Original Word: κονιορτός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: koniortos
Pronunciation: ko-nee-or-TOS
Phonetic Spelling: (kon-ee-or-tos')
KJV: dust
NASB: dust
Word Origin: [from the base of G2867 (κονιάω - whitewashed) and ornumi "to rouse"]

1. pulverulence (as blown about)

dust.

From the base of koniao and ornumi (to "rouse"); pulverulence (as blown about) -- dust.

see GREEK koniao

Word Origin
from the same as koniaó and ornumi (to stir up)
Definition
dust
NASB Translation
dust (5).

STRONGS NT 2868: κονιορτός

κονιορτός, κονιορτοῦ, ὁ (from κονία, and ὄρνυμι to stir up);

1. properly, raised dust, flying dust (Herodotus, Plato, Polybius, others).

2. universally, dust: Matthew 10:14; Luke 9:5; Luke 10:11; Acts 13:51; Acts 22:23. (For אָבָק, Exodus 9:9; Nahum 1:3; for עָפָר, Deuteronomy 9:21.)

Core Concept

The term κονιορτός pictures the fine dust that clings to one’s sandals after walking unpaved roads. In the Gospels and Acts it becomes a vivid gesture—physically visible yet theologically charged—employed either by the Lord’s envoys or by hostile crowds.

Canonical Occurrences

• Matthew 10:14
• Luke 9:5
• Luke 10:11
• Acts 13:51
• Acts 22:23

Each setting shares the imagery of airborne dust, yet the intent differs between the first four passages and the fifth, creating two distinct categories: (1) apostolic testimony of rejection and (2) mob agitation.

Symbol of Testimony and Judgment

When Jesus commissions the Twelve (Matthew 10:14) and later the Seventy-two (Luke 10:11), He equips them with a ritualized response to unbelief:

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” (Matthew 10:14)

The act declared three truths.

1. Separation — The messenger’s fellowship with the rejecters is decisively severed; even the dust that attached to his feet is left behind.
2. Responsibility — By removing the dust, the evangelist tangibly proclaims, “Your blood be on your own heads” (cf. Acts 18:6), freeing himself from culpability.
3. Imminent Judgment — The gesture anticipates divine visitation. Luke 10:11 continues, “Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near,” underscoring that refusal of the kingdom does not delay its arrival; it magnifies its judicial aspect.

Historical Background

Jewish travelers returning from Gentile territories sometimes knocked dust from their sandals to avoid ceremonial defilement. Jesus transforms that custom. Whereas Pharisaic scruples targeted pagans, the Lord directs the action toward covenant towns that spurn the gospel. The warning is thus intensified: rejection of the Messiah ranks one with the nations under judgment.

Apostolic Practice in Acts

Paul and Barnabas replicate the directive in Pisidian Antioch:

“So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.” (Acts 13:51)

Their obedience demonstrates continuity between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the Spirit-empowered advance of the Church. The physical signpost also establishes a precedent: sustained evangelistic labor is warranted, yet persistent hardness justifies withdrawal and redeployment (cf. Acts 18:6).

Dust as an Instrument of Fury

Acts 22:23 records a contrasting use:

“As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air…”

Here κονιορτός becomes the weapon of an enraged multitude against Paul. What the apostles used as a lawful testimony, the mob wields as a lawless threat. The same dust therefore exposes both righteous witness and human wrath, reinforcing the moral polarity highlighted throughout Luke–Acts.

Theological Implications

1. Finality of Gospel Accountability

The dust-shaking ritual assures every generation that gospel hearing always produces an outcome; neutrality is illusory (Matthew 10:15).

2. Purity of the Messenger

By refusing even residual contamination, the ambassador models personal holiness while underscoring the purity of the message entrusted to him.

3. Urgency for Hearers

The symbolic action dramatizes the fleeting window of grace. Once the messenger departs, only the echo of promised judgment remains.

Contemporary Ministry Applications

• Evangelistic Integrity — Faithful proclamation entails both invitation and warning. Leaving a field after thorough witness mirrors apostolic strategy without negating compassion.
• Conscience Release — Workers may rest in God’s sovereignty when listeners remain unresponsive; the symbolic “dust” no longer burdens their conscience.
• Corporate Reflection — Congregations must examine whether indifference towards the gospel might lead Christ’s servants to “shake the dust” figuratively today.

Cross-References

Genesis 3:19; Ezekiel 26:12; Acts 18:6; Hebrews 12:25

Dust, therefore, is no trivial by-product of travel. In Scripture it becomes a sacrament of separation, a witness of judgment, and a reminder that every encounter with the good news carries eternal consequence.

κονιορτον κονιορτόν κονιορτὸν κονιορτός κονιορτώ κονιορτών κόντοις κοντός κονύζης koniorton koniortònInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts