Luke 12:12

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

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}.

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

For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.โ€

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

Commentary

Luke 12:12 (KJV) offers a powerful promise of divine assistance to believers facing adversity, particularly when called upon to defend their faith.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' broader discourse to His disciples concerning the challenges and persecutions they would face as His followers. Immediately preceding this verse, in Luke 12:11, Jesus warns them that they will be "brought unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers." This was a common threat for early Christians, who often faced interrogation and judgment for their beliefs. The promise in verse 12 serves as a profound comfort and reassurance in such daunting circumstances, encouraging them not to be anxious about their defense.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: The central theme is the supernatural help provided by the Holy Spirit. Believers are not left to their own devices when facing opposition or interrogation.
  • Timely Guidance: The phrase "in the same hour" emphasizes the immediate and precise nature of the Spirit's guidance. This is not a promise for long-term study but for instant wisdom when it is most needed.
  • Courage in Adversity: Knowing that the Holy Spirit will provide the words instills confidence and reduces fear in the face of persecution or public scrutiny. It encourages faithfulness even in threatening situations.
  • Trust in God's Provision: This verse underscores the importance of trusting God's active involvement in the lives of His disciples, even in their verbal defense.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Holy Ghost" in the King James Version translates the Greek phrase Pneuma Hagion, which refers to the Holy Spirit. The verb "teach" comes from the Greek didaskล, meaning to instruct, explain, or impart knowledge. This implies not just prompting, but actual revelation of what to say. The phrase "in the same hour" (en autฤ“ tฤ“ hลra) literally means "in that very hour," highlighting the immediacy and perfect timing of the Spirit's intervention.

Related Scriptures

  • This promise is echoed in other Gospels, demonstrating its significance in Jesus' teaching, such as in Matthew 10:19-20 and Mark 13:11.
  • The broader role of the Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher is further elaborated in passages like John 16:13, where Jesus promises the Spirit will guide believers into all truth.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 12:12 remains a source of immense comfort and empowerment. It applies not only to overt persecution but also to everyday situations where we might feel inadequate to speak for Christ or articulate our faith. Whether it's sharing the Gospel, defending Christian values, or simply navigating a difficult conversation where wisdom is needed, this verse reminds us to rely on the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God will equip us with the right words at the right time. This promise fosters a spirit of boldness and dependence on God, rather than on our own eloquence or intellect.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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,
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