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.
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. The symbolic act of shaking off dust (kai ton koniorton ton kollēthenta hēmin ek tēs poleōs hymōn eis tous podas apomassometha hymin, καὶ τὸν κονιορτὸν τὸν κολληθέντα ἡμῖν ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ὑμῶν εἰς τοὺς πόδας ἀπομασσόμεθα ὑμῖν) was a powerful Jewish gesture. The verb apomassometha (ἀπομασσόμεθα, "we wipe off") indicates deliberately removing every trace.
Pious Jews returning from Gentile lands shook off dust to avoid bringing ceremonial defilement into Israel. By using this gesture against rejecting Jewish cities, Jesus' disciples declared them as unclean as pagan territories—a devastating judgment. The phrase "against you" (hymin, ὑμῖν) indicates the act serves as testimony against them, establishing their guilt.
Yet even in judgment, the gospel is repeated: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you (plēn touto ginōskete hoti ēngiken hē basileia tou Theou, πλὴν τοῦτο γινώσκετε ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ). The perfect tense ēngiken (ἤγγικεν) emphasizes completed action—the kingdom arrived, they had opportunity, and they refused. This magnifies their condemnation: they will answer for rejecting salvation when it stood at their door.
Historical Context
Dust-shaking appears several times in Acts as apostles encountered rejection (Acts 13:51, 18:6). Paul shook his garments at Corinthian Jews who opposed the gospel, declaring 'your blood be upon your own heads.' This dramatic gesture communicated finality—the messengers discharged their responsibility; the rejectors face consequences. It also demonstrated that the disciples wanted nothing from rejecting cities, not even the dust on their feet. The symbolic act served as both testimony and warning to others who witnessed it.
Questions for Reflection
What does the symbolic act of shaking off dust communicate about the seriousness of rejecting the gospel?
How does repeating the gospel message ('the kingdom of God is come nigh') even in judgment demonstrate both grace and accountability?
When, if ever, should modern Christians employ dramatic symbolic acts to testify against those who reject the gospel?
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Analysis & Commentary
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. The symbolic act of shaking off dust (kai ton koniorton ton kollēthenta hēmin ek tēs poleōs hymōn eis tous podas apomassometha hymin, καὶ τὸν κονιορτὸν τὸν κολληθέντα ἡμῖν ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ὑμῶν εἰς τοὺς πόδας ἀπομασσόμεθα ὑμῖν) was a powerful Jewish gesture. The verb apomassometha (ἀπομασσόμεθα, "we wipe off") indicates deliberately removing every trace.
Pious Jews returning from Gentile lands shook off dust to avoid bringing ceremonial defilement into Israel. By using this gesture against rejecting Jewish cities, Jesus' disciples declared them as unclean as pagan territories—a devastating judgment. The phrase "against you" (hymin, ὑμῖν) indicates the act serves as testimony against them, establishing their guilt.
Yet even in judgment, the gospel is repeated: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you (plēn touto ginōskete hoti ēngiken hē basileia tou Theou, πλὴν τοῦτο γινώσκετε ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ). The perfect tense ēngiken (ἤγγικεν) emphasizes completed action—the kingdom arrived, they had opportunity, and they refused. This magnifies their condemnation: they will answer for rejecting salvation when it stood at their door.