Matthew Chapter 10 · Verse 11
And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 19
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 #:
2 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐξετάσατε
enquire
G1833
ἐξετάσατε
enquire
Strong's:
G1833
Word #:
9 of 19
to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e., ascertain or interrogate
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτῇ
it
G846
αὐτῇ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
ἄξιός
worthy
G514
ἄξιός
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
13 of 19
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
μείνατε
abide
G3306
μείνατε
abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
16 of 19
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient hospitality was sacred duty, especially in Jewish culture. Travelers depended on hospitality for survival. However, hospitality could be abused by opportunists. Jesus' instruction to stay with one worthy host avoided offense and demonstrated contentment. Moving between hosts suggested either dissatisfaction or seeking advantage. Staying put honored the host and created stable base for ministry. Early Christian missionaries followed this pattern (Acts 16:15, 40). The practice built relationships and allowed sustained teaching rather than hit-and-run evangelism.
Questions for Reflection
- What does seeking a 'worthy' host teach about wisdom in ministry relationships?
- How does staying with one host demonstrate contentment and honor?
- What is the balance between missionary mobility and local stability in Christian ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus provides protocol: 'into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence' (εις ην δ αν πολιν η κωμην εισελθητε εξετασατε τις εν αυτη αξιος εστιν κακει μεινατε εως αν εξελθητε). 'Enquire who is worthy' (εξετασατε τις αξιος) means find someone of good reputation, likely meaning receptive to the gospel and able to provide hospitality. 'There abide' instructs staying put rather than moving between hosts. This prevents appearance of seeking better accommodation or offending first host by leaving. Stability in one location creates community center for ministry. The instruction balances missionary mobility (moving town to town) with local stability (staying with one host per location).