Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The instruction to "first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" isn't just a polite greeting; it's a divine impartation of peace that has the power to transform. This command implies that the peace Jesus offers is not merely a wish, but a tangible blessing the disciples carry, intended to rest upon and dwell within those who receive it.
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is sending out seventy more followers, like an advance team, to prepare towns for his arrival. He instructs them to seek out specific individuals, to be frugal, and to be ready for both acceptance and rejection. This specific verse is part of Jesus' instructions on how to enter a home and the initial greeting they are to offer as a blessing before delivering their message.
When Jesus sent out his followers, he gave them a specific greeting to offer. What made this simple phrase so significant?
Jesus instructed his disciples to begin their ministry by saying, 'Peace be to this house!' This wasn't just a casual hello. It was a powerful, spiritual declaration.
What happens when a divine message of peace is offered? Jesus' words reveal a remarkable truth about its reception.
Jesus didn't just want his disciples to say 'Peace be to this house,' he wanted them to understand the impact of that declaration. The response to their greeting was crucial:
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Understand the original words
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A Hebrew concept (Shalom) extending beyond mere absence of conflict; it represents wholeness, prosperity, harmony, and well-being in a right relationship with God.
This passage highlights 'peace' as a common oriental salutation and a standard greeting, similar to how Jesus instructs his disciples to use it.
Matthew 10:12This passage is a parallel account where Jesus gives similar instructions to his disciples, emphasizing the importance of their greeting and the 'son of peace'.
1 Kings 4:31This story illustrates the concept of urgent messages that require minimal social interruption, paralleling Jesus' instruction to 'salute no man by the way' to focus on their mission.
Romans 10:15This passage connects the concept of those sent and their beautiful message of peace to the overall mission of spreading the Gospel.
vincentLuke 10:5: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
Peace to this houseThe usual oriental salutation. See Judges 19:20.
clarkeLuke 10:5: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
Peace be to this house - See on Matthew 10:12 (note).
The instruction to "first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" isn't just a polite greeting; it's a divine impartation of peace that has the power to transform. This command implies that the peace Jesus offers is not merely a wish, but a tangible blessing the disciples carry, intended to rest upon and dwell within those who receive it.
Jesus is sending out seventy more followers, like an advance team, to prepare towns for his arrival. He instructs them to seek out specific individuals, to be frugal, and to be ready for both acceptance and rejection. This specific verse is part of Jesus' instructions on how to enter a home and the initial greeting they are to offer as a blessing before delivering their message.
Jesus is sending out seventy more followers, like an advance team, to prepare towns for his arrival. He instructs them to seek out specific individuals, to be frugal, and to be ready for both acceptance and rejection. This specific verse is part of Jesus' instructions on how to enter a home and the initial greeting they are to offer as a blessing before delivering their message.
"Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" — The instruction to "first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" isn't just a polite greeting; it's a divine impartation of peace that has the power to transform. This command implies that the peace Jesus o…
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Last reviewed October 2026