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Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/nlt/matthew/10.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/esv/matthew/10.htm">English Standard Version</a> And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/blb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And you should not be afraid of those killing the body but not being able to kill the soul. Indeed rather you should fear the One being able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/kjv/matthew/10.htm">King James Bible</a> And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/10.htm">New King James Version</a> And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/nasb/matthew/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/lsb/matthew/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/amp/matthew/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/csb/matthew/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Don&#8217t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/asv/matthew/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/cev/matthew/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell. <a href="/erv/matthew/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> And be not afraid of them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/gwt/matthew/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. <a href="/gnt/matthew/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell. <a href="/isv/matthew/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> Stop being afraid of those who kill the body but can't kill the soul. Instead, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. <a href="/msb/matthew/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/net/matthew/10.htm">NET Bible</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/nheb/matthew/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/wbt/matthew/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And fear not them who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/wey/matthew/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "And do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/web/matthew/10.htm">World English Bible</a> Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And do not be afraid of those killing the body, and are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/blb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And you should not be afraid of those killing the body but not being able to kill the soul. Indeed rather you should fear the One being able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/ylt/matthew/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And be not afraid of those killing the body, and are not able to kill the soul, but fear rather Him who is able both soul and body to destroy in gehenna. <a href="/slt/matthew/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And fear not from those killing the body, and not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him able to destroy also soul and body in hell.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But instead fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell. <a href="/nabre/matthew/10.htm">New American Bible</a> And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but who cannot kill the soul; but above all, be afraid of him who can destroy both the soul and the body in hell. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And you shall not be afraid of those who kill the body that are not able to kill the soul; rather be afraid of him who can destroy soul and body in Gehenna.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/godbey/matthew/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Be not afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but fear ye, rather him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And be not afraid of those who kill the body, and cannot kill the soul: but fear him rather who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/mace/matthew/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a> fear not those who can only kill the body, but cannot hurt the soul: rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/wey/matthew/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "And do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. <a href="/worrell/matthew/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And be not afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And be not afraid of them, who <Fr>can only<FR> kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/10-28.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=2599" 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">Fear God Alone</a> …27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phobeisthe (V-PMM-2P) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">Do not be afraid</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/615.htm" title="615: apoktennontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.">kill</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-ANS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynamenōn (V-PPM/P-GMP) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">cannot</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/615.htm" title="615: apokteinai (V-ANA) -- To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.">kill</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēn (N-AFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">soul.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">Instead,</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phobeisthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">fear</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the One who</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynamenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/622.htm" title="622: apolesai (V-ANA) -- From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.">destroy</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">both</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēn (N-AFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">soul</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-ANS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1067.htm" title="1067: geennē (N-DFS) -- Of Hebrew origin; valley of Hinnom; ge-henna, a valley of Jerusalem, used as a name for the place of everlasting punishment.">hell.</a> 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.…<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/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4-5</a> I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! <a href="/hebrews/10-31.htm">Hebrews 10:31</a> It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. <a href="/revelation/14-7.htm">Revelation 14:7</a> And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.” <a href="/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12</a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">1 Peter 3:14</a> But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Romans 8:38-39</a> For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, / neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a> For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Philippians 1:28</a> without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. <a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. <a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12-15</a> And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. / Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. ... <a href="/isaiah/8-12.htm">Isaiah 8:12-13</a> “Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. / The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded. <a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Isaiah 51:12-13</a> “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? / But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? <a href="/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4</a> In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6</a> The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13-14</a> When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. / For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.And.<a href="/matthew/10-26.htm">Matthew 10:26</a> Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.<a href="/isaiah/8-12.htm">Isaiah 8:12,13</a> Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid… <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7,12</a> Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings… him.<a href="/psalms/119-120.htm">Psalm 119:120</a> My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7</a> For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.<a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12,13</a> Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: … able.<a href="/matthew/25-46.htm">Matthew 25:46</a> And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.<a href="/mark/9-43.htm">Mark 9:43-48</a> And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: … <a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Luke 16:22-26</a> And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/9-28.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/10-26.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/matthew/8-6.htm">Body</a> <a href="/matthew/10-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/matthew/10-26.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Gehenna</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/matthew/10-6.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-8.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Unable</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/10-31.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/matthew/14-12.htm">Body</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/matthew/10-31.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/matthew/18-9.htm">Gehenna</a> <a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Power</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Unable</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>Do not be afraid of those who kill the body This phrase addresses the fear of persecution and physical harm. In the historical context, early Christians faced threats from both Jewish authorities and Roman rulers. The emphasis is on the temporary nature of physical life compared to eternal life. Jesus encourages His followers to have courage, as seen in the lives of the apostles who faced martyrdom (<a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Acts 7:54-60</a>, <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6-8</a>).but cannot kill the soul. The soul is considered eternal and distinct from the physical body. This reflects the belief in the immortality of the soul, a concept rooted in Jewish thought and affirmed in Christian doctrine. The soul's preservation is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing the eternal security of believers (<a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28-29</a>).Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. This phrase underscores the sovereignty and ultimate authority of God over eternal destiny. "Fear" here implies reverence and awe rather than terror. The reference to "hell" (Gehenna) draws from the imagery of the Valley of Hinnom, a place associated with judgment and destruction (<a href="/jeremiah/7-31.htm">Jeremiah 7:31-32</a>). This serves as a warning to prioritize spiritual over physical concerns, aligning with teachings on divine judgment (<a href="/revelation/20-11.htm">Revelation 20:11-15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, providing instruction and encouragement to His disciples. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who follow Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/p/persecutors.htm">Persecutors</a> Those who can harm the body but not the soul, representing earthly threats and opposition. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> Referred to as "the One" who has authority over both soul and body, emphasizing His ultimate power. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hell.htm">Hell (Gehenna)</a> The place of final judgment and destruction, symbolizing eternal separation from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god_vs._fear_of_man.htm">Fear of God vs. Fear of Man</a> Believers are called to prioritize their reverence for God over fear of human threats. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary, earthly concerns to eternal, spiritual realities. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Understanding the distinction between body and soul encourages Christians to live with an eternal mindset, valuing spiritual well-being over physical safety. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Recognizing God's ultimate authority over life and death provides comfort and assurance, knowing that our souls are secure in His hands. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_persecution.htm">Courage in Persecution</a> This teaching empowers believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution, trusting in God's protection and justice. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_accountability.htm">Holiness and Accountability</a> The reality of God's judgment calls Christians to live holy lives, accountable to Him who judges both soul and body.<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/does_split-brain_research_challenge_the_soul.htm">How does split-brain research challenge the idea of a unified soul?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_jesus_say_about_hell.htm">What does Jesus teach about the nature of hell?</a> <a href="/q/why_fear_those_who_kill_the_body.htm">Why fear those who can only kill the body?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_overcome_fear_of_god's_wrath.htm">Why fear those who can only kill the body?</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>(28) Are not able to kill the soul.--Here our Lord uses what we may call the popular dichotomy of man's nature, and the word "soul" includes all that truly lives and thinks and wills in man, and is therefore equivalent to the "soul and spirit" of the more scientific trichotomy of St. Paul's Epistles (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm" title="And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.">1Thessalonians 5:23</a>).Fear him which is able . . .--Few words have given rise to interpretations more strangely contrasted than these. Not a few of the most devout and thoughtful commentators, unwilling to admit that our Lord ever presented the Father to men in the character of a destroyer, have urged that the meaning may be thus paraphrased: "Fear not men; but fear the Spirit of Evil, the great Adversary who, if you yield to his temptations, has power to lead you captive at his will, to destroy alike your outward and your inward life, either in the Gehenna of torture or in that of hatred and remorse." Plausible as it seems, however, this interpretation is not, it is believed, the true one. (1) We are nowhere taught in Scripture to fear the devil, but rather to resist and defy him (<a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm" title="Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.">Ephesians 6:11</a>; <a href="/james/4-7.htm" title="Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.">James 4:7</a>); and (2) it is a sufficient answer to the feeling which has prompted the other explanation to say that we are not told to think of God as in any case willing to destroy, but only as having the power to inflict that destruction where all offers of mercy and all calls to righteousness have been rejected. In addition to this, it must be remembered that St. James uses language almost identical ("There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy," <a href="/james/4-12.htm" title="There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you that judge another?">James 4:12</a>) where there cannot be a shadow of doubt as to the meaning.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - And. Restating ver. 26a from a different point of view. Fear not; be not afraid of (Revised Version); μὴ φοβηθῆτε ἀπό. So Westcott and Herr, with B (sic) and two or three other authorities. The Revised Version (cf. Authorized Version parallel passage, <a href="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4</a>) expresses the greater difference from vers. 26 and 28b (φοβηθῆτε ἀπό with genitive, a Hebraism expressing avoidance, shrinking, cowardly dreas; φοβηθῆτε with accusative, concert-tration of regard) at the expense of the lesser (φοβηθῆτε, general command, or perhaps "never once fear;" φοβεῖσθε, "ever fear," habit). Them which kill the body. So R. Akiba refused to give up studying and teaching the Law when it was forbidden on pain of death (Talm. Bab., 'Berach.,' 61b). But are not able to kill the soul (<a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25</a>, note). But rather fear. Always (φοβεῖσθε). Fear; yes, but the right object (φοβεῖσθε δὲ μᾶλλον, not μᾶλλον δὲ φοβεῖσθε), and that intensely (-vide supra). Him which is able (τὸν δυνάμενον). Mere power; but in the parallel passage in Luke, authority. The reference is, of course, to God (cf. <a href="/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12</a>). To destroy (ἀπολέσαι). The class of words to which this belongs denotes "utter and hopeless ruin; but they convey no idea whether the ruined object ceases to exist or continues a worthless existence" (Professor Agar Beet, in Expositor, IV. 1:28). Professor Marshall, in Expositor, IV. 3:283, thinks Luke's variant, "to cast," indicates that our Lord originally used an Aramaic word that properly meant "to set on fire." Both soul and body in hell (<a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a>, note). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/10-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Do not be afraid φοβεῖσθε (phobeisthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. those who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kill ἀποκτεννόντων (apoktennontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. cannot δυναμένων (dynamenōn) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. kill ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. soul. ψυχὴν (psychēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. Instead, μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. fear φοβεῖσθε (phobeisthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. the [One who] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. can δυνάμενον (dynamenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. destroy ἀπολέσαι (apolesai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively. both καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. soul ψυχὴν (psychēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. body σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. in 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. hell. γεέννῃ (geennē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1067.htm">Strong's 1067: </a> Of Hebrew origin; valley of Hinnom; ge-henna, a valley of Jerusalem, used as a name for the place of everlasting punishment. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 10:28 Don't be afraid of those who kill (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/10-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 10:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 10:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/10-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 10:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 10:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>