Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων ὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ καὶ θεραπεύειν πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν. (Matthew 10:1)
Matthew 10:1 marks a turning point in the Gospel narrative. Jesus, who has displayed his authority in teaching, healing, and exorcism, now shares that same authority with his disciples. The grammar of this verse is carefully constructed: a participle of summoning, an aorist of decisive action, an infinitival clause of purpose, and expansive modifiers. Together they depict the transition of Jesus’ ministry from singular demonstration to shared mission. The richness of the syntax underscores both the theological weight and the ecclesial implications of the event.
The Narrative Transition: Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ
The verse opens with a participial phrase: Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος (“and having called to himself”). The verb is an aorist middle participle of προσκαλέομαι, which conveys both initiative and relational intimacy—Jesus summons the Twelve into his immediate presence. The middle voice emphasizes Jesus’ personal involvement; he calls them “to himself.” The direct object is τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ (“his twelve disciples”), a designation that combines number, role, and possession. The definite article τοὺς highlights specificity, the numeral δώδεκα signals symbolic fullness (twelve tribes of Israel), and μαθητάς defines their identity as learners and followers.
Grammatically, the participle functions circumstantially, providing the background action: only after summoning the Twelve does Jesus grant authority. The syntax mirrors the sequence of discipleship—first called, then commissioned.
The Decisive Grant: ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν
The main verb is ἔδωκεν (aorist active indicative of δίδωμι, “he gave”). The aorist indicates a decisive, once-for-all act of commissioning. The indirect object αὐτοῖς (“to them”) highlights the recipients, while the direct object ἐξουσίαν (“authority, power”) specifies the gift. This is not mere ability but delegated authority, a legal and spiritual empowerment to act in Jesus’ name. The singular ἐξουσίαν suggests a unified grant of authority covering both exorcism and healing.
Theologically, the grammar underscores a radical shift: what Jesus alone had done in chapters 8–9 (driving out demons, healing every disease) is now entrusted to his disciples. Authority here is both derivative and representative—they act not independently but as extensions of Jesus’ own mission.
The Domain of Power: πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων
The genitive πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων (“of unclean spirits”) specifies the sphere in which authority is exercised. The plural πνευμάτων implies multiplicity of hostile forces, while the adjective ἀκαθάρτων connotes ritual impurity, moral corruption, and spiritual opposition. Grammatically, this genitive is objective: authority over unclean spirits. The phrase situates the disciples’ mission within a cosmic conflict—the kingdom of God advancing against the powers of darkness.
By including this phrase first, Matthew emphasizes that spiritual warfare precedes physical healing. Authority over demons is the primary sign of God’s reign breaking into the world.
The Purpose Clause: ὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ καὶ θεραπεύειν
The conjunction ὥστε introduces a clause of result or purpose, here functioning purposefully: “so that they might cast them out and heal.” The infinitives ἐκβάλλειν (“to cast out”) and θεραπεύειν (“to heal”) describe the commissioned actions. The object of ἐκβάλλειν is αὐτά (the unclean spirits), while θεραπεύειν governs two accusatives: πᾶσαν νόσον (“every disease”) and πᾶσαν μαλακίαν (“every affliction”). The repetition of πᾶσαν universalizes the scope—no illness or weakness lies beyond Jesus’ delegated power.
The infinitives, dependent on ὥστε, reveal that the grant of authority is not abstract but functional. Authority is always oriented toward action: exorcism and healing. Grammar conveys mission.
Semantic Nuances of Disease: νόσον and μαλακίαν
Matthew distinguishes between νόσος (“disease, illness”) and μαλακία (“weakness, debility”). Νόσος typically refers to diagnosable conditions, while μαλακία denotes general frailty or chronic weakness. The pairing encompasses both acute and chronic afflictions, medical and existential suffering. Grammatically, the accusatives expand the sphere of healing, showing that the disciples’ ministry mirrors Jesus’ comprehensive compassion.
Syntax Table: Grammar of Commission
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος | Aorist middle participle | Background action: Jesus summons the disciples to himself |
| τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ | Accusative direct object | Identifies the specific group called and commissioned |
| ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν | Aorist indicative + indirect and direct objects | Decisive grant of authority to the disciples |
| πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων | Objective genitive | Defines the sphere of power: unclean spirits |
| ὥστε ἐκβάλλειν… θεραπεύειν | Infinitival purpose clause | Defines the mission: exorcism and healing |
| πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν | Accusatives of object | Totalizes scope: every illness and weakness |
Grammar as Theology of Mission
Matthew 10:1 encapsulates a grammar of mission. The participle depicts calling, the aorist verb conveys decisive commissioning, the genitive specifies the domain of power, and the infinitives articulate the mission’s purpose. The syntax reflects Jesus’ strategy: authority flows from him to his disciples, extending the reach of God’s kingdom into the realms of demonic oppression and human suffering. By giving ἐξουσία, Jesus equips ordinary men to continue his extraordinary work.
This grammar also models discipleship today. Authority is not self-generated but received; it is not for domination but for service; and it is always oriented toward healing and liberation. Matthew’s careful syntax preserves both the theological precision and the narrative force of the moment when Jesus entrusts his mission to the Twelve.
Far from thin, this verse is grammatically and theologically dense. Its participial background, decisive aorist, infinitival purpose, and expansive accusatives weave together to portray the transformation of disciples from learners into commissioned agents of the kingdom of God.
