Luke 10:6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Luke 10:6 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words as part of His instructions to the seventy-two disciples whom He sent out in pairs to every town and place where He Himself was about to go (Luke 10:1). The immediate setting is their entry into a house, where they were first to say, “Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:5). Verse 6 then explains the outcome of that greeting.

Meaning

The phrase “son of peace” is a Hebrew way of speaking (the Greek is huios eirēnēs) that describes a person inclined to peace—the head of a household who is disposed to welcome the disciples with hospitality and openness, being receptive to the message of peace they bring. When such a person is present, the disciples’ peace “shall rest upon” the house. The Greek word for “shall rest” (epanapaēsetai) is a compound verb meaning to settle and remain, indicating that the blessing of peace is not a passing courtesy but a genuine spiritual gift that stays with the receptive household.

If no such person is there, the peace “shall turn to you again.” The Greek verb (anakampsei) means to bend back or return, signifying that the blessing of peace returns to the one who spoke it. The peace they carry is not lost but remains with them, so they are not to be discouraged by rejection, because true peace comes from God and stays with the messenger regardless of external circumstances.

Biblical connections

This teaching parallels Matthew 10:13, where Jesus instructs the disciples to let their peace come upon a worthy house, and if it is not worthy, to let their peace return to them. The concept of a “son of peace” also connects to Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is called the “Prince of Peace,” though this is a broader canonical link.

Application

Believers are called to be receptive to God’s messengers, offering hospitality and openness so that God’s peace may rest upon the household. Likewise, followers of Jesus are urged to be instruments of peace themselves, bringing blessing to others through love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Finally, the passage encourages believers not to be disheartened by opposition or lack of acceptance; the peace that surpasses understanding is a divine gift that stays with the believer even when it is not received by others.

Reflection

Jesus’ words remind us that the greeting of peace is not empty but carries spiritual weight. When we share God’s peace, it rests upon those who are receptive and returns to us when rejected. This truth frees us to offer peace generously, trusting God with the outcome.