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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/10-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/40_Mat_10_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 10:16 - Sheep among Wolves" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/10-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/10-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/10-15.htm" title="Matthew 10:15">◄</a> Matthew 10:16 <a href="/matthew/10-17.htm" title="Matthew 10:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/10.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/nlt/matthew/10.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. <a href="/esv/matthew/10.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. <a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/blb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. <a href="/kjv/matthew/10.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/10.htm">New King James Version</a> “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. <a href="/nasb/matthew/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. <a href="/lsb/matthew/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. <a href="/amp/matthew/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. <a href="/csb/matthew/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Look, I&#8217m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves. <a href="/asv/matthew/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. <a href="/cev/matthew/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am sending you like lambs into a pack of wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/erv/matthew/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. <a href="/gwt/matthew/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as snakes but as innocent as doves. <a href="/gnt/matthew/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves. <a href="/isv/matthew/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Pay attention, now! I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves. <a href="/net/matthew/10.htm">NET Bible</a> "I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. <a href="/nheb/matthew/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Look, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be cunning as snakes and innocent as doves. <a href="/wbt/matthew/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. <a href="/wey/matthew/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Remember it is I who am sending you out, as sheep into the midst of wolves; prove yourselves as sagacious as serpents, and as innocent as doves.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/web/matthew/10.htm">World English Bible</a> “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, therefore be wise as the serpents, and pure as the doves. <a href="/blb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. <a href="/ylt/matthew/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Lo, I do send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be ye therefore wise as the serpents, and simple as the doves. <a href="/slt/matthew/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore discerning as serpents, and pure as doves.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be as prudent as serpents and as simple as doves. <a href="/nabre/matthew/10.htm">New American Bible</a> “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, I am sending you like lambs among the wolves; therefore be wise as serpents, and pure as doves. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Behold, I am sending you as lambs among wolves; be therefore crafty as snakes and innocent as doves.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be, therefore, wise as serpents, and guileless as doves. <a href="/godbey/matthew/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Behold, I send you forth like sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore prudent as serpents, and harmless as doves. <a href="/mace/matthew/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a> By your mission you will be expos'd like sheep in the midst of wolves: be then as circumspect as serpents, and as inoffensive as doves: <a href="/wey/matthew/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Remember it is I who am sending you out, as sheep into the midst of wolves; prove yourselves as sagacious as serpents, and as innocent as doves. <a href="/worrell/matthew/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; become ye, therefore, as wise as the serpents and as innocent as doves.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Behold I send you forth as sheep into the midst of wolves: be ye therefore prudent as serpents, and innocent as doves.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/10-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2494" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm">Sheep among Wolves</a> 15Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16<a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: Idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">Behold,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apostellō (V-PIA-1S) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">am sending you out</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">like</a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probata (N-ANP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">among</a> <a href="/greek/3319.htm" title="3319: mesō (Adj-DNS) -- Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun)."></a> <a href="/greek/3074.htm" title="3074: lykōn (N-GMP) -- A wolf, of perhaps a jackal; often applied to persons of wolfish proclivities. Perhaps akin to the base of leukos; a wolf.">wolves;</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">therefore</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">be</a> <a href="/greek/5429.htm" title="5429: phronimoi (Adj-NMP) -- Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited.">as shrewd</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3789.htm" title="3789: opheis (N-NMP) -- Probably from optanomai; a snake, figuratively, an artful malicious person, especially Satan.">snakes</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/185.htm" title="185: akeraioi (Adj-NMP) -- (lit: unmixed) simple, unsophisticated, sincere, blameless. Unmixed, i.e. innocent.">as innocent</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4058.htm" title="4058: peristerai (N-NFP) -- A dove, pigeon. Of uncertain derivation; a pigeon.">doves.</a> 17But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/10-3.htm">Luke 10:3</a> Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a> Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15</a> Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a> Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a> Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">1 Peter 3:13-17</a> Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? / But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” / But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, ... <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15</a> The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Proverbs 19:25</a> Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9</a> Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Proverbs 27:12</a> The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.as sheep.<a href="/luke/10-3.htm">Luke 10:3</a> Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.<a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29</a> For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.wise.<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1,13</a> Now 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? … <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.<a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a> For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.harmless.<a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18,19</a> For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple… <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20</a> Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nahum/2-7.htm">Doves</a> <a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/5-5.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Guileless</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Harmless</a> <a href="/jonah/1-14.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-4.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/amos/5-13.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Serpents</a> <a href="/matthew/10-6.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Shrewd</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-20.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Wolves</a> <a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Doves</a> <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Guileless</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Harmless</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/matthew/13-25.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/matthew/26-68.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/matthew/13-52.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/matthew/11-10.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Serpents</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Shrewd</a> <a href="/acts/28-2.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/matthew/10-42.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/luke/10-3.htm">Wolves</a> <a href="/matthew/14-16.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 10</div>1. <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/10-5.htm">giving them their charge, teaches them;</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">comforts them against persecutions;</a> 40. <a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">and promises a blessing to those who receive them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; This phrase highlights the vulnerability of the disciples as they are sent into a hostile world. The imagery of sheep among wolves suggests danger and the need for reliance on the shepherd, Jesus. In biblical times, sheep were defenseless animals, often preyed upon by wolves, symbolizing the persecution and challenges the disciples would face. This reflects the broader theme of persecution found in the New Testament, as seen in <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a>, where Jesus warns of the world's hatred. The sending out of the disciples can also be seen as a fulfillment of the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where they are tasked with spreading the Gospel despite opposition.therefore be as shrewd as snakes The call to be shrewd as snakes emphasizes the need for wisdom and discernment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, snakes were often associated with craftiness and intelligence, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>, where the serpent is described as more cunning than any other beast. This shrewdness is not about deceit but about being wise and strategic in navigating a hostile environment. The disciples are encouraged to be prudent and thoughtful in their actions, avoiding unnecessary conflict while remaining faithful to their mission.and as innocent as doves. In contrast to the shrewdness of snakes, the innocence of doves represents purity and harmlessness. Doves were considered symbols of peace and purity in biblical times, often used in sacrificial offerings (<a href="/leviticus/1-14.htm">Leviticus 1:14</a>). This dual call to be both shrewd and innocent reflects the balance required in the Christian life: to be wise in dealing with the world while maintaining a pure heart and intentions. The innocence of doves aligns with the teachings of Jesus on purity of heart (<a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a>) and the call to live blamelessly (<a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a>). This balance is essential for the disciples as they carry out their mission in a world that is both dangerous and in need of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is instructing His disciples as He sends them out to spread the Gospel. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' instruction, representing all believers tasked with sharing the Gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sheep.htm">Sheep</a> Symbolizes the vulnerability and innocence of the disciples in a hostile world. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wolves.htm">Wolves</a> Represents the dangers and opposition the disciples will face from those who reject the Gospel. 5. <a href="/topical/s/snakes_and_doves.htm">Snakes and Doves</a> Metaphors for the qualities Jesus advises His disciples to embody—shrewdness and innocence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_mission.htm">Understanding the Mission</a> Recognize that as followers of Christ, we are sent into a world that may be hostile to the Gospel. This requires awareness and preparation. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_shrewdness_and_innocence.htm">Balancing Shrewdness and Innocence</a> Embrace the wisdom of the serpent without losing the purity of the dove. This balance is crucial in navigating a world that is often opposed to Christian values. <a href="/topical/r/relying_on_god's_wisdom.htm">Relying on God's Wisdom</a> Seek divine guidance to discern when to act with shrewdness and when to maintain innocence. Prayer and Scripture study are essential tools. <a href="/topical/f/facing_opposition_with_grace.htm">Facing Opposition with Grace</a> Expect opposition but respond with grace and integrity, reflecting Christ's love even in challenging situations. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_witnesses.htm">Living as Witnesses</a> Our conduct should reflect the Gospel, serving as a testimony to others. Our shrewdness should never compromise our witness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 10</a> <a href="/q/how_do_sheep_survive_among_wolves.htm">How do sheep survive among wolves?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'wise_as_serpents,_harmless_as_doves'.htm">What does "wise as serpents, harmless as doves" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_difference_between_a_diocese_and_an_archdiocese.htm">How do sheep survive among wolves?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_trust.htm">What does the Bible say about trusting others?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) I send you forth.--The nominative pronoun is emphatic, "It is I who send," and that not so much as an assurance of protection, but, as the words that follow show, as reminding them of their responsibility as His delegates.As sheep in the midst of wolves.--Nothing can be more striking than the union of this clear foresight of conflict and suffering with the full assurance of victory and sovereignty. The position of the disciples would be as sheep surrounded by a flock of hungry and raging wolves, the wolf being here, as elsewhere in the New Testament, the symbol of the persecutor.Wise as serpents.--The idea of the serpent as symbolising wisdom, seems to have entered into the early parables of most Eastern nations. We find it in Egyptian temples, in the twined serpents of the rod of 'sculapius and of Hermes, in the serpent-worship of the Turanian races, in the history in Genesis 3 of the serpent that was "more subtle than any beast of the field." For the most part it appears in Scripture as representing an evil wisdom to be fought with and overcome. Here we learn that even the serpent's sinuous craft presents something which we may well learn to reproduce. When St. Paul "caught men with guile" (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-16.htm" title="But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.">2Corinthians 12:16</a>), becoming "all things to all men" (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm" title="To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.">1Corinthians 9:22</a>), he was acting in the spirit of his Master's counsels.Harmless as doves.--Better, simple, sincere--i.e., "guileless." The Greek indicates more than simple harmlessness--a character in which there is no alloy of baser motives. Once again truth appears in the form of paradox. The disciples of Christ are to be at once supremely guileful and absolutely guileless. Our Lord's reference to this symbolism gains a fresh significance when we remember that He had seen the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descending "like a dove" upon Himself (<a href="/matthew/3-16.htm" title="And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, see, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him:">Matthew 3:16</a>). In and by that Spirit the two qualities that seem so contradictory are reconciled.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16-39. - The internal conditions of conveying Christ's message. The subdivisions of this section are after ver. 23 and ver. 33 (cf. ver. 5b, note). Verses 16-23. - You will be in the midst; of foes, and simplicity must be accompanied by prudence (ver. 16, a summary of all); you will be ill-treated publicly (vers. 17, 18), but must conduct yourselves with calm faith that you will be guided in your defence (vers. 19, 20), with endurance of family and universal enmity. (vers. 21, 22), with common sense in avoiding unnecessary danger, for wherever you go you will find work to be done (ver. 23). Verse 16-16a, parallel passage: <a href="/luke/10-3.htm">Luke 10:3</a> (the seventy); 16b, Matthew only. Behold. He calls their attention. I send you forth. I (ἐγω), with the full consciousness of all that will befall you; I, whose message you will carry, whose character you will represent. In this I lies the germ of vers. 40-42. As sheep in the midst of wolves. The 'Midrash' on <a href="/esther/8-2.htm">Esther 8:2</a> (Parasha 10.) uses the same phrase of the position of Israel amidst a hostile world (cf. Edersheim, 'Life,' 1:645), adding, "How great is that Shepherd who delivers them and vanquishes the wolves?" 'Clem. Romans,' it. § 5, has an interesting addition, "The Lord saith, Ye shall be as lambs in the midst of wolves. But Peter answered and said unto him, What then, if the wolves should tear the lambs? Jesus saith unto Peter, Let not the lambs fear the wolves after they [the lambs] are dead." Be ye therefore. Prove yourselves to he (γίνεσθε). Wise. Prudent (φρόνιμοι). As serpents. אָ,with Ignat., 'Polyc.,' § 2, has the singular, perhaps taking it generically, or perhaps not without reference to the phrase in <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>, "The serpent was more subtle," etc. (ὁ δὲ ὄφις η΅ν φρονιμώτατος κ.τ.λ.). The prudence of the serpent is specially apparent in the quickness of its perception of danger and the rapidity with which it escapes from it. Kubel gives <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Matthew 22:23</a>, sqq., 34, sqq.; <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24</a>; <a href="/john/11-9.htm">John 11:9, 10</a>, as examples of this proper prudence in the case of our Lord. And harmless as doves. Harmless; rather, simple, with Revised Version margin, for ἀκέραιος is literally "unmixed, unadulterated" (cf Bishop Lightfoot, on <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a>), and emphasizes the idea of simplicity of character. It is thus not active, but passive. Comp. 'Shir. R.' (<a href="/songs/2-14.htm">Song of Solomon 2:14</a>), "With me they [Israel] are simple [תמימים; cf. the 'Etz Ya'akob, which refers to <a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11</a> as doves, but among the nations of the world they are subtle as serpents" (cf. <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16</a>, note). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/10-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Look, Ἰδοὺ (Idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am sending you out ἀποστέλλω (apostellō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. sheep πρόβατα (probata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep. among ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. wolves; λύκων (lykōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3074.htm">Strong's 3074: </a> A wolf, of perhaps a jackal; often applied to persons of wolfish proclivities. Perhaps akin to the base of leukos; a wolf. therefore οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. be γίνεσθε (ginesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. as shrewd φρόνιμοι (phronimoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5429.htm">Strong's 5429: </a> Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. snakes ὄφεις (opheis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> Probably from optanomai; a snake, figuratively, an artful malicious person, especially Satan. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. as innocent ἀκέραιοι (akeraioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_185.htm">Strong's 185: </a> (lit: unmixed) simple, unsophisticated, sincere, blameless. Unmixed, i.e. innocent. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. doves. περιστεραί (peristerai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4058.htm">Strong's 4058: </a> A dove, pigeon. Of uncertain derivation; a pigeon. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 10:16 Behold I send you out as sheep (Matt. 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