Luke Chapter 10 · Verse 6
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μέν
G3303
μέν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
4 of 19
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
υἱὸς
the son
G5207
υἱὸς
the son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
6 of 19
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
εἰρήνη
of peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
of peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
7 of 19
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἐπαναπαύσεται
shall rest
G1879
ἐπαναπαύσεται
shall rest
Strong's:
G1879
Word #:
8 of 19
to settle on; literally (remain) or figuratively (rely)
ἐφ'
to
G1909
ἐφ'
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρήνη
of peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
of peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
12 of 19
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
μήγε,
G3361
μήγε,
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐφ'
to
G1909
ἐφ'
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
First-century Jewish culture recognized divine sovereignty in human response. Jesus' teaching that the Father must 'draw' people (John 6:44) and that sheep recognize the shepherd's voice (John 10:4) was familiar. The disciples' experience confirmed this: some welcomed the gospel gladly while others violently opposed it. This doesn't negate human responsibility but affirms that conversion is ultimately God's work. The early church's missionary journeys demonstrated this pattern repeatedly: some believed, others rejected (Acts 13:48; 17:11-13).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the term 'son of peace' reveal about God's preparation of hearts before the gospel is proclaimed?
- How should understanding that peace 'returns' to the messenger if rejected comfort those whose witness seems unfruitful?
- How does this verse balance divine sovereignty in salvation with human responsibility to proclaim the gospel faithfully?
Analysis & Commentary
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. The phrase huios eirēnēs (υἱὸς εἰρήνης, "son of peace") is a Hebraism meaning one characterized by or destined for peace—someone receptive to the gospel. The genitive construction "son of" indicates essential character or belonging (compare "sons of disobedience," Ephesians 2:2; "children of wrath," Ephesians 2:3).
The conditional promise uses epanapausetai (ἐπαναπαύσεται, "shall rest upon") from anapauō (ἀναπαύω), meaning to give rest, settle upon, or remain. If received, the peace abides and takes effect. If rejected, it hypostrepsei (ὑποστρέψει, "shall return") to the disciples—they lose nothing and waste no effort. This reveals divine sovereignty in salvation: God has prepared receptive hearts, and faithful witness will find them.
This principle explains varied responses to gospel proclamation. Some are "sons of peace" whom God has prepared (Acts 16:14: Lydia's heart opened); others reject with hostility. The messenger's responsibility is faithful delivery; results belong to God. Paul later wrote of being a "fragrance of life to life" in some, "death to death" in others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).