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)
Shaking the dust off their feet wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was a declaration that the very ground of a rejecting city was now contaminated by their refusal of God's message. This act served as a stark, physical testimony, proclaiming that the messengers had fulfilled their duty and that divine judgment awaited those who dismissed it.
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)
Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples on a special mission, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel light, relying on the hospitality of those who would receive them, and to stay in one place once welcomed. This verse comes as part of the instructions for what to do when their message and presence are rejected by a town or household.
What happens when people don't listen to God's message, even when delivered by His messengers? Jesus gives a powerful, physical action to signify the gravity of such rejection.
A Symbolic Act of Judgment
Jesus instructs His disciples that when a town or house refuses to hear their message, they are to "shake off the dust that is on your feet." This wasn't just a casual gesture; it was a profound symbolic act.
What the Dust Represented:
This action underscored that rejecting the message of God's messengers was not a minor offense but a serious matter with eternal consequences.
Jesus doesn't mince words when comparing the rejection of His message to ancient cities known for their wickedness. Why such a strong comparison?
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More Tolerable Than Sodom?
Jesus adds a chilling statement: "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city." While some ancient manuscripts omit this phrase, its presence in others highlights a crucial theological point.
The Greater the Light, The Greater the Accountability:
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.
The instruction to shake off the dust was a powerful, symbolic act rooted in ancient Jewish custom, signifying a complete break and a solemn warning against rejecting the Gospel message. It underscores the grave responsibility that comes with hearing God's word, comparing rejection of the apostles to the ultimate judgment faced by Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve
Jesus sends out his twelve apostles on a specific mission throughout Galilee. He instructs them to take nothing for their journey, emphasizing reliance on God and the hospitality of those they encounter.
c. 27-30 AD
Apostles preach and heal
The apostles travel in pairs, preaching repentance, casting out demons, and healing the sick. This marks their first independent ministry, extending Jesus' work.
c. 27-30 AD
Rejection in some villages
Not all villages welcome the apostles. Some reject their message and refuse them hospitality, leading to the instruction to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony.
c. 30 AD
Return of the Twelve
The apostles return to Jesus, reporting on their mission. Jesus then withdraws with them to a solitary place to rest and reflect after their intense ministry.
c. 48-49 AD
Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia
During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust from their feet against the unbelieving Jews in Antioch, symbolizing their turning to the Gentiles.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul at Corinth
Paul declares 'Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.' after facing persistent opposition from the Jews in Corinth.
This passage from Matthew is the parallel account, where Jesus gives the same instruction to his disciples about shaking the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who reject them. It reinforces the solemnity and significance of this action.
Acts 13:51This verse describes Paul and Barnabas shaking the dust off their feet at Antioch in Pisidia after facing rejection, demonstrating how this symbolic action was carried out in the early church as a testament against unbelief.
Acts 18:6Here, Paul shakes off the dust from his garments against the Jews in Corinth who opposed and blasphemed the message he was sharing. This shows a direct application of Jesus' command in response to persistent rejection of the Gospel.
Luke 9:5In this parallel account, Jesus tells his disciples to shake off the dust from their feet when leaving a town that does not receive them. It emphasizes that this act serves as a witness against that town, highlighting the gravity of rejecting God's messengers.
Deuteronomy 28:36-37While not a direct command, this Old Testament passage speaks of a nation being carried away captive and becoming a proverb and a byword, symbolizing a complete rejection and judgment from God. Shaking off the dust echoes this idea of being set apart for judgment due to disobedience.
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 the dust off their feet wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was a declaration that the very ground of a rejecting city was now contaminated by their refusal of God's message. This act served as a stark, physical testimony, proclaiming that the messengers had fulfilled their duty and that divine judgment awaited those who dismissed it.
Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples on a special mission, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel light, relying on the hospitality of those who would receive them, and to stay in one place once welcomed. This verse comes as part of the instructions for what to do when their message and presence are rejected by a town or household.
Jesus is sending out His twelve disciples on a special mission, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel light, relying on the hospitality of those who would receive them, and to stay in one place once welcomed. This verse comes as part of the instructions for what to do when their message and presence are rejected by a town or household.
"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 the dust off their feet wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was a declaration that the very ground of a rejecting city was now contaminated by their refusal of God's message. This act served a…
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Last reviewed October 2026