How Many Did Jesus Send in Luke 10:1?

Manuscript traditions differ over whether Jesus sent 70 or 72 people ahead of Him in Luke 10:1. The number 70 alludes to the number of Israelites who went to Egypt in Joseph’s day (Gen 46:27) and likely the number of nations listed in the Table of Nations (the basis for the division of nations at the Tower of Babel; see Gen 10; 11:1–9). However, while the correct number of nations is most likely 70, 72 can be obtained depending on whether certain names are grouped or separated.

There being 70 nations listed in the Table of Nations (Gen 10) makes the most sense since that number has great theological significance in the context of Canaanite religion. Ancient Ugarit texts provide evidence that the Canaanites believed there were 70 sons of god. Deuteronomy 32:8–9 states that Yahweh punitively rejected the 70 nations outside Israel and allowed for them to come under the authority of the sons of God (compare Deut 4:19–20). Thus, for the ancient Israelites, the number 70 had symbolic effect; it in many ways expressed Yahweh’s choice of Israel as His chosen people.

Since Luke viewed the advance of Christ’s kingdom as God’s plan for reclaiming the nations dispersed at Babel (Deut 32:8–9), the number of disciples in Luke 10:1 matched the number of nations to reinforce this symbolism. This is true whether the number 70 or 72 is chosen as the correct reading.

As the gospel accounts proclaim, Jesus’ inauguration of the kingdom meant that the nations would be reclaimed—the 70 mentioned in Genesis 10 and dispersed in Genesis 11:1–9 would be readopted. Sending 70 or 72 disciples, as Jesus does in Luke 10:1, expressed this theological message. Jesus’ declaration at the return of the 70 (or 72) and His announcement of the expulsion of Satan from heaven later in the chapter reinforces this message (see Luke 10:17–18).

Michael S. Heiser

Further Reading

Deuteronomy 32:8 and the Sons of God