Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποστέλλω
forth
G649
ἀποστέλλω
forth
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
3 of 20
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
6 of 20
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
γίνεσθε
be ye
G1096
γίνεσθε
be ye
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 20
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
11 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
φρόνιμοι
wise
G5429
φρόνιμοι
wise
Strong's:
G5429
Word #:
12 of 20
thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄφεις
serpents
G3789
ὄφεις
serpents
Strong's:
G3789
Word #:
15 of 20
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
18 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Luke 10:3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.Philippians 2:15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.Acts 20:29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.2 Corinthians 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.2 Corinthians 11:14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from all appearance of evil.Genesis 3:1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Historical Context
Sheep were defenseless prey, wolves their natural predators—vivid image of vulnerability. Serpents represented cunning; doves represented purity and gentleness. Jesus forbids both naive foolishness and cunning manipulation. Disciples must navigate danger with spiritual wisdom while maintaining integrity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance wisdom and innocence when facing opposition?
- In what situations do you tend toward naivete or cynicism rather than Spirit-led discernment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' warning 'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves' acknowledges the mission's danger—His followers enter hostile territory without defensive power. The instruction 'be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves' combines shrewd discernment with moral innocence. Wisdom protects against naive vulnerability; harmlessness prevents becoming like the opposition. This balance is essential for Christian witness in a hostile world.