Matthew 10:41
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεχόμενος
He that receiveth
G1209
δεχόμενος
He that receiveth
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
2 of 19
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
προφήτου
a prophet
G4396
προφήτου
a prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
3 of 19
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
5 of 19
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
προφήτου
a prophet
G4396
προφήτου
a prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
6 of 19
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
μισθὸν
reward
G3408
μισθὸν
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
7 of 19
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
προφήτου
a prophet
G4396
προφήτου
a prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
8 of 19
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λήψεται
he that receiveth
G2983
λήψεται
he that receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
9 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεχόμενος
He that receiveth
G1209
δεχόμενος
He that receiveth
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
12 of 19
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
δικαίου
a righteous man
G1342
δικαίου
a righteous man
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
13 of 19
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
15 of 19
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
δικαίου
a righteous man
G1342
δικαίου
a righteous man
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
16 of 19
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
μισθὸν
reward
G3408
μισθὸν
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
17 of 19
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
Cross References
Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.2 John 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.Genesis 20:7Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.Matthew 6:18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.Romans 16:23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.Matthew 6:6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Historical Context
In Jesus's time, prophets and righteous teachers often lived itinerantly, depending on believers' hospitality. With no church buildings, salaries, or institutional support, traveling ministers relied entirely on those who received them. The Old Testament established patterns of supporting God's servants (1 Kings 17:8-16, 2 Kings 4:8-10). Jesus Himself depended on supporters (Luke 8:3). The early church continued this practice (Romans 16:1-2, 3 John 5-8). Ancient hospitality was costly: feeding, housing, and protecting guests for extended periods. Yet believers who provided such support enabled the gospel's spread. The principle also deterred persecution: hosting known Christians was itself risky, making such hospitality a concrete act of faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you support those in gospel ministry—and do you recognize this as participation in their eternal reward?
- What's the difference between supporting true prophets versus enabling false teachers?
- How does this challenge modern individualism that sees ministry as others' responsibility?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ promises 'He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.' The phrase 'in the name of' means 'because of their character as'—not merely hosting anyone who claims the title, but welcoming them specifically because they represent God. The promise of sharing the reward underscores that those who support God's servants participate in their ministry. This isn't salvation by works but reward for faithful service. The distinction between 'prophet' and 'righteous man' may indicate different types of ministers or emphasize both speaking (prophet) and living (righteous) aspects of testimony. Reformed theology applies this to supporting pastors, missionaries, and faithful witnesses—those who enable ministry through prayer, hospitality, and financial support receive corresponding blessing.