Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπέστειλεν
sent forth
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
sent forth
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
4 of 20
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
παραγγείλας
and commanded
G3853
παραγγείλας
and commanded
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
7 of 20
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 20
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
11 of 20
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
12 of 20
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπέλθητε
Go
G565
ἀπέλθητε
Go
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
14 of 20
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πόλιν
any city
G4172
πόλιν
any city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
17 of 20
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
Σαμαρειτῶν
of the Samaritans
G4541
Σαμαρειτῶν
of the Samaritans
Strong's:
G4541
Word #:
18 of 20
a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria
Cross References
John 4:9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.1 Thessalonians 2:16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.Luke 9:2And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Historical Context
Jews despised Samaritans as half-breed heretics. Most expected Messiah to exclude Gentiles. Jesus' restriction here was temporary—testing Israel's response before expanding the mission. Post-resurrection, Jesus explicitly sends disciples to all nations, including Samaria (Acts 1:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's strategic timing help you accept His current directives for your life?
- What does this passage teach about God's covenant faithfulness to Israel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' instruction 'Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not' limits the initial mission to 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' This isn't permanent ethnocentrism but strategic sequencing—the gospel must first go to God's covenant people (Romans 1:16). After the cross and resurrection, the mission expands globally (28:19). This also fulfilled prophetic priority: Messiah comes to Israel first.