‘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)
The seemingly harsh act of wiping dust off as a public condemnation is contrasted with the persistent message of hope. Even when rejected, the kingdom of God is declared to be near, highlighting its unstoppable advance and the urgent call to embrace it, regardless of the people's response.
‘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)
Jesus has just sent out seventy messengers to prepare towns for his arrival, instructing them to pronounce peace and heal the sick. When these messengers encounter resistance or rejection in a town, this verse describes their final act: shaking off the dust from their feet as a testimony against the town, while still declaring that the Kingdom of God has drawn near. This action serves as a stark warning and a prophetic judgment, indicating that despite their rejection, the opportunity for God's kingdom was indeed present.
Imagine traveling a long distance, only to be met with hostility. What do you do with the 'dust' of that place clinging to you?
When Jesus sent out his seventy disciples, he instructed them on how to respond to towns that rejected their message of God's coming kingdom. This wasn't just about being messy; wiping off the dust was a symbolic act.
A Prophetic Gesture
It was a tangible sign that the disciples, and by extension God himself, were separating themselves from those who refused to listen. This act declared that the town's rejection meant they were forfeiting the blessings of the kingdom and aligning themselves with judgment. It was a solemn pronouncement, not a petty act of anger.
A Testimony Against Them
This gesture served as a stark reminder to the townspeople that they had been given an opportunity – an encounter with the very kingdom of God – and they had chosen to dismiss it. The dust, a reminder of their presence, became a symbol of their rejection.
Even when people slam the door in your face, the greatest news imaginable is still on its way. How can that be?
The remarkable part of this instruction is what immediately follows the act of rejection: 'Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.'
Proclaimed Regardless
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This message was to be declared even to those who rejected the messengers. It highlights that the arrival of God's kingdom is not dependent on human acceptance. The disciples' mission was to announce its proximity, and that announcement itself was a powerful reality, regardless of the reception.
A Turning Point
The coming of the kingdom represents a divine intervention, a new era where God's reign is actively being established. To reject the messengers was to reject the King and the dawning of his reign. This truth was a stark warning, but also a profound reality – God's plan was advancing, and no amount of rejection could stop it.
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 message wasn't just a spiritual pronouncement; it was a divinely appointed act of judgment. The disciples' dusting off the dust signified that rejection of God's messengers was a rejection of God's kingdom itself, carrying serious consequences.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Commissions the Seventy
Jesus sends out seventy disciples, commissioning them to go ahead of Him into towns and places He intended to visit. This mission was a direct preparation for His own arrival and ministry.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples Proclaim Kingdom's Arrival
The seventy disciples proclaimed, "The kingdom of God has come near you." Their mission was to announce the imminent arrival of God's reign through Jesus.
c. 27-30 AD
The 'Dust' Gesture of Rejection
If a town rejected the disciples' message, they were instructed to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against that town. This was a potent symbol of severing ties and leaving the town to face judgment.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus Himself followed the path of the seventy, continuing His public ministry, teaching, healing, and calling people to repentance as the Kingdom of God was being established through His actions.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Despite the message of the approaching kingdom, Jesus was ultimately rejected by many religious and political leaders, leading to His crucifixion.
c. 40s-60s AD
Apostolic Ministry and Witness
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers continued to preach the message of the Kingdom, encountering both acceptance and rejection in various cities, as recorded in Acts.
This passage describes Jesus giving the same instruction to the twelve apostles when he first sent them out, showing this act of shaking off dust was a consistent sign against those who rejected his messengers.
Acts 13:51When Paul and Barnabas were rejected in Antioch of Pisidia, they shook the dust from their feet, demonstrating this same practice as a powerful testimony against their hearers.
Mark 6:11This parallel account also records Jesus' instruction to his disciples to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against any town that would not receive them.
Luke 10:9This verse immediately precedes the one in question, highlighting that the message of the kingdom's nearness was the core proclamation, and the 'dust' action was the consequence of its rejection.
Matthew 10:7This verse shows the positive side of the mission: the disciples were to proclaim, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' The action in Luke 10:11 is the direct counterpoint to this good news when it's refused.
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.
The seemingly harsh act of wiping dust off as a public condemnation is contrasted with the persistent message of hope. Even when rejected, the kingdom of God is declared to be near, highlighting its unstoppable advance and the urgent call to embrace it, regardless of the people's response.
Jesus has just sent out seventy messengers to prepare towns for his arrival, instructing them to pronounce peace and heal the sick. When these messengers encounter resistance or rejection in a town, this verse describes their final act: shaking off the dust from their feet as a testimony against the town, while still declaring that the Kingdom of God has drawn near. This action serves as a stark warning and a prophetic judgment, indicating that despite their rejection, the opportunity for God's kingdom was indeed present.
Jesus has just sent out seventy messengers to prepare towns for his arrival, instructing them to pronounce peace and heal the sick. When these messengers encounter resistance or rejection in a town, this verse describes their final act: shaking off the dust from their feet as a testimony against the town, while still declaring that the Kingdom of God has drawn near. This action serves as a stark warning and a prophetic judgment, indicating that despite their rejection, the opportunity for God's kingdom was indeed present.
"‘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.’" — The seemingly harsh act of wiping dust off as a public condemnation is contrasted with the persistent message of hope. Even when rejected, the kingdom of God is declared to be near, highlighting its…
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Last reviewed October 2026