Matthew 10:13
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
4 of 24
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκία
the house
G3614
οἰκία
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ἐλθέτω
come
G2064
ἐλθέτω
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
8 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
10 of 24
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτήν·
it
G846
αὐτήν·
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 24
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
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
14 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
17 of 24
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ἀξία
worthy
G514
ἀξία
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
18 of 24
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
20 of 24
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
22 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish culture understood conditional blessing. God's covenant promises required faithful response. Jesus radicalizes this: response to His messengers determines blessing or curse. The peace offered is the kingdom's presence and salvation. Acceptance brings God's reign; rejection leaves people under judgment. Early church experienced this: some cities received them gladly (Berea, Acts 17:11), others rejected violently (Thessalonica, Acts 17:5). Paul's pattern of turning from rejecting Jews to receptive Gentiles (Acts 13:46, 18:6) follows this principle.
Questions for Reflection
- What does conditional blessing teach about human responsibility in receiving God's grace?
- How should Christian witnesses respond when their message is rejected?
- What does peace 'returning' to messengers reveal about God's sovereignty in gospel proclamation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus explains conditional blessing: 'if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you' (και εαν μεν η η οικια αξια ελθατω η ειρηνη υμων επ αυτην εαν δε μη η αξια η ειρηνη υμων προς υμας επιστραφητω). The peace offered isn't automatic but conditional on reception. 'Worthy' (αξια) means receptive, responsive, welcoming. If the household receives the messengers and message, God's peace 'comes upon' them—blessing actualized. If they reject, 'peace returns' to the messengers—blessing withdrawn. This establishes sobering reality: gospel brings either blessing or judgment depending on response. The messengers aren't diminished by rejection; the peace returns to them. But rejectors lose opportunity for blessing.