The Meaning of Matthew 10:3 Explained

Matthew 10:3

KJV: Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

YLT: Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James of Alpheus, and Lebbeus who was surnamed Thaddeus;

Darby: Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, who was surnamed Thaddaeus;

ASV: Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the'son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Philip,  and  Bartholomew;  Thomas,  and  Matthew  the publican;  James  [the son] of  Alphaeus,  and  Lebbaeus,  whose surname was  Thaddaeus; 

What does Matthew 10:3 Mean?

Context Summary

Matthew 10:1-4 - Planning The Harvest
A new chapter in our Lord's ministry opens at this point. As He walked amid the crowded towns and villages of Galilee, His heart was deeply moved. His was the shepherd's nature, which, ever forgetful of self, expends its all for the flock. Jesus loved the poor people tenderly-those vast multitudes were a scattered, harassed flock. Fainted has the meaning of being cast panting on the ground. It was as though they could not move another step. Let us-like our Master-behold, pity, intercede, do our best to send out laborers, and go ourselves, even to a cross, if only we may save.
Pray for laborers, and you will become a laborer. Begin as a disciple, and you will become an apostle. Our Lord is king, and if He sends, He gives His signet ring of authority. See Matthew 28:18. How little did these men dream that their names would be engraved on the foundations of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:14. [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 10

1  Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;
5  giving them their charge, teaches them;
16  comforts them against persecutions;
40  and promises a blessing to those who receive them

What do the individual words in Matthew 10:3 mean?

Philip and Bartholomew Thomas Matthew the tax collector James the [son] - of Alphaeus Thaddaeus
Φίλιππος καὶ Βαρθολομαῖος Θωμᾶς Μαθθαῖος τελώνης Ἰάκωβος τοῦ Ἁλφαίου Θαδδαῖος

Φίλιππος  Philip 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Φίλιππος  
Sense: an apostle of Christ.
Βαρθολομαῖος  Bartholomew 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Βαρθολομαῖος  
Sense: one of the twelve apostles of Christ.
Θωμᾶς  Thomas 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Θωμᾶς  
Sense: one of the apostles.
Μαθθαῖος  Matthew 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Μαθθαῖος 
Sense: son of Alphaeus, one of the 2 disciples.
τελώνης  tax  collector 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: τελώνης  
Sense: a renter or farmer of taxes.
Ἰάκωβος  James 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰάκωβος  
Sense: son of Zebedee, an apostle and brother of the apostle John, commonly called James the greater or elder, slain by Herod, Acts 2.
  the  [son] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἁλφαίου  of  Alphaeus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἁλφαῖος  
Sense: The father of Levi the publican (Mk 2:4).
Θαδδαῖος  Thaddaeus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Θαδδαῖος  
Sense: one of the twelve apostles.