Luke 12:12

KJV

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} shall teach {G1321} you {G5209} in {G1722} the same {G846} hour {G5610} what {G3739} ye ought {G1163} to say {G2036}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because when the time comes, the Ruach HaKodesh will teach you what you need to say.”

Berean Standard Bible

For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

American Standard Version

for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:12 offers a profound assurance from Jesus to His disciples, promising them divine enablement through the Holy Spirit when they face persecution and are called to defend their faith. It highlights that in moments of intense pressure and interrogation, they need not pre-plan their defense, for the Holy Spirit will supernaturally provide the exact words they are divinely obligated to speak at that precise moment, ensuring their testimony is both truthful and effective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' broader discourse to His disciples concerning the nature of discipleship, the cost of following Him, and the coming persecutions. Immediately preceding this, in [Luke 12:11](/luke/12-11 "Luke 12:11 - Warning of Persecution"), Jesus explicitly warns them that they "shall be brought unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers." This sets the stage for the crucial promise in verse 12, which directly addresses the anxiety and fear that such a prospect would naturally evoke. The entire chapter of [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke 12 - Warnings and Exhortations") is filled with warnings against hypocrisy, covetousness, and anxiety, while simultaneously encouraging faithfulness, trust in God's provision, and readiness for the Son of Man's return. Verse 12 serves as a specific comfort within this larger theme of steadfastness in the face of opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea and the broader Roman Empire were contexts where religious and political authorities frequently interrogated individuals, especially those whose teachings challenged established norms. Early Christians, particularly after Jesus' ascension, would indeed face such scenarios, being brought before Jewish councils (like the Sanhedrin) or Roman officials. Synagogues served as both places of worship and community courts, where believers might be questioned or disciplined. Magistrates and powers refer to various levels of Roman civil authority. In these settings, the accused were expected to present a defense, often without prior legal counsel. The promise in [Luke 12:12](/luke/12-12 "Luke 12:12 - The Holy Spirit Teaches") directly addresses this vulnerability, offering supernatural intervention in a highly formal and often hostile environment where their lives or freedom could be at stake.
* **Key Themes:** The promise in [Luke 12:12](/luke/12-12 "Luke 12:12 - The Holy Spirit Teaches") significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is **Divine Empowerment**, highlighting that believers are not left to their own human capabilities when facing spiritual or worldly opposition; rather, the Holy Spirit actively equips them. Related to this is **Trust in God's Providence**, as the verse encourages complete reliance on God's timely provision of wisdom and words. It also underscores the theme of **Courage in Adversity**, assuring disciples that they need not fear persecution or interrogation, as divine assistance is guaranteed. This promise also reinforces the **Active Ministry of the Holy Spirit**, portraying the Spirit not merely as a presence but as an active teacher and advocate, a role expanded upon in passages like [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma_):** Refers to a current of air, breath, or breeze, and by analogy or figuratively, a spirit. In this context, combined with "Holy" (G40, _hágios_), it unequivocally denotes the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. This term emphasizes the Spirit's dynamic, life-giving, and empowering nature, much like wind or breath, which is unseen but powerful in its effects. The Holy Spirit is presented as the active agent of divine instruction.
* **teach (Greek, _didáskō_):** This verb means to instruct, explain, or impart knowledge. It implies a comprehensive and authoritative imparting of understanding and specific content. The Holy Spirit will not merely prompt a general idea but will provide the precise words and arguments necessary for their defense, revealing what is true and appropriate to say in that moment.
* **ought (Greek, _deî_):** This impersonal verb signifies necessity, obligation, or what is proper and fitting. It conveys a sense of divine imperative or what is behooved. Thus, the words given by the Holy Spirit are not merely suggestions but are precisely what the disciples *must* say, indicating a divinely ordained message that is both necessary and correct for the specific situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Holy Ghost shall teach you":** This initial clause establishes the divine source of assistance. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) is identified as the active agent, promising a supernatural impartation of knowledge and words. This is not a human effort of memory or wit, but a direct, divine intervention that will equip the disciples.
* **"in the same hour":** This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and perfect timing of the Spirit's intervention. It assures the disciples that the guidance will be available precisely when needed, at the very moment they are called upon to speak, alleviating any anxiety about preparation or forethought. It highlights God's punctual and precise care.
* **"what ye ought to say.":** This concluding phrase specifies the content and nature of the Spirit's teaching. The Holy Spirit will provide the exact words and arguments that are necessary and appropriate for the situation. The use of "ought" (Greek _deî_) suggests that the words given are not merely helpful but are divinely mandated and fitting for the context, ensuring a testimony that aligns with God's will and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:12 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as the Holy Ghost is portrayed as an active agent who "shall teach," demonstrating intelligence, will, and the ability to communicate. This elevates the Holy Spirit beyond an abstract force to a divine Person actively involved in the lives of believers. The verse also functions as a direct **Assurance** or **Promise** from Jesus, providing comfort and instilling confidence in His disciples in the face of anticipated persecution. This promise is a form of **Divine Passive** (though grammatically active for "teach," the effect on the disciples is passive reception), where the agency for their speech is shifted from their own intellect to God's Spirit, emphasizing divine sovereignty and human dependence. Finally, the phrase "in the same hour" uses **Emphasis** through specificity, underscoring the immediate and perfectly timed nature of the Spirit's intervention, alleviating any fear of being unprepared.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:12 profoundly speaks to the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit's ongoing ministry in the lives of believers, particularly in empowering them for witness and defense of the Gospel. It underscores the truth that Christian testimony is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely inspired one, where the Spirit actively equips and enables. This promise is a testament to God's faithfulness to His people, ensuring they are never left without the necessary resources to fulfill their mission, even in the most challenging circumstances. It highlights the Spirit's role as the Paraclete (Helper/Advocate), providing not only comfort but also wisdom and utterance.

* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - Do Not Worry About What to Say")
* [Mark 13:11](/mark/13-11 "Mark 13:11 - The Holy Spirit Will Speak Through You")
* [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher and Reminder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:12 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for believers today. While overt persecution may not be a daily reality for all, we frequently encounter situations where we are called to articulate our faith, defend Christian values, or simply speak truth in challenging conversations. This verse reminds us that we are not reliant on our own eloquence, intellect, or quick wit. Instead, we are invited to lean fully on the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will provide the right words at the right time. This fosters a spirit of boldness, encouraging us to step out in faith and speak for Christ, even when we feel inadequate or unprepared. It reorients our focus from self-reliance to divine dependence, cultivating a deeper trust in God's active involvement in every aspect of our lives and witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations do you feel most anxious about speaking for Christ or articulating your faith?**
* **How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's immediate teaching in Luke 12:12 alleviate those anxieties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and words in your daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean I don't need to study the Bible or prepare for evangelism?**

Answer: No, this verse does not negate the importance of diligent study of God's Word or preparation for ministry. Instead, [Luke 12:12](/luke/12-12 "Luke 12:12 - The Holy Spirit Teaches") is a specific promise given in the context of facing hostile authorities and unexpected interrogations, where pre-planned responses might be insufficient or impossible. It assures believers that in moments of intense pressure, when human wisdom fails, the Holy Spirit will provide supernatural utterance. This complements, rather than replaces, the ongoing command to "study to shew thyself approved unto God" ([2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to Show Yourself Approved")) and to be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" ([1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give an Answer")). The Holy Spirit often uses what we have already learned and meditated upon, bringing it to remembrance and empowering its delivery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:12 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing ministry of the ascended Christ through His Spirit. Jesus, as the ultimate Teacher and Word of God, promised His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans but would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit ([John 14:18](/john/14-18 "John 14:18 - I Will Not Leave You As Orphans")). The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), continues the work of Christ by empowering believers to bear witness to Him. Just as Jesus spoke with divine authority and wisdom during His earthly ministry, so too does His Spirit now enable His followers to articulate His truth, particularly when they are called to defend His name. This promise means that when believers are brought before earthly powers for the sake of the Gospel, it is Christ Himself, through His indwelling Spirit, who speaks through them, ensuring that His message is faithfully proclaimed and His glory upheld, even in the face of opposition, ultimately testifying to the triumph of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") over all worldly powers.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Matthew 10:20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Exodus 4:11

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Acts 6:10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,