Mat 10:16 | NETfull | STEP | “I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Matthew 10:16

Persecution of Disciples

16 “I ^{▼▼ Grk “Behold I.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).} am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, ^{▼▼ This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism; see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30.} so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.