Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
the same
G846
αὐτοῦ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 26
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
5 of 26
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
μένετε
remain
G3306
μένετε
remain
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
6 of 26
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ἐσθίοντες
eating
G2068
ἐσθίοντες
eating
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
7 of 26
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρ'
give
G3844
παρ'
give
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῦ
the same
G846
αὐτοῦ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 26
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
ἄξιος
worthy
G514
ἄξιος
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
13 of 26
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθοῦ
hire
G3408
μισθοῦ
hire
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
18 of 26
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
αὐτοῦ
the same
G846
αὐτοῦ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 26
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
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
21 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
23 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
24 of 26
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
Cross References
Galatians 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.2 Timothy 2:6The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.Mark 6:10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.Luke 9:4And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Acts 16:34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.1 Timothy 5:13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.Deuteronomy 12:12And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.
Historical Context
Ancient hospitality customs involved status competition—hosts vied to provide the best accommodations, and guests sometimes moved to better lodgings. Jesus prohibited this behavior to maintain humility and prevent offense. The principle of supporting teachers was established in Judaism (Numbers 18:31; Deuteronomy 25:4) and continued in Christianity. Paul defended his right to financial support (1 Corinthians 9:14) while sometimes waiving it to avoid burdening churches. The early church supported traveling ministers, prophets, and apostles through hospitality and gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the command to 'remain in the same house' combat status-seeking and ingratitude in Christian ministry?
- What does 'eating and drinking such things as they give' teach about cultural flexibility and humility in cross-cultural ministry?
- How does the principle that 'the labourer is worthy of his hire' establish biblical grounds for compensating pastors and ministry workers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. The command en autē de tē oikia menete (ἐν αὐτῇ δὲ τῇ οἰκίᾳ μένετε, "in the same house remain") prohibits moving between houses seeking better accommodations. The present imperative menete (μένετε) indicates continuous action—settle in and stay put. This prevented appearing ungrateful or status-seeking.
The phrase eating and drinking such things as they give (esthiontes kai pinontes ta par' autōn, ἐσθίοντες καὶ πίνοντες τὰ παρ' αὐτῶν) commands acceptance of whatever hospitality is offered, without demanding special food or accommodations. This applies especially cross-culturally—later, Peter's vision in Acts 10 would expand this to include ceremonially unclean food when ministering to Gentiles.
The crucial theological principle follows: for the labourer is worthy of his hire (axios gar ho ergatēs tou misthou autou, ἄξιος γὰρ ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ). The word axios (ἄξιος) means "worthy" or "deserving"; misthos (μισθός) is wages or payment. Paul quotes this exact principle in 1 Timothy 5:18, establishing biblical support for compensating those in ministry. Gospel workers deserve support from those who benefit from their labor.