Matthew 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 30
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
διώκωσιν
they persecute
G1377
διώκωσιν
they persecute
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
3 of 30
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 30
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
φεύγετε
flee ye
G5343
φεύγετε
flee ye
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
9 of 30
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀμὴν
verily
G281
ἀμὴν
verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
13 of 30
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 30
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
18 of 30
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τελέσητε
Ye shall
G5055
τελέσητε
Ye shall
Strong's:
G5055
Word #:
19 of 30
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
23 of 30
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
24 of 30
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἔλθῃ
come
G2064
ἔλθῃ
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
26 of 30
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
28 of 30
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Matthew 16:28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.Luke 21:27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.Acts 17:10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.Mark 13:26And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.Luke 18:8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Historical Context
Early Christians practiced strategic retreat: persecution in Jerusalem scattered believers to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1); Paul lowered in basket from Damascus (Acts 9:25); believers fled Jerusalem before Roman siege (church tradition). Flight wasn't cowardice but strategic preservation for continued ministry. 'Son of man' is Jesus' self-designation from Daniel 7:13-14. The phrase 'be come' could refer to His vindication through resurrection, enthronement at God's right hand, or judgment on Jerusalem through Rome (AD 70). The saying emphasizes mission urgency: opportunity is limited; judgment is coming; work while it's day.
Questions for Reflection
- When is fleeing persecution wisdom rather than cowardice?
- How do we balance willingness to suffer with responsibility to preserve life for continued ministry?
- What does mission urgency teach about prioritizing gospel proclamation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus provides escape strategy: 'when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come' (οταν δε διωκωσιν υμας εν τη πολει ταυτη φευγετε εις την ετεραν αμην γαρ λεγω υμιν ου μη τελεσητε τας πολεις του Ισραηλ εως αν ελθη ο υιος του ανθρωπου). 'Flee' (φευγετε) is command, not permission—preservation, not cowardice. Martyrdom isn't goal; mission is. Flight enables continued witness elsewhere. The enigmatic ending—'Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come'—admits multiple interpretations:
Likely (1) or (2): before exhausting Israel's cities, significant divine intervention will occur. This creates urgency: time is short; work is vast; keep moving.