Book of Matthew - Chapter 10 - Verse 12

When Jesus instructs his disciples to "salute" a house they enter, he is not simply referring to a casual greeting. The act of saluting a house in this context symbolizes showing respect and offering a blessing. In ancient times, it was customary for travelers to greet the homes they visited as a way of acknowledging the hospitality they were receiving. By saluting a house, the disciples were expressing gratitude for the shelter, food, and fellowship provided to them. Additionally, this gesture serves as a way to bring blessings upon the house and its inhabitants. It demonstrates the importance of recognizing and appreciating the generosity of others, while also understanding the power of words and actions in creating positive energy and goodwill. Overall, this verse emphasizes the value of showing appreciation and offering blessings to those who welcome us into their homes.

Upon examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And when ye come into an house, salute it", some scholars suggest that this injunction from Jesus to greet a home upon entering stems from a cultural practice of showing respect and goodwill towards the occupants. In the biblical context, hospitality was highly valued, and showing politeness and kindness towards others was considered a virtue. This verse may be seen as a reminder to believers to be mindful of their interactions with others and to extend warmth and hospitality in their daily lives.

Additionally, a word study of the term "salute" reveals that it comes from the Greek word "aspaomai", which has connotations of greeting, embracing, or showing respect. In this context, the act of saluting a house could be viewed as an expression of goodwill and a recognition of the significance of the home as a place of shelter and community. By engaging in this simple act of courtesy, individuals can demonstrate their respect for the household and its inhabitants, embodying the values of hospitality and kindness espoused in the teachings of Jesus.