Mark 6 11

Mark 6:11 kjv

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Mark 6:11 nkjv

And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"

Mark 6:11 niv

And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."

Mark 6:11 esv

And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them."

Mark 6:11 nlt

But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate."

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 11 Meaning

Mark 6:11 instructs Jesus' disciples on how to respond when their message of the Kingdom of God is rejected by a city or household. It commands a symbolic act of severing ties by "shaking off the dust," signifying a public declaration that the responsibility for their unbelief now rests solely with them. The verse then pronounces a severe judgment: rejecting Christ's messengers and their divinely-sent message will incur a condemnation far greater and less tolerable than that faced by notorious cities of wickedness like Sodom and Gomorrah on the Day of Judgment. This highlights the profound spiritual seriousness and ultimate consequence of spurning God's offer of salvation and kingdom authority delivered through His appointed representatives.

Mark 6 11 Context

Mark 6:11 is part of Jesus' instructions to the twelve disciples whom He commissioned and sent out in pairs (Mark 6:7). The broader chapter context details their authority to cast out demons and heal the sick, alongside the primary command to preach that people should repent (Mark 6:7-13). Jesus instructed them to travel lightly, rely on hospitality, and only stay where they were received, indicating that divine provision would be available. This specific verse addresses the inevitability of rejection that they might face, offering a practical yet profoundly symbolic response. It highlights the serious implications of accepting or rejecting the message and its bearers. Historically and culturally, hospitality was a sacred duty in the ancient Near East. To refuse hospitality or to reject a traveler was a grave social and religious affront. The act of shaking off dust was a known Jewish custom for pilgrims returning from Gentile lands, symbolizing a cleansing from perceived impurity. Here, Jesus re-appropriates this act as a testimony, a solemn witness and condemnation, directed not at ritual impurity but spiritual hardness. This instruction serves as a powerful reminder of the authority vested in the disciples' mission and the dire consequences for those who refuse to hear the word of God. It sets a stark polemic against spiritual indifference and self-righteousness, placing the rejection of Jesus' message on a level more grievous than even the most heinous of historical sins like those of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Mark 6 11 Word analysis

• And whatsoever place: Introduces a comprehensive scope. The instruction applies to any locality.
• shall not receive you, nor hear you:
  • receive: Greek mē dexētai (from dechomai), meaning "to welcome," "to entertain," "to accept hospitably." This indicates a failure to welcome the disciples into their homes or community.
  • nor hear: Greek mē akousōsin (from akouō), meaning "to listen," but also "to obey," "to heed." It implies a rejection not just of the person, but crucially, of the message they bear. Rejection of the messenger is rejection of the Sender and His message.
• when ye depart thence: Emphasizes that the action is to be taken upon leaving the unwelcoming place, marking a definitive severance.
• shake off the dust under your feet:
  • Greek: ektinaxate ton koniorton ton hypokatō tōn podōn hymōn. Ektinaxate means "shake out/off." Koniorton refers to "dust."
  • A highly symbolic act derived from Jewish custom. Jews would often shake dust off their feet when leaving Gentile territory to signify cleansing from its defilement and severing ties with its unholiness.
  • Jesus redefines this act here: it's not about Gentile impurity but about the impurity of rejecting God's word. It signifies severing fellowship, washing one's hands of their destiny, and most importantly, serves as a solemn witness against them.
• for a testimony against them:
  • Greek: eis martyrion autois. Martyrion means "witness" or "testimony."
  • This act is not merely punitive but prophetic. It is a public declaration and a warning. It testifies to the fact that the message was offered, rejected, and that judgment will inevitably follow as a consequence of that rejection. It declares their self-exclusion from the Kingdom.
• Verily I say unto you:
  • Greek: Amēn legō hymin. Amēn is Hebrew for "truly" or "so be it," used by Jesus as a solemn affirmation, giving authority and weight to His pronouncement. It emphasizes the absolute truth and certainty of what follows.
• It shall be more tolerable:
  • Greek: anektoteron estai. Anetkoteros means "more endurable," "less severe."
  • Implies degrees of judgment. This phrasing indicates that while Sodom and Gomorrah faced severe judgment, the fate of a city rejecting Christ's messengers, who carry the good news of the Kingdom, will be even worse. The greater the light received, the greater the condemnation for rejecting it.
• for Sodom and Gomorrha:
  • Cities from Genesis 18-19 notorious for extreme wickedness (especially sexual immorality, lack of hospitality, and pride according to Ez 16:49) and destroyed by divine judgment. They serve as a benchmark for severe condemnation.
  • Their judgment serves as an historical and prophetic example.
• in the day of judgment: The eschatological day when God will render final justice and judgment upon all humanity, discerning between those who have received and those who have rejected His Kingdom.
• than for that city: This is a direct comparison emphasizing the severity of eternal consequences for those who willfully and obstinately reject the message of the Kingdom of God proclaimed by His appointed heralds. The magnitude of light rejected determines the degree of darkness incurred.

• "And whatsoever place shall not receive you, nor hear you": This phrase highlights that the problem is not a lack of opportunity for the message to be heard, but a willful refusal to welcome or heed. This rejection carries significant spiritual weight as it implies spurning the divine invitation itself.
• "shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them": This specific group of words emphasizes a judicial or prophetic act rather than merely an emotional reaction. It's a symbolic witness, confirming that the disciples discharged their duty, and the city's fate is sealed by its own decision, making their accountability clear. It transfers moral responsibility away from the messengers.
• "It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha... than for that city": This chilling comparison underscores the unique and profound severity of rejecting Jesus's direct ambassadors. Sodom and Gomorrah were judged for egregious immorality and lack of hospitality; but the rejection of divine truth, the presence of the Kingdom of God, and the Son's representatives, is deemed an even greater offense in God's eyes. This shows the unique weight of God's final revelation in Christ.

Mark 6 11 Bonus section

The concept of "degrees of judgment" is evident throughout biblical teaching, implied in "more tolerable." This suggests that judgment on the final Day will be proportionate to the light and truth received and subsequently rejected. Cities like Sodom faced judgment based on the Law written on their hearts and natural revelation (Rom 1:19-20); but those who reject the full revelation of God in Christ and His kingdom message through His empowered messengers, face a judgment proportionate to their unique opportunity. This implies a hierarchical nature of accountability: rejection of prophetic word leads to a worse state than ignorance. Furthermore, the instructions for light travel and dependence on hospitality (Mark 6:8-10) preceding this verse highlight the purity of the messengers' motives. They were not seeking personal gain or comfort but were purely agents of God's Kingdom. This further underscores the culpability of those who reject them, as they reject not worldly seekers, but divine envoys. The action of shaking dust reinforces that the disciples are to offer peace, and if it is rejected, the peace "returns" to them (Mt 10:13), signifying that the messenger is free of fault for the hearer's unbelief.

Mark 6 11 Commentary

Mark 6:11 provides clear instruction to Jesus' disciples on handling rejection, an inevitable aspect of their mission. It is not an instruction for personal insult or vengeful retaliation, but a divinely ordained action symbolizing profound spiritual truth. Shaking off the dust signifies a cessation of responsibility for the rejected message, placing the entire burden of consequence upon the non-receivers. It publicly attests to their unbelief and forewarns them of impending judgment. The shocking comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah emphasizes the profound seriousness of rejecting the Kingdom message. Those cities perished due to pervasive moral decay and lack of hospitality towards God's messengers (Genesis 19, particularly angels). Yet, Jesus declares that a community presented with the explicit offer of His Kingdom, and choosing to refuse it, commits an even graver offense. Their greater opportunity for salvation, having encountered the light of Christ, ironically leads to a greater condemnation for spurning it. This verse serves as a sober warning regarding the accountability associated with hearing and rejecting the Gospel, asserting that spiritual apathy and unbelief in the face of truth incur the heaviest judgment. The ultimate decision rests with the hearer, and God holds them accountable for it. This instruction empowers the disciples, liberating them from undue emotional burden over rejection, allowing them to move on confidently with their mission, trusting in God's righteous judgment.