Luke Chapter 10 · Verse 7

Authorized King James Version

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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

ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 1 of 26
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
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
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 3 of 26
but, and, etc
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
πίνοντες drinking G4095
πίνοντες drinking
Strong's: G4095
Word #: 9 of 26
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
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)
ἐργάτης the labourer G2040
ἐργάτης the labourer
Strong's: G2040
Word #: 16 of 26
a toiler; figuratively, a teacher
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
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 20 of 26
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
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
μεταβαίνετε Go G3327
μεταβαίνετε Go
Strong's: G3327
Word #: 22 of 26
to change place
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)
εἰς to G1519
εἰς to
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 25 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οἰκίαν house G3614
οἰκίαν house
Strong's: G3614
Word #: 26 of 26
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

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.

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