New Testament
Matthew 10:5
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 is sending out His twelve disciples with specific instructions.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.'
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:
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related discipleship.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.
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