Luke 10:8
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
2 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἣν
G3739
ἣν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δέχωνται
they receive
G1209
δέχωνται
they receive
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
9 of 14
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
ἐσθίετε
eat such things
G2068
ἐσθίετε
eat such things
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
11 of 14
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) were identity markers separating Jews from Gentiles. Eating non-kosher food or at Gentile tables risked ceremonial defilement. Jesus' instruction to eat whatever was served challenged these boundaries, preparing disciples for universal mission. When the seventy encountered Samaritan or Gentile cities, they would face food that violated Levitical law. Jesus prioritized mission over ceremonial purity, foreshadowing the new covenant's replacement of external law with internal transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' command to eat whatever is served challenge both legalism and cultural superiority in Christian witness?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between ceremonial law and gospel mission?
- How should modern missionaries balance cultural sensitivity with the freedom Jesus grants to 'eat such things as are set before you'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. The conditional clause kai eis hēn an polin eiserchēsthe kai dechōntai hymas (καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν πόλιν εἰσέρχησθε καὶ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, "and into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you") uses the present subjunctive dechōntai (δέχωνται, "they receive"), indicating welcome and hospitality.
The command eat such things as are set before you (esthiete ta paratithemena hymin, ἐσθίετε τὰ παρατιθέμενα ὑμῖν) repeats verse 7's instruction with expanded application to entire cities, not just individual households. The present imperative commands ongoing action—consistently accept what's offered. For Jewish disciples, this would challenge kosher dietary laws when entering Gentile territories.
This anticipates the church's breakthrough in Acts 10-11, where Peter's vision declared all foods clean and opened the gospel to Gentiles. Paul later addressed food controversies in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-10, teaching that the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The gospel transcends ceremonial law and cultural boundaries.