Luke 10:11
‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Even though the message of God's kingdom is rejected, the messengers aren't just leaving; they are performing a symbolic act of wiping away the dust, signifying that the rejected message will stand as a witness against those who refuse it. This emphasizes that the arrival of God's kingdom is an undeniable reality, regardless of people's acceptance or rejection.
Jesus has sent out seventy disciples to go ahead of him into towns and villages, announcing that the Kingdom of God is near. This verse describes their response when a town rejects their message, signifying a definitive break and a warning that God’s kingdom, though refused, has still come close to them.
What does it mean to 'wipe the dust off your feet'?
When Jesus sent out the seventy, he gave them a powerful, symbolic action to perform when a town rejected their message: shaking off the dust. This wasn't just a casual gesture; it was a public declaration.
A Sign of Judgment
The dust clinging to their sandals represented the impurity and contamination of the town's rejection. By wiping it off, the disciples were symbolically leaving behind that rejection and any association with those who refused to listen. It was a statement that the kingdom's message had been offered, and it was now being withdrawn from them.
A Testimony Against Them
This act served as a testimony against the unrepentant towns. It meant that even the very 'dust' from their city, which was considered common and perhaps even defiling in this context, was being rejected by God's messengers. This carried a weight of judgment, indicating that their stubbornness would have serious consequences.
Even in the face of rejection, the message must go on. But how?
The remarkable part of this command is what follows the act of judgment. Even after shaking off the dust, the disciples are still to declare, 'the kingdom of God has come near.'
Unwavering Proclamation
This shows the incredible urgency and importance of the kingdom's arrival. Rejection doesn't stop the message; it underscores the gravity of what is being refused. The disciples' mission was to announce the nearness of God's reign, and that truth remained, regardless of the listeners' response.
A Prophetic Warning
By declaring the kingdom's proximity even after the symbolic act of judgment, the disciples were delivering a final, profound warning. It meant that the opportunity was real and present, but also that its rejection would be met with divine consequences. The 'kingdom of God' was no longer a distant hope; it was a present reality that demanded a decision.
Understand the original words
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The rule, reign, or sovereign authority of God over all creation, which was inaugurated through the ministry of Jesus Christ and will be fully realized in the future.
This instruction to shake off the dust is a powerful symbolic act, declaring that rejection of God's messengers means rejection of God's kingdom itself. It highlights the urgency and gravity of the message the disciples carried.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Commissions the Seventy
Jesus sends out seventy additional disciples, two by two, to prepare towns for his coming. They are instructed to bring no provisions and to rely on hospitality.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples Preach and Heal
The seventy disciples travel and proclaim that the 'kingdom of God has come near.' They also perform signs and wonders in Jesus' name, demonstrating God's power.
c. 27-30 AD
Rejection and Warning
When some towns refuse to welcome the disciples, they are instructed to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against them. This act signifies a complete break from those who reject God's messengers.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry Continues
Jesus himself travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the imminent arrival of God's kingdom, facing continued opposition from religious leaders.
This passage also instructs Jesus' disciples to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against those who reject their message, highlighting the significance of this symbolic act.
Acts 13:51Here, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet against the people of Pisidian Antioch, showing this practice was carried out as a formal witness when encountering rejection.
Acts 18:6Similarly, Paul shakes the dust from his clothing in Corinth when the Jews oppose and blaspheme, demonstrating this was a tangible sign of judgment and separation.
Mark 6:11This verse records Jesus instructing his disciples to do the same – shake off dust – if a town does not welcome them, underscoring its consistent application as a sign against unbelief.
Luke 10:9This verse immediately precedes the one provided, showing that the 'kingdom of God has come near' was the initial message of healing and peace offered, making the rejection even more significant.
vincentLuke 10:11: "Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
Dust (κονιορτὸν)From κόνις, dust, and ὄρνυμι, to stir up. Strictly, dust that is raised by walking.CleavethSee on Matthew 19:5. Frequent in medical language of the uniting of wounds.Wipe off (ἀπομάσσομεθα)See on Luke 5:2. Only here in New Testament.
wesleyLuke 10:11: "Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
10:11 The kingdom of God is at hand - Though ye will not receive it.
Even though the message of God's kingdom is rejected, the messengers aren't just leaving; they are performing a symbolic act of wiping away the dust, signifying that the rejected message will stand as a witness against those who refuse it. This emphasizes that the arrival of God's kingdom is an undeniable reality, regardless of people's acceptance or rejection.
Jesus has sent out seventy disciples to go ahead of him into towns and villages, announcing that the Kingdom of God is near. This verse describes their response when a town rejects their message, signifying a definitive break and a warning that God’s kingdom, though refused, has still come close to them.
Jesus has sent out seventy disciples to go ahead of him into towns and villages, announcing that the Kingdom of God is near. This verse describes their response when a town rejects their message, signifying a definitive break and a warning that God’s kingdom, though refused, has still come close to them.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 10:11 is available in the Sola app.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Despite the widespread proclamation of the kingdom, Jesus is ultimately rejected by many, arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem.
c. 40-60 AD
Apostolic Ministry and Spreading the Gospel
Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the apostles and early believers continue to preach the message of the kingdom, facing persecution and spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
"‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’" — Even though the message of God's kingdom is rejected, the messengers aren't just leaving; they are performing a symbolic act of wiping away the dust, signifying that the rejected message will stand a…
