New International VersionAnd 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.”
New Living TranslationBut 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.”
English Standard VersionAnd 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.”
Berean Standard BibleIf anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd if any place will not receive you nor hear you, departing from there, shake off the dust which is under your feet, for a testimony against them."
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionAnd 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!”
New American Standard BibleAny place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.”
NASB 1995“Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.”
NASB 1977“And any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake off the dust from the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.”
Amplified BibleAny place that does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them [breaking all ties with them because they rejected My message].”
Christian Standard BibleIf any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleIf any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
American Standard VersionAnd whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.
Contemporary English VersionIf any place won't welcome you or listen to your message, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them."
English Revised VersionAnd whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWherever people don't welcome you or listen to you, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them."
Good News TranslationIf you come to a town where people do not welcome you or will not listen to you, leave it and shake the dust off your feet. That will be a warning to them!"
International Standard VersionIf any place will not welcome you and the people refuse to listen to you, when you leave, shake its dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
NET BibleIf a place will not welcome you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
New Heart English BibleAnd if any place will not receive you or listen to you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd whoever 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 to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Weymouth New TestamentBut wherever they will not receive you or listen to you, when you leave shake off the very dust from under your feet to bear witness concerning them." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
World English BibleWhoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand as many as may not receive you nor hear you, going out from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; [[truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in [the] day of judgment than for that city.”]]
Berean Literal BibleAnd if any place will not receive you nor hear you, departing from there, shake off the dust which is under your feet, for a testimony against them."
Young's Literal Translation and as many as may not receive you, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in a day of judgment than for that city.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd as many as receive you not, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the heap of dust under your feet for testimony to them. Truly I say to you, It shall be more supportable for the Sodomites or Gomorrhites in the day of judgment, than that city. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you; going forth from thence, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony to them.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd whoever will neither receive you, nor listen to you, as you go away from there, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
New American BibleWhatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
New Revised Standard VersionIf any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd whoever will not receive you, nor hear you, when you leave that place, shake off the sand under your feet as a testimony to them. Truly I say to you, It will be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And all who will not receive you and will not hear you, when you leave that place, shake off the dust that is on the soles of your feet for their testimony; truly I say to you that it will be tranquil for Sadom and Amorah in the day of judgment compared to that city.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd whoever will not receive you, nor hear you, when you go out from that place, shake off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against them. Verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Godbey New TestamentAnd whatsoever place may not receive you nor hear you, going forth thence, shake off the dust which is beneath your feet for a testimony unto them.
Haweis New Testament
And as many as shall not receive you, neither hearken to you, when ye go from thence, shake off the dust from beneath your feet, for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Mace New Testament
wherever they shall refuse to entertain you, or to hear you, at your departure shake off the dust of your feet, as a testimonial against them. I assure you, the people of Sodom and Gomorrha shall be treated with less severity in the day of judgment, than that city.
Weymouth New Testament
But wherever they will not receive you or listen to you, when you leave shake off the very dust from under your feet to bear witness concerning them."
Worrell New Testament
And whatsoever place does not receive you, and they hear you not, going forth thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony to them."
Worsley New Testament
And whosoever will 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 or Gomorrah in the day of judgement, than for that city.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Ministry of the Twelve… 10And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11Ifanyonewill not welcomeyouorlisten toyou,shakethedustoffyourfeetwhen you leavethatplace,asa testimonyagainst them.”12So they set out and preached that the people should repent.…
Cross References Matthew 10:14And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
Luke 9:5If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”
Acts 13:51So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
Matthew 10:15Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Luke 10:10-11But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, / ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’
Acts 18:6But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Ezekiel 3:18-19If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.
Nehemiah 5:13I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, “May God likewise shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise. May such a man be shaken out and have nothing!” The whole assembly said, “Amen,” and they praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.
Acts 20:26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
2 Samuel 1:16For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”
1 Kings 2:32-33The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”
Ezekiel 33:4-5Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. / Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life.
Genesis 19:12-14Then the two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—a son-in-law, your sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, / because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.” / So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.
Isaiah 52:11Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
Jeremiah 51:6Flee from Babylon! Escape with your lives! Do not be destroyed in her punishment. For this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He will pay her what she deserves.
Treasury of Scripture And whoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart there, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Truly I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. whosoever. Nehemiah 5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise. Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. It shall. Ezekiel 16:48-51As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters… Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Matthew 11:20-24 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: … and. Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Romans 2:5,16 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; … 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: Jump to Previous AssuredlyBearCityDepartDustFeetGomorrahHearJudgmentLeaveReceiveShakeSodomTestimonyThenceTolerableVerilyWhereverWitnessJump to Next AssuredlyBearCityDepartDustFeetGomorrahHearJudgmentLeaveReceiveShakeSodomTestimonyThenceTolerableVerilyWhereverWitnessMark 6 1.Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.7.He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits.14.Various opinions of Jesus.16.John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried.30.The apostles return from preaching.34.The miracle of five loaves and two fishes.45.Jesus walks on the sea;53.and heals all who touch him.If anyone will not welcome you or listen to youThis phrase reflects the mission of the disciples as they were sent out by Jesus. In the cultural context of the time, hospitality was a significant social norm, and refusing to welcome someone was a serious breach of etiquette. The disciples were to preach the message of repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God, and rejection of this message was tantamount to rejecting Jesus Himself. This echoes the Old Testament prophets who were often rejected by the people they were sent to (e.g., Jeremiah 7:25-27). The phrase also highlights the free will of individuals to accept or reject the gospel message. shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place
This action was a symbolic gesture practiced by devout Jews when they returned from Gentile lands, signifying the removal of pagan defilement. By instructing His disciples to do this, Jesus was indicating that those who rejected the message were to be regarded as outsiders, akin to pagans. This act served as a public declaration that the disciples had fulfilled their duty and that the responsibility for rejecting the message lay with the hearers. It underscores the seriousness of rejecting the gospel and the separation between those who accept and those who reject God's message. as a testimony against them.
The testimony here is both a warning and a witness. It serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting the gospel, which is eternal separation from God. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of witness, where the actions and words of God's messengers serve as evidence of God's truth and justice (Deuteronomy 30:19,Acts 13:51). The disciples' act of shaking the dust off their feet would stand as a witness on the day of judgment, highlighting the accountability of those who heard the message and chose to reject it. This reflects the prophetic tradition where the prophets' words and actions served as a testimony against the people (Ezekiel 2:5). Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this instruction, Jesus is sending out His disciples to preach the Gospel and perform miracles. 2. The DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' instruction, tasked with spreading His teachings and performing acts of healing and exorcism. 3. Unwelcoming Towns/PeopleThe recipients of the disciples' message who choose not to accept or listen to the Gospel. 4. The Act of Shaking DustA symbolic gesture of disassociation and a testimony against those who reject the message of Christ. 5. The Missionary JourneyThe broader context of this passage, where Jesus sends out the Twelve to minister in various towns and villages. Teaching Points The Seriousness of Rejecting the GospelThe act of shaking the dust off one's feet underscores the gravity of rejecting the message of Christ. It serves as a warning that there are consequences for such rejection. Responsibility of the MessengerThe disciples are responsible for delivering the message, not for the response. This teaches us to faithfully share the Gospel without being discouraged by rejection. Symbolic Acts in MinistryThe use of symbolic actions, like shaking off dust, can be a powerful testimony. It reminds us that our actions can communicate spiritual truths. Perseverance in EvangelismDespite rejection, the disciples are to continue their mission. This encourages us to persevere in sharing our faith, trusting God with the results. Accountability Before GodThe instruction implies that those who reject the Gospel will be held accountable. This should motivate us to pray for and reach out to those who do not yet know Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 6:11?
2.How should we respond when our message is not received, according to Mark 6:11?
3.What does "shake the dust off your feet" symbolize in Mark 6:11?
4.How does Mark 6:11 connect with Jesus' instructions in Matthew 10:14?
5.Why is it important to discern when to move on from unreceptive places?
6.How can Mark 6:11 guide our approach to sharing the Gospel today?
7.What does Mark 6:11 imply about rejecting the message of Jesus?
8.How should Christians respond to those who reject their message, according to Mark 6:11?
9.What historical context influenced the instructions in Mark 6:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 6?
11.What did Jesus mean by "shake the dust off"?
12.What miracles did Jesus perform according to the Bible?
13.(Luke 6:20-26) Why believe promises of future blessings for the poor and warnings for the rich when many see no real-world proof of such reversals?
14.If miracles happen, why are they not scientifically documented?What Does Mark 6:11 Mean If anyone will not welcome you• Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality that some homes and towns will close their doors, mirroring how “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). • Hospitality in Scripture is more than politeness; it signals openness to God’s messenger (Genesis 18:1-5;Hebrews 13:2). Refusal reveals a heart posture, not merely social awkwardness. • Parallel instructions inMatthew 10:14 andLuke 9:5 confirm this is a consistent kingdom principle, not a one-off remark.
or listen to you• Welcoming the messenger is step one; hearing and heeding the message is step two (Romans 10:17). • InActs 13:45-46 Paul and Barnabas face the same rejection: hostility that shuts ears to the good news. • Persistent refusal shows willful unbelief—like those inProverbs 1:24 who “refused to listen” and face the consequences.
shake the dust off your feet• A vivid gesture every first-century Jew understood: when leaving Gentile territory they shook off dust to avoid defilement. Jesus now tells the Twelve to treat rejecting Israelites as outsiders to the covenant (Nehemiah 5:13;Acts 13:51). • It is not spiteful but symbolic: God, not the disciple, will judge. The messenger remains pure, uninvolved in the town’s unbelief (1 Timothy 5:22). • This act underscores the urgency of repentance: time is short, eternity is weighty.
when you leave that place• The disciple is free to move on; lingering in fruitless debate squanders time (Matthew 7:6). • Paul models this rhythm—he reasons, offers, and when hardness persists, he departs for receptive fields (Acts 18:6;2 Timothy 4:2). • Obedience includes knowing when to stay and when to go, trusting God to keep working even after we exit.
as a testimony against them• The shaken dust stands as evidence in God’s courtroom that the gospel reached them and was declined (Ezekiel 3:19;John 12:48). • Judgment belongs to the Lord; our role is simply to bear witness (Hebrews 10:26-27). • Yet even this solemn testimony is merciful: it may jar some awake before final judgment (Romans 2:4;Matthew 11:21-24).
summaryMark 6:11 shows Jesus equipping His servants to proclaim the gospel boldly, accept rejection sober-mindedly, and move on faithfully. Hospitality and attentive hearing reveal hearts; refusal invites a visible warning that God takes unbelief seriously. The disciple’s responsibility is proclamation and obedience—leaving the results, and the reckoning, to the righteous Judge. (11) Whosoever shall not receive you.--The better MSS. give, "whatsoever place shall not receive you." (See Note on Matthew 10:14.) Verse 11. - Shake off the dust ( τὸν χοῦν) literally, the soil - that is under your feet . St. Matthew and St. Luke use the word ( κονιορτὸν) "dust." A very significant action. The dust was shaken off as an evidence of the toil and labour of the apostles in journeying to them. It witnessed that they had entered the city and had delivered message, and that their message had been refused. The very dust, therefore, of the place was a defilement to them. "It shall be more tolerable," etc. This clause is omitted by the best authorities; it was probably copied from St. Matthew.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Ifὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.anyoneἂν(an)Particle
Strong's 302:A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty.will not welcomeδέξηται(dexētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.orμηδὲ(mēde)Conjunction
Strong's 3366:And not, not even, neither…nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.listen toἀκούσωσιν(akousōsin)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.you,ὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.shakeἐκτινάξατε(ektinaxate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1621:To shake off; mid: I shake off from myself. From ek and tinasso; to shake violently.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.dustχοῦν(choun)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5522:Earth, soil, dust. From the base of cheimon; a heap, i.e. Rubbish; loose dirt.offὑποκάτω(hypokatō)Preposition
Strong's 5270:Underneath, below, under. From hupo and kato; down under, i.e. Beneath.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.feetποδῶν(podōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228:The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.when you leaveἐκπορευόμενοι(ekporeuomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1607:From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project.thatἐκεῖθεν(ekeithen)Adverb
Strong's 1564:Thence, from that place. From ekei; thence.place,τόπος(topos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117:Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.asεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.a testimonyμαρτύριον(martyrion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3142:Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. evidence given or, the Decalogue.against them.”αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Mark 6:11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear (Mar Mk Mr) |
