New Testament Textual Criticism: Analyzing Matthew 10:14—“of your feet,” “out of your feet,” or “away from your feet”?

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The discipline of New Testament textual criticism seeks to recover the original wording of the biblical text through a rigorous examination of manuscript evidence. Matthew 10:14, a verse in which Jesus instructs his disciples to shake the dust from their feet when leaving an unwelcoming house or city, presents a textual variation in the phrase describing the dust and the feet. The primary readings are “of your feet” (τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν), “out of your feet” (ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν), and “away from your feet” (ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν). This article provides an exhaustive analysis of these variants, prioritizing documentary evidence while considering internal factors, and situates the discussion within the broader context of New Testament textual studies, paleography, papyrology, and manuscript transmission. The analysis maintains a high view of scripture, employs the objective historical-grammatical method, and avoids speculative or liberal approaches, focusing on the trustworthiness of the biblical text. The historical context is anchored in literal Bible chronology, and the tone is academic yet accessible, ensuring clarity without redundancy.

The Text of Matthew 10:14

Matthew 10:14 records Jesus’ instructions to his disciples during their mission to the towns of Israel in 31 C.E. The verse, as rendered in the Updated American Standard Version, reads: “Whoever does not receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.” The Greek text underlying this translation, based on the Westcott-Hort and Nestle-Aland critical editions, is: καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ δέξηται ὑμᾶς μηδὲ ἀκούσῃ τοὺς λόγους ὑμῶν, ἐξερχόμενοι ἔξω τῆς οἰκίας ἢ τῆς πόλεως ἐκείνης ἐκτινάξατε τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν. The phrase τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“of your feet”) is the focus of the textual variation, with two variant readings introducing prepositions: ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“out of your feet”) and ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“away from your feet”). Additionally, P110, a key witness, contains unique readings in other parts of the verse, which will be examined to provide a comprehensive understanding of its textual character.

Manuscript Evidence for the Variants

The primary reading, τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“of your feet”), is supported by the vast majority of Greek manuscripts, collectively referred to as “rell” (relinquus, meaning “the rest”). This includes major witnesses such as Codex Vaticanus (B), Codex Bezae (D), and most Byzantine manuscripts, as well as early versions like the Syriac and Coptic. The absence of a preposition in this reading results in a genitive of separation, a grammatical construction implying the dust is removed from the feet. This reading is found in the Westcott-Hort, Nestle-Aland, and other critical texts, reflecting its widespread attestation and perceived fidelity to the original.

Variant 1, ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“out of your feet”), is attested in Codex Sinaiticus (א), Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C), Minuscule 0281, Minuscule 33, Minuscule 892, and several Latin manuscripts (lat). The preposition ἐκ emphasizes the source or origin of the dust, suggesting it is shaken “out from” the feet. This reading, while less common, is supported by significant early witnesses, particularly Sinaiticus, a fourth-century manuscript known for its Alexandrian text-type.

Variant 2, ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“away from your feet”), is found solely in P110, a third-century papyrus fragment from Oxyrhynchus, Egypt [circa 200-250 C.E.]. The preposition ἀπὸ indicates separation or movement away, implying the dust is removed “from” the feet. This reading is unique to P110, making it an outlier among the manuscript evidence but valuable for its early date and independent character.

P110 and Its Unique Readings in Matthew 10:14

P110, designated 𝔓110 in the Gregory-Aland numbering, is a fragmentary papyrus manuscript preserving portions of Matthew 10:13-15 and 10:25-27. Dated paleographically to the early third century [circa 200-250 C.E.], it was discovered at Oxyrhynchus and is housed at the Sackler Library in Oxford. Written in uncial script without diacritical marks or spacing, P110 is a critical early witness to Matthew’s Gospel. Its text in Matthew 10:14 exhibits several unique readings, which provide insight into its scribal practices and textual tradition:

ἐξερχομένων ὑμῶν (“as you are leaving”): P110 uses a genitive absolute construction, a unique variant compared to the nominative plural participle ἐξερχόμενοι found in all other witnesses. The genitive absolute emphasizes the action of leaving as a continuous process, explicitly addressing the disciples as a group (“all of you”). This reading may reflect a stylistic preference or a deliberate clarification by the scribe.
πόλεως ἢ κώμης (“city or village”): P110 includes the phrase ἢ κώμης (“or village”), aligning with Codex Sinaiticus, Minuscule 892, and Family 13. Other witnesses, including Codex Vaticanus, omit this phrase, referring only to the city (πόλεως). The inclusion of “village” broadens the scope of Jesus’ instruction, encompassing smaller settlements, and may reflect a regional or contextual adaptation.
Omission of ἐκείνης (“that”): P110 omits the feminine demonstrative pronoun ἐκείνης, which agrees with the nouns οἰκίας (“house”) and πόλεως (“city”). This omission is shared with Codex Bezae and some Old Latin manuscripts, while the majority of witnesses include it. The absence of ἐκείνης simplifies the syntax but does not alter the meaning significantly.
ἀπὸ (“from”): As noted, P110 uniquely uses ἀπὸ in the phrase ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν, contrasting with ἐκ in Variant 1 and the absence of a preposition in the primary reading. This choice of preposition is distinctive and may reflect a scribal tendency to favor ἀπὸ for separation.
ἐκμάξατε (“wipe”): P110 uses the verb ἐκμάξατε, meaning “wipe,” instead of the standard ἐκτινάξατε (“shake”) found in all other witnesses. This verb suggests a different physical action, possibly a gentler or more deliberate removal of dust, and is unparalleled in other manuscripts.

These unique readings suggest that P110 represents an independent textual tradition, possibly copied from a source that diverged from the mainstream Alexandrian or Byzantine streams. Its early date enhances its value, but its singular readings require careful evaluation to determine their originality.

Documentary Method and Evaluation of the Variants

The documentary method, which prioritizes external evidence such as the age, quality, and provenance of manuscripts, is the primary framework for assessing the variants in Matthew 10:14. This approach contrasts with reasoned eclecticism, which places greater weight on internal criteria like the “harder reading” or contextual fit. The documentary method favors early and reliable witnesses, particularly those of the Alexandrian text-type, while considering the broader manuscript tradition.

The primary reading, τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“of your feet”), has the strongest external support, appearing in the majority of manuscripts, including Codex Vaticanus, Codex Bezae, and the Byzantine tradition. Its widespread attestation across diverse text-types (Alexandrian, Western, and Byzantine) and early versions suggests it is the original reading. The genitive of separation is a standard Greek construction, consistent with the simplicity and clarity of the Alexandrian text-type, as seen in manuscripts like P75 and Vaticanus. The degree of certainty for this reading is beyond reasonable doubt [BRD, 95%], as there is no compelling reason to doubt its originality given its overwhelming support.

Variant 1, ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“out of your feet”), is supported by significant early witnesses, including Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Ephraemi, both fourth-century manuscripts of the Alexandrian text-type. The preposition ἐκ adds specificity, emphasizing the dust’s origin from the feet. While this reading is plausible [P, 40%], its limited support compared to the primary reading suggests it may be a scribal clarification or regional variation. The presence of ἐκ in Latin manuscripts further indicates it may reflect a translational tendency in the Western tradition.

Variant 2, ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“away from your feet”), is attested only in P110, making it a weak possibility [WP, 30%]. Despite P110’s early date, its singular reading lacks corroboration from other witnesses, reducing its likelihood of being original. The use of ἀπὸ may reflect a scribal idiosyncrasy or a preference for a preposition indicating separation, but it is improbable given the overwhelming support for the primary reading.

Internal evidence, while secondary, provides additional context. The primary reading’s simplicity aligns with the Alexandrian tendency to avoid unnecessary embellishments. The addition of prepositions in Variants 1 and 2 could result from scribal attempts to clarify the action of shaking dust, as both ἐκ and ἀπὸ are common in contexts of separation. P110’s unique verb ἐκμάξατε (“wipe”) suggests a distinct interpretive tradition, possibly influenced by the scribe’s understanding of the symbolic act. However, the documentary method prioritizes the external evidence, which strongly favors τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Paleographic and Papyrological Context of P110

P110’s paleographic features, such as its uncial script and lack of diacritical marks, are typical of fourth-century Christian papyri. The manuscript’s provenance in Oxyrhynchus, a major center of early Christian activity, situates it within a vibrant scribal culture. Papyrology highlights the fragility of such manuscripts, as papyrus is prone to decay, and P110’s survival as a fragment underscores its rarity. The scribe’s use of unique readings, such as ἐξερχομένων ὑμῶν and ἐκμάξατε, suggests a degree of freedom or divergence from a standardized text, possibly reflecting a local or independent tradition.

The early third century [circa 200-250 C.E.] was a pivotal period for Christianity, following the Edict of Milan in 313 C.E., which granted tolerance to the faith. The copying of texts like Matthew’s Gospel was undertaken in communities that valued the scriptures as divine revelation. P110’s text, despite its variants, preserves the core message of Jesus’ instructions, reinforcing the reliability of the New Testament’s transmission.

Historical and Theological Significance

In the context of 31 C.E., when Jesus delivered these instructions, the act of shaking dust from one’s feet was a symbolic gesture rooted in Jewish practice. Pious Jews returning from Gentile lands would shake off dust to avoid carrying impurity into Israel, as noted in sources like the Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 12a) and the Mishnah (Toharot 4:5). Jesus adapts this custom, instructing his disciples to treat unreceptive Jewish towns as if they were unclean, signifying a break in fellowship and a warning of divine judgment. The parallel passages in Luke 9:5, 10:10-12, and Acts 13:50-51 confirm this practice in the early church, where it served as a testimony against those who rejected the gospel.

The textual variants in Matthew 10:14, while minor, reflect the challenges of transmitting a text by hand. The primary reading, τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν, conveys the intended action clearly, while the prepositions in Variants 1 and 2 introduce slight nuances without altering the theological message. P110’s unique readings, particularly ἐκμάξατε (“wipe”), suggest a different conceptualization of the act, possibly emphasizing a deliberate cleansing rather than an abrupt shaking. These variations do not undermine the verse’s meaning, which remains consistent: rejection of the disciples’ message incurs divine consequences.

From an evangelical perspective, the reliability of Matthew 10:14 underscores the trustworthiness of the New Testament. The overwhelming manuscript support for the primary reading, coupled with the early witness of P110, demonstrates that the text was preserved with remarkable fidelity. The variants, though present, are minor and do not affect doctrinal or historical accuracy, affirming the inspired nature of the scriptures as guided by the Spirit-inspired Word of God.

Challenges in Textual Analysis

The analysis of Matthew 10:14 faces several challenges. P110’s fragmentary nature limits the scope of its testimony, as only a portion of the verse is preserved. Its singular readings, such as ἀπὸ and ἐκμάξατε, raise questions about the scribe’s source text and intentions. Was P110 copied from a unique exemplar, or did the scribe introduce these readings independently? The lack of corroborating witnesses for Variant 2 complicates its evaluation, requiring reliance on external evidence to establish the primary reading.

Scribal habits, such as the tendency to add prepositions for clarity, must also be considered. The shift from τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν to ἐκ or ἀπὸ could reflect a natural scribal impulse to specify the action, particularly in a context where the symbolic gesture was culturally significant. The documentary method mitigates these challenges by prioritizing early and reliable manuscripts, but it requires careful judgment to balance external and internal evidence.

Conclusion of the Analysis

The textual evidence for Matthew 10:14 strongly supports τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“of your feet”) as the original reading, with a certainty of beyond reasonable doubt [95%]. Its attestation in the majority of manuscripts, including key Alexandrian and Byzantine witnesses, and its grammatical simplicity align with the principles of the documentary method. Variant 1, ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“out of your feet”), is plausible but less likely due to its limited support, while Variant 2, ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν (“away from your feet”), is a weak possibility given its attestation only in P110. The unique readings in P110, such as ἐξερχομένων ὑμῶν and ἐκμάξατε, highlight its independent character but do not outweigh the broader manuscript tradition.

The study of Matthew 10:14 exemplifies the meticulous work of New Testament textual criticism, which seeks to recover the original text through a disciplined examination of evidence. The variants, though minor, enrich our understanding of the text’s transmission and affirm its reliability. By prioritizing documentary evidence and maintaining a high view of scripture, this analysis underscores the trustworthiness of the New Testament, ensuring that the words of Jesus in 31 C.E. are faithfully preserved for believers today.

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About the author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).