Matthew 10:28-31
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The "fear" Jesus speaks of isn't about being scared, but about acknowledging ultimate authority. While human threats can only touch our bodies, God alone holds the power over our eternal destiny, making Him the only true object of profound reverence and awe.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is sending his disciples out to proclaim the Kingdom of God, a mission that will undoubtedly stir up opposition. He's just instructed them not to worry about what or how they will speak, because the Holy Spirit will provide the words. This verse directly follows that encouragement by addressing the disciples' likely fear of persecution from those who oppose their message.
Jesus' followers faced intense pressure, with the threat of death always looming. But what could their enemies really do?
Jesus confronts his disciples with a stark reality: people can indeed take your life. But he immediately reframes this threat.
Bodies Can Be Taken, Not Souls
If human threats are limited, where does true power lie? Jesus points to Someone with absolute authority over both life and eternal destiny.
Jesus doesn't leave us in a void of 'no fear.' Instead, he redirects our deepest reverence and awe.
The One Who Holds True Power
Ask a follow-up
If God has such immense power, and humans can only harm the body, how does God view His vulnerable followers?
The context surrounding this verse reveals a powerful truth: God’s intimate knowledge and care for His people.
Divine Providence for the Vulnerable
Understand the original words
psuchē · Greek Noun
The immaterial part of a person; the seat of life, personality, and the eternal aspect of human beings that survives physical death and remains accountable to God.
sōma · Greek Noun
The physical frame of a human; distinct from the soul, it is the vessel of life on earth which is subject to decay and death.
geenna · Greek Noun
The place of eternal punishment and separation from God; the destination of those under divine judgment for their rejection of His truth.
strouthion · Greek Noun
A small, common bird often used in Scripture to illustrate God's intimate care and sovereignty over even the most seemingly insignificant or cheap parts of His creation.
patēr · Greek Noun
The primary title for God, emphasizing His role as the source of life, the sustainer of His people, and the One who maintains a paternal, protective relationship with His children.
phobeisthe · Greek Verb
A state of alarm or trepidation, often used in Scripture to describe a command against paralyzing terror in light of God's sovereign care. It implies a reverent trust in God that overrides human anxiety.
diapherete · Greek Verb
Refers to the state of being worth a great price or having high status. In theology, this is rooted in being created in the image of God and, for the believer, being redeemed by the blood of Christ.
This teaching from Jesus comes as he commissions his disciples, sending them out to proclaim his message. They will face immense opposition, and Jesus' words here are designed to give them courage and a correct perspective on what truly matters in the face of persecution.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching about the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, and gathering disciples. His teachings often challenged the established religious and political authorities.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus commissions his closest followers, the Twelve Apostles, to spread his message. He equips them with authority to heal and cast out demons, but also warns them of the persecution they will face.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem. His resurrection three days later forms the cornerstone of Christian belief and emboldens his followers.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Apostolic Preaching
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles begin to preach his message boldly in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, facing increasing opposition from Jewish religious leaders.
c. 40s-60s AD
Spread of Christianity Beyond Judea
The Christian message spreads to Gentile communities throughout the Roman Empire, often leading to conflict with both Jewish authorities and Roman rulers.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 10:28, presenting the same teaching about not fearing those who can only kill the body but rather fearing God who has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell, reinforcing the core message of prioritizing eternal consequences over temporal threats.
1 Samuel 2:6This verse from the Old Testament, sung by Hannah, echoes the theme of God's ultimate power over life and death, stating 'The Lord kills and makes alive; he brings down to Sheol and raises up,' which resonates with Jesus' teaching about God's supreme authority that men lack.
Hebrews 2:14-15This passage speaks of the devil holding the power of death and causing a lifelong bondage of fear, but contrasts this with Christ who, by his death, disarmed him, thereby freeing those who were held in fear of death and destruction, illuminating the true object of fear in light of Christ's victory.
Psalm 49:15This Psalm powerfully contrasts the fate of the wicked who accumulate wealth but ultimately face destruction with God's redemptive power, stating 'But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, when he takes me,' highlighting God's ability to save the soul beyond the reach of mortal threats.
calvinMatthew 10:26-31: "Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."
- Fear them not therefore: for nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, and nothing is hid that shall not be known. 27. What I say to you in darkness speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear proclaim on the housetops. 28. And fear not those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul: but rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in ge…
barnesMatthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Them which kill the body - That is, people, who have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part. The body is a small matter in comparison with the soul. Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death. He directs them, therefore, not to be alarmed at the prospect of temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy bo…
The "fear" Jesus speaks of isn't about being scared, but about acknowledging ultimate authority. While human threats can only touch our bodies, God alone holds the power over our eternal destiny, making Him the only true object of profound reverence and awe.
Jesus is sending his disciples out to proclaim the Kingdom of God, a mission that will undoubtedly stir up opposition. He's just instructed them not to worry about what or how they will speak, because the Holy Spirit will provide the words. This verse directly follows that encouragement by addressing the disciples' likely fear of persecution from those who oppose their message.
Jesus is sending his disciples out to proclaim the Kingdom of God, a mission that will undoubtedly stir up opposition. He's just instructed them not to worry about what or how they will speak, because the Holy Spirit will provide the words. This verse directly follows that encouragement by addressing the disciples' likely fear of persecution from those who oppose their message.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But ev…" — The "fear" Jesus speaks of isn't about being scared, but about acknowledging ultimate authority. While human threats can only touch our bodies, God alone holds the power over our eternal destiny, mak…
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Last reviewed October 2026
