Luke 10:5
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἣν
whatsoever
G3739
ἣν
whatsoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
λέγετε
say
G3004
λέγετε
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Εἰρήνη
Peace
G1515
Εἰρήνη
Peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
9 of 12
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:6And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.Isaiah 57:19I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.Ephesians 2:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.Luke 19:9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Historical Context
The Hebrew greeting 'Shalom aleichem' (peace be upon you) was standard in Jewish culture. However, Jesus transforms conventional greeting into prophetic blessing with spiritual efficacy. In first-century Palestine, hospitality was sacred duty; travelers depended on household generosity. The disciples' blessing would identify receptive households open to the gospel message. Homes that welcomed Jesus' messengers welcomed Jesus Himself (v. 16).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the full biblical meaning of 'peace' (shalom/eirēnē), and how does it differ from modern notions of peace?
- How does pronouncing peace 'first' before any other interaction model the priority of grace in Christian witness?
- What does it mean that this peace can either 'rest upon' a house or 'return' to the disciples, and what does this reveal about the nature of blessing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. The Greek imperative legete (λέγετε, "say") makes this blessing mandatory, not optional. The phrase Eirēnē tō oikō toutō (Εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ, "Peace to this house") employs eirēnē (εἰρήνη), the Greek equivalent of Hebrew shalom (שָׁלוֹם)—comprehensive wellbeing, wholeness, and right relationship with God.
This wasn't mere politeness but prophetic pronouncement. The disciples offered God's peace, which would either rest upon the house (v. 6) or return to the disciples if rejected. Jesus' messengers carried His authority to bestow blessing or warning. The word prōton (πρῶτον, "first") emphasizes priority—before requesting hospitality or proclaiming the kingdom, pronounce peace. This models the gospel's nature: grace precedes demand, blessing precedes obligation.
The early church continued this practice. Paul's letters characteristically begin with "Grace and peace" (charis kai eirēnē, χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη). Christian witness offers reconciliation with God—true shalom—not merely moral instruction or religious ritual.