Matthew 10:8-10 The way out of the pit

The discourse and ideas in Matthew 10 presented by Jesus will continue into the start of the next chapter, Matthew 11.

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. [kjv]

… gratis accepistis gratis … [v]

10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]

… possidere aurum … argentum … pecuniam in zonis … [v]

10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. [kjv]

In Matthew 10:8-10, Jesus explains the way out of the "pit" or "ditch" or "abyss". The "lost sheep" become "sheep" and ready to start the path to life.

More: Matthew 10:5-10 Possessing acquired purchases

More: Blind goats and prison pits in Matthew

Matthew 10:8-10 appears to show the way out of the pit in a top-down backward-chaining way.

The "lost sheep" become "sheep" and ready to start the path to life.

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. [kjv]

10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]

KJV (King James Version) changes order of lepers and dead. The Greek words for "gold" and "silver" can be play on words. Can we go further in the analysis?

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The Greek word for "food" can be a play on words with "trophy".

Is the "workman" the person being sent out, the person being "healed", both or neither?

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. [kjv]

10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]

10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. [kjv]

Sometimes prophets did concrete actions to symbolize abstract ideas.

Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]

μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]

… possidere aurum … argentum … pecuniam in zonis … [v]

The Latin "aurum" ≈ "gold". Chemical symbol "Au", atomic number 79.

The ancient Greek word "χρυσός" ≈ "gold".
"χριστός" ≈ "anointed one, Christ".
The Latin "chrysos" ≈ "gold".

The Greek word for "gold" can be a play on words where the Greek word for "Christ" has the letter "T" (for cross) removed.

The KJV, from Latin influence, uses "provide" for the Greek word that means "take" as in "do not take money for what you do".

The modern Greek word "χρυσός" (hree-SOS) ≈ "gold", same as in Bible times.

More: Precious metals

More: A golden cross down to the tee

More: Matthew 10:5-10 Possessing acquired purchases

*G5557 *12 χρυσός (khroo-sos') : perhaps from the base of G5530 (through the idea of the utility of the metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin:--gold.

Words: χρυσον=3 χρυσος=2 χρυσου χρυσω=6

The ancient Greek word "χρυσός" ≈ "gold".

The Greek word for "gold" can be a play on words where the Greek word for "Christ" has the letter "T" (for cross) removed.

"χρυσός" ≈ "gold".
"χριστός" ≈ "anointed one, Christ".

More: A golden cross down to the tee

*G5557 *12 χρυσός (khroo-sos') : perhaps from the base of G5530 (through the idea of the utility of the metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin:--gold.

Usage

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χρυσω *6

Matthew 23:16 ... whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
Acts 17:29 ... the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or ...
1 Timothy 2:9 ... with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or ...
Revelation 9:7 ... were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces ...
Revelation 17:4 ... scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones ...
Revelation 18:16 ... and decked with gold, and precious stones, ...

χρυσον *3

Matthew 2:11 ... they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor ...
Matthew 23:17 ... is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

χρυσος *2

Matthew 23:17 ... is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and ...

χρυσου

Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious ...

Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]

μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]

… possidere aurum … argentum … pecuniam in zonis … [v]

The ancient Greek word "ἄργυρος" ≈ "silver" and may be related to the Latin word "argentum" ≈ "silver" which is the source of the name "Argentina" and the chemical symbol "Ag", atomic number 47.
The KJV, from Latin influence, uses "provide" for the Greek word that means "take" as in "do not take money for what you do".

More: Matthew 10:5-10 Possessing acquired purchases

*G696 *4 ἄργυρος (ar'-goo-ros) : from argos (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin):--silver.

Words: αργυρον αργυρος αργυρου αργυρω

The ancient Greek word "ἄργυρος" ≈ "silver" and may be related to the Latin word "argentum" ≈ "silver" which is the source of the name "Argentina". This Greek word for "silver" can be a play on words with "lazy way around".

"ἄργυρος" ≈ "silver" and "ἀργός" ≈ "white, light".
"ἀργός" ≈ "not working, idle, lazy" (same word) from "ᾰ̓εργός" ≈ "not working".
"γυρός" ≈ "round" as in the first part of the English word "gyroscope".
"γῦρος" ≈ "ring, circle". The calque of the Turkish word for "turn" as in "cooked on a spit" became the name of the "gyro" meat in pita bread.

*G696 *4 ἄργυρος (ar'-goo-ros) : from argos (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin):--silver.

Usage

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αργυρον

Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in ...

αργυρω

Acts 17:29 ... like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven ...

αργυρος

James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust ...

αργυρου

Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, ...

The song "Silver and gold" was sung by Sam the Snowman in the 1964 film Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Note the secular viewpoint of the lyrics:

Silver

gold

Silver

gold

silver

gold

Silver

gold

Silver

gold

silver

gold

Silver

gold

Silver

gold

More: Luke 1:14 Naive about the nativity

After the resurrection, a beggar in the temple expects money from Peter.

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [kjv]

ειπεν δε πετρος αργυριον και χρυσιον ουχ υπαρχει μοι ο δε εχω τουτο σοι διδωμι εν τω ονοματι ιησου χριστου του ναζωραιου περιπατει [gnt]

3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. [kjv]

Folklore story: (paraphrased):

Pope to Francis of Assisi, showing him a treasure of gold and silver: "They can no longer say gold and silver have we none.".
Francis of Assisi to Pope: "But now you cannot say, in the name of Jesus get up and walk.".

The KJV uses "have I none" where the Greek is "does not exist".

More: Existence is not is existence

More: The bottom line on riches

More: Luke 1:14 Naive about the nativity

Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]

μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]

… possidere aurum … argentum … pecuniam in zonis … [v]

The ancient Greek word "χαλκός" ≈ "copper, bronze" but, in a poetic sense, could be anything made of metal. It is sometimes translated as "brass".

*G5475 *5 χαλκός (khal-kos') : perhaps from G5465 through the idea of hollowing out as a vessel (this metal being chiefly used for that purpose); copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it):--brass, money.

Usage

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χαλκον *3

Matthew 10:9 ... nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mark 6:8 ... no bread, no money in their purse:
Mark 12:41 ... how the people cast money into the treasury: and ...

χαλκος

1 Corinthians 13:1 ... charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

χαλκου

Revelation 18:12 ... most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

Ezra 8:27 Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold. [kjv]

και καφουρη χρυσοι εικοσι εις την οδον χαμανιμ χιλιοι και σκευη χαλκου στιλβοντος αγαθου διαφορα επιθυμητα εν χρυσιω [lxx]

*G5475 *5 χαλκός (khal-kos') : perhaps from G5465 through the idea of hollowing out as a vessel (this metal being chiefly used for that purpose); copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it):--brass, money.

Words: χαλκον=3 χαλκος χαλκου

The idea of something made of "copper" can be that of a cheap "idol".

The Greek verb form of "copper" or "brass" could be that of an "artificer" or "smith".

Ezra 8:27

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KJV: Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.

Hebrew: וכפרי זהב עשרים לאדרכנים אלף וכלי נחשת מצהב טובה שנים חמודת כזהב׃

Greek: και καφουρη χρυσοι εικοσι εις την οδον χαμανιμ χιλιοι και σκευη χαλκου στιλβοντος αγαθου διαφορα επιθυμητα εν χρυσιω

Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubal–cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal–cain was Naamah. [kjv]

σελλα δε ετεκεν και αυτη τον θοβελ και ην σφυροκοπος χαλκευς χαλκου και σιδηρου αδελφη δε θοβελ νοεμα [lxx]

The Greek verb form of "copper" or "brass" could be that of an "artificer" or "smith".

Genesis 4:22

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KJV: And Zillah, she also bare Tubal–cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal–cain was Naamah.

Hebrew: וצלה גם הוא ילדה את תובל קין לטש כל חרש נחשת וברזל ואחות תובל קין נעמה׃

Greek: σελλα δε ετεκεν και αυτη τον θοβελ και ην σφυροκοπος χαλκευς χαλκου και σιδηρου αδελφη δε θοβελ νοεμα

Exodus 25:3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, [kjv]

και αυτη εστιν η απαρχη ην λημψεσθε παρ αυτων χρυσιον και αργυριον και χαλκον [lxx]

Exodus 25:3

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KJV: And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,

Hebrew: וזאת התרומה אשר תקחו מאתם זהב וכסף ונחשת׃

Greek: και αυτη εστιν η απαρχη ην λημψεσθε παρ αυτων χρυσιον και αργυριον και χαλκον

Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. [kjv]

μη πηραν εις οδον μηδε δυο χιτωνας μηδε υποδηματα μηδε ραβδον αξιος γαρ ο εργατης της τροφης αυτου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "χιτών" ≈ "man's tunic". A figurative meaning, partly from Greek philosophy, was that of the "body" as a "covering" for the "spirit".

Might this be a reason why Jesus says not to take "two" "tunics" as in "two" outer appearances? Just let your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" be "no".

This verse is right after the one about not taking money for what one does.

Aside: The English word "chapel" is from the Late Latin word "cappella" ≈ "little cloak" which is from "cappa" ≈ "cloak, cape".

Matthew 10:10

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KJV: Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Greek: μη πηραν εις οδον μηδε δυο χιτωνας μηδε υποδηματα μηδε ραβδον αξιος γαρ ο εργατης της τροφης αυτου εστιν

Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. [kjv]

μη πηραν εις οδον μηδε δυο χιτωνας μηδε υποδηματα μηδε ραβδον αξιος γαρ ο εργατης της τροφης αυτου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "πῆρα" ≈ "bag, pouch, knapsack" for provisions, etc. This "bag" was often associated with beggars. Perhaps this restriction was to avoid the appearance of a beggar and not a restriction on taking any provisions, such as, for example, five loaves and two fishes (for the fish and chip crowd).

Do not go begging.

Jesus uses the Greek word for "beggar", who might be "poor " in a worldly sense, as those who need the "Good News". There is another Greek word for "destitute" as in "poor" in a worldly sense.

More: Matthew 5:3 The good news about being poor in spirit

*G4082 *6 πήρα (pay'-rah) : of uncertain affinity; a wallet or leather pouch for food:--scrip.

Usage

All

πηραν *5

Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two ...
Mark 6:8 ... a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no ...
Luke 9:3 ... neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither ...
Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and ...
Luke 22:36 ... let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath ...

πηρας

Luke 22:35 ... without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye ...

*G4082 *6 πήρα (pay'-rah) : of uncertain affinity; a wallet or leather pouch for food:--scrip.

Words: πηραν=5 πηρας

The ancient Greek word "πῆρα" ≈ "bag, pouch, knapsack" for provisions, etc. This "bag" was often associated with beggars.

After the resurrection, a beggar in the temple expects money from Peter.

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [kjv]

ειπεν δε πετρος αργυριον και χρυσιον ουχ υπαρχει μοι ο δε εχω τουτο σοι διδωμι εν τω ονοματι ιησου χριστου του ναζωραιου περιπατει [gnt]

3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. [kjv]

Folklore story: (paraphrased):

Pope to Francis of Assisi, showing him a treasure of gold and silver: "They can no longer say gold and silver have we none.".
Francis of Assisi to Pope: "But now you cannot say, in the name of Jesus get up and walk.".

The KJV uses "have I none" where the Greek is "does not exist".

More: Existence is not is existence

More: The bottom line on riches

More: Luke 1:14 Naive about the nativity