Jesus' specific commands.
How to apply Matthew 10:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in our own missions and outreach efforts. It reminds us to focus on our immediate communities and relationships before expanding our reach. Understanding cultural contexts can enhance our effectiveness in sharing the Gospel.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 10:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 10:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 Matthew 10:5 mean?
Matthew 10:5 describes Jesus sending His twelve disciples with specific instructions not to go to Gentiles or Samaritans, indicating His initial focus on the Jewish people. This reflects the cultural context of the time and emphasizes the importance of reaching their own people first.
What can we learn from Matthew 10:5 about outreach?
Matthew 10:5 teaches the importance of seeking God's guidance in outreach efforts and focusing on immediate communities before expanding to broader audiences, considering cultural contexts for effective communication.
How does Matthew 10:5 relate to the overall message of the Gospel?
This verse sets the stage for the Gospel's unfolding, showing that while Jesus initially focused on Israel, His message would eventually extend to all nations, illustrating the progression of His mission.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.