Mark 6:11
And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Shaking off the dust from their feet wasn't just a symbolic gesture of rejection; it was a powerful declaration that the very ground of that place was now "defiled" by their refusal of God's message, making them worse than even the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in God's eyes. This act served as a tangible witness against them, a stark reminder that they had been offered salvation and chose to reject it.
Jesus sends out the twelve disciples with specific instructions not to take provisions for their journey, emphasizing their reliance on God and the hospitality of those who receive them. This follows His own rejection in Nazareth and His sending out of the disciples, equipping them with authority to heal and cast out demons. The instruction in this verse directly addresses what they should do when their message of repentance is rejected by a town or village, serving as a stark warning about the consequences of despising God's messengers.
Imagine delivering a message of life, only to be met with stony silence or outright hostility. Jesus gives His disciples a powerful, physical way to respond.
When Jesus sent out the Twelve, He instructed them on how to handle rejection. If a town or house refused to listen to their message, they were to 'shake off the dust that is on your feet.' This wasn't just a casual gesture; it was a potent symbol.
The Meaning of the Dust
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Jesus doesn't mince words about the consequences of rejecting His messengers. Some places will face a harsher judgment than infamous cities of wickedness.
The second part of Jesus' instruction is stark: 'Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.' This reveals the immense gravity of rejecting God's offered grace.
Why Sodom and Gomorrah?
Understand the original words
martyrion · Greek Noun
A public declaration or formal witness that serves as evidence of a truth, often implying judgment or affirmation of a fact. In this context, it signifies the rejection of the gospel by the recipients.
This instruction to shake off the dust was a powerful symbolic act, signifying a complete break with those who rejected God's message and a declaration that their impenitence would bring severe judgment, even worse than that faced by ancient cities like Sodom.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out His twelve disciples on a specific mission throughout Galilee, giving them authority over unclean spirits and providing instructions for their journey and ministry.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples preach and heal
The disciples go out in pairs, preaching repentance, casting out demons, and healing the sick, demonstrating the power and message entrusted to them by Jesus.
c. 27-30 AD
Rejection and symbolic action
When faced with rejection or disbelief in a town, the disciples are instructed to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against the unrepentant.
c. 30 AD
Return of the Twelve
The disciples return to Jesus, reporting on their mission and sharing their experiences, both successes and rejections.
This passage records Jesus giving the same instruction to the twelve disciples, highlighting the seriousness of rejecting God's messengers and their message.
Luke 9:5Luke also recounts this instruction, emphasizing that the disciples should shake off the dust as a testimony, underscoring the act's symbolic weight against those who refuse the Gospel.
Acts 13:51This New Testament example shows Paul and Barnabas physically shaking the dust off their feet when expelled from Antioch, demonstrating the practical application of Jesus' command.
Acts 18:6Similarly, Paul shakes the dust off his clothes in Corinth when the Jews oppose him, illustrating this symbolic act as a declaration of separation from those who reject the Word.
Jeremiah 18:16This Old Testament prophecy shows God's people becoming a desolation and hissing, reflecting the ultimate consequence and spiritual separation that results from rejecting God's messengers and warnings, similar to the prophecy here.
gillMark 6:11: "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
And, whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you,.... Who would neither take them into their houses, nor hear what they had to say to them: when ye depart thence; from the house or the city, or town, in which it is, shake off th…
calvinMark 6:8-11: "And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:"
- Do not provide gold, nor silver, [574] nor brass in your purses, 10. Nor scrip for the journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. 11. But into whatsoever city or village you shall enter, inquire what person in it is worthy, and remain there till you depart. 12. And when you shall enter a house, salute it.…
Shaking off the dust from their feet wasn't just a symbolic gesture of rejection; it was a powerful declaration that the very ground of that place was now "defiled" by their refusal of God's message, making them worse than even the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in God's eyes. This act served as a tangible witness against them, a stark reminder that they had been offered salvation and chose to reject it.
Jesus sends out the twelve disciples with specific instructions not to take provisions for their journey, emphasizing their reliance on God and the hospitality of those who receive them. This follows His own rejection in Nazareth and His sending out of the disciples, equipping them with authority to heal and cast out demons. The instruction in this verse directly addresses what they should do when their message of repentance is rejected by a town or village, serving as a stark warning about the consequences of despising God's messengers.
Jesus sends out the twelve disciples with specific instructions not to take provisions for their journey, emphasizing their reliance on God and the hospitality of those who receive them. This follows His own rejection in Nazareth and His sending out of the disciples, equipping them with authority to heal and cast out demons. The instruction in this verse directly addresses what they should do when their message of repentance is rejected by a town or village, serving as a stark warning about the consequences of despising God's messengers.
"And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”" — Shaking off the dust from their feet wasn't just a symbolic gesture of rejection; it was a powerful declaration that the very ground of that place was now "defiled" by their refusal of God's message,…
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