New Testament
Matthew 10:9
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Don't carry gold, silver, or copper in your money belts.
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Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
What Matthew 10:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Matthew 10:9, Jesus instructs His disciples not to carry any money or valuables while they go out to preach. This directive emphasizes reliance on God for their needs rather than on material wealth. By not carrying gold, silver, or copper, the disciples are encouraged to focus on their mission and trust that God will provide for them through the hospitality of others. This teaching reflects a broader principle of faith and dependence on divine provision, highlighting the importance of spiritual over material wealth. The disciples are to enter homes and towns with the message of the Gospel, relying on the generosity of those who receive them. This approach also serves to demonstrate the sincerity of their mission, as they are not distracted by financial concerns. Overall, this verse illustrates the call to prioritize spiritual work and trust in God's provision, reinforcing the idea that the Kingdom of God is not about material possessions but about faith and service.
How to apply Matthew 10:9 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this teaching by prioritizing our spiritual goals over material concerns. We should trust that God will provide for our needs as we focus on serving others and sharing our faith. This encourages us to live simply and generously, relying on God's guidance.
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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Keep studying Matthew 10:9
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Key themes
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 10:9 teach about material possessions?
Matthew 10:9 teaches that Jesus instructed His disciples not to carry any money or valuables while preaching. This emphasizes the importance of relying on God for their needs instead of depending on material wealth. It encourages believers to focus on their spiritual mission and trust that God will provide through the kindness of others.
How can I apply the message of Matthew 10:9 in my life?
You can apply the message of Matthew 10:9 by prioritizing your spiritual goals over material concerns. Trust that God will provide for your needs as you serve others and share your faith. This might involve living simply, being generous with what you have, and focusing on building relationships rather than accumulating wealth.
Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to carry money?
Jesus told His disciples not to carry money to teach them to rely on God for their needs and to demonstrate their commitment to the mission. By not carrying valuables, they could focus entirely on spreading the Gospel and trust that God would provide for them through the hospitality of those they encountered.
What is the significance of relying on God according to Matthew 10:9?
The significance of relying on God in Matthew 10:9 is that it highlights the importance of faith and dependence on divine provision. It shows that spiritual work takes precedence over material concerns, encouraging believers to trust in God's care and the generosity of others as they pursue their mission.
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