Matthew 10:1
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσκαλεσάμενος
when he had called
G4341
προσκαλεσάμενος
when he had called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
2 of 21
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 21
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
ἔδωκεν
he gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
he gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 21
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
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
9 of 21
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
πνευμάτων
spirits
G4151
πνευμάτων
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἀκαθάρτων
against unclean
G169
ἀκαθάρτων
against unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
11 of 21
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
ὥστε
to
G5620
ὥστε
to
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
12 of 21
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 21
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεραπεύειν
to heal
G2323
θεραπεύειν
to heal
Strong's:
G2323
Word #:
16 of 21
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)
νόσον
of sickness
G3554
νόσον
of sickness
Strong's:
G3554
Word #:
18 of 21
a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability)
Cross References
Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Luke 24:49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Luke 6:13And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Historical Context
The Twelve had followed Jesus for months, observing His ministry. Now He sends them to replicate it. This pattern (training then commissioning) models leadership development. The authority given was real but derived—effective only as they remained connected to Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' model of training disciples before sending challenge modern ministry?
- What authority has Jesus delegated to you, and how are you using it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' calling 'his twelve disciples' shows intentional selection and training before commissioning. Giving them 'power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness' demonstrates delegated authority—they would minister in His name and power. This commissioning shows the kingdom advancing through multiplication of workers, not Jesus working alone. Their authority was both spiritual (demons) and physical (disease).