Matthew 10:16
King James Version
8 Jun 2026
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
φρόνιμος
thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while G4680 (σοφός) denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 (συνετός) indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative)
οὖν
therefore
Expand ↓
οὖν
Therefore, then, accordingly. Therefore since we have been justified through faith we have peace with God. The therefore of Scripture always builds on something God has already done.
tap to close ↑
περιστερά
doves.
Expand ↓
περιστερά
Dove. Peristera. The Spirit descended on Him like a dove. The dove represents gentleness peace and the presence of God. The Holy Spirit rests on those who cultivate these qualities.
tap to close ↑
γίνομαι
do be
Expand ↓
γίνομαι
To become, to come into being, to happen. Ginomai. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What is true in heaven is meant to become true on earth through prayer.
tap to close ↑
μέσος
the] midst
Expand ↓
μέσος
Middle, in the midst, among. Mesos. Where two or three gather in My name there I am in their midst. The promise of presence in gathered worship is permanent.
tap to close ↑
ὄφις
serpents
Expand ↓
ὄφις
A serpent, a snake. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so the Son of Man must be lifted up. The bronze serpent was a shadow of the cross.
tap to close ↑
πρόβατον
sheep
Expand ↓
πρόβατον
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
tap to close ↑
ἰδού
Behold
Expand ↓
ἰδού
used as imperative lo!;
tap to close ↑
λύκος
of wolves;
Expand ↓
λύκος
a wolf
tap to close ↑