Luke 21:14

KJV

Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

KJV (with Strong's)

Settle {G5087} it therefore {G3767} in {G1519} your {G5216} hearts {G2588}, not {G3361} to meditate before {G4304} what ye shall answer {G626}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So make up your minds not to worry, rehearsing your defense beforehand;

Berean Standard Bible

So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.

American Standard Version

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:14 provides a pivotal instruction from Jesus to His disciples concerning the trials and persecutions they would inevitably face. It commands them to make a firm, internal decision not to pre-plan or rehearse their defense when brought before authorities, implying a profound reliance on divine provision for their testimony rather than human foresight or eloquence. This verse serves as a crucial bridge between the warning of impending tribulation and the promise of supernatural enablement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, recorded in [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"). Preceding this instruction, Jesus has just foretold the destruction of the Temple ([Luke 21:5-6](/luke/21-5-6 "Luke 21:5-6 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction")) and warned of global upheavals, wars, famines, pestilences, and terrifying signs from heaven ([Luke 21:7-11](/luke/21-7-11 "Luke 21:7-11 - Signs of the End Times")). Immediately before [Luke 21:14](/luke/21-14 "Luke 21:14 - Do Not Meditate Beforehand"), Jesus explicitly states that His followers will be arrested, persecuted, delivered up to synagogues and prisons, and brought before kings and rulers for His name's sake ([Luke 21:12](/luke/21-12 "Luke 21:12 - Persecution of Believers")). This persecution, however, is presented as an opportunity for testimony ([Luke 21:13](/luke/21-13 "Luke 21:13 - Persecution as an Opportunity for Testimony")). Thus, [Luke 21:14](/luke/21-14 "Luke 21:14 - Trusting God in Persecution") directly addresses how believers are to respond in these specific moments of public trial, setting the stage for the divine promise of wisdom in [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - Divine Wisdom in Testimony").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jesus' words includes the reality of Jewish and Roman legal systems. In both contexts, individuals brought before authorities were expected to present a defense. However, the early Christian movement, as seen in the book of Acts, frequently faced hostile interrogations, often without prior notice or opportunity for legal counsel. Believers would be brought before synagogues (Jewish religious courts), magistrates, and even emperors. The cultural expectation was to prepare a robust defense, but Jesus' instruction challenges this norm by redirecting their trust from human preparation to divine intervention. This was particularly counter-cultural in a society that valued rhetorical skill and legal acumen. Furthermore, the early church would soon experience intense persecution, first from Jewish authorities (e.g., the Sanhedrin) and later from the Roman Empire, making this instruction profoundly relevant and necessary for their survival and witness.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 21:14](/luke/21-14 "Luke 21:14 - A Command for Trust") contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision** in the face of human opposition. Jesus assures His disciples that God will not abandon them but will actively equip them for their witness. This ties into the theme of **Trust and Dependence on God**, urging believers to rely on supernatural wisdom rather than their own intellect or strategic planning. The verse also underscores the **Role of the Holy Spirit** in empowering believers for testimony, a theme that becomes central in the book of Acts as the Spirit enables the apostles to speak boldly before hostile councils (e.g., [Acts 4:8-13](/acts/4-8-13 "Acts 4:8-13 - Peter's Boldness by the Spirit")). Finally, it highlights the **Nature of Christian Witness**, which is not merely human argumentation but a Spirit-empowered declaration of truth, even in the most challenging circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Settle (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb, G5087, means "to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture), to appoint, purpose, put, set, sink down." In this context, "settle it" signifies a deliberate, firm, and resolute decision of the will. It's not a casual thought or a fleeting intention, but a deep, internal resolve to commit to a particular course of action or mindset. The implication is to "put it down" or "lay it down" in your heart as a fixed principle.
* **Hearts (Greek, _kardía'_):** G2588, derived from a primary word (Latin _cor_), refers to "the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle." In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the emotional center but the core of one's being – encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. To "settle it in your hearts" means to make this decision at the deepest level of one's inner person, affecting one's entire disposition and approach.
* **Meditate before (Greek, _promeletáō'_):** G4304, a compound of _pró_ (before) and _meletáō_ (to care for, practice, meditate), means "to premeditate," "to prepare beforehand by meditation or study," or "to pre-arrange a defense." Jesus' command "not to meditate before" directly prohibits the act of anxiously rehearsing or meticulously planning what one will say in a defensive posture. It's a call to abandon human strategizing in favor of divine spontaneity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Settle it therefore in your hearts,"**: This opening clause is an imperative command, urging the disciples to make a conscious, firm decision within their innermost being. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) connects this command directly to the preceding warnings of persecution. Given the inevitability of trials, the proper response is an internal resolve, a deep-seated conviction that will guide their actions. This "settling" is an act of the will, a deliberate choice to adopt a specific mindset.
* **"not to meditate before"**: This is the negative injunction, specifying what the disciples are _not_ to do. The verb "meditate before" implies pre-planning, rehearsing, or anxiously preparing a defense. It speaks to the human tendency to rely on one's own cleverness, rhetorical skill, or foresight when facing a challenging situation, especially a legal or confrontational one. Jesus forbids this anxious, self-reliant preparation.
* **"what ye shall answer:"**: This final phrase clarifies the object of their potential premeditation—their defense or response when interrogated. The Greek word for "answer" (G626, _apologéomai_) specifically refers to giving an account or making a legal defense. The disciples are not to worry about crafting the perfect argument or finding the right words, because the divine promise in the following verse ([Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - Divine Wisdom Given")) will ensure they are supernaturally equipped.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**: "Settle it" is a direct command, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of Jesus' instruction. This is coupled with a **Negative Command**: "not to meditate before," which explicitly prohibits a specific action, highlighting the contrast between human preparation and divine provision. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "in your hearts," where "hearts" (G2588, _kardía_) represents the entire inner person—the mind, will, and emotions—rather than just the physical organ. This emphasizes that the decision must be a deep, internal conviction, not a superficial agreement. Finally, there is an implied **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between human anxiety and preparation ("not to meditate before") and the divine wisdom and words that will be given (as explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - The Promise of Wisdom")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:14 stands as a profound theological statement on divine enablement and the nature of Spirit-led testimony. It teaches that in moments of extreme pressure and public scrutiny, believers are not to rely on their own intellectual prowess or rhetorical skill, but on the supernatural provision of God. This instruction underscores the principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness, transforming potentially terrifying confrontations into opportunities for His glory. It shifts the focus from human performance to divine faithfulness, ensuring that the message proclaimed is truly God's, not merely human wisdom. This principle is foundational for understanding the early church's boldness and effectiveness in the face of intense persecution.

* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - The Holy Spirit Will Speak Through You")
* [Mark 13:11](/mark/13-11 "Mark 13:11 - Do Not Worry What to Say")
* [Acts 4:8-13](/acts/4-8-13 "Acts 4:8-13 - Peter's Spirit-Filled Defense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:14 offers timeless guidance for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Gospel. It calls us to cultivate a deep, settled trust in God's faithfulness, particularly when faced with situations that demand a defense of our faith or values. This isn't an excuse for ignorance or apathy, but a profound invitation to surrender our anxieties about performance and outcome to the Lord. Whether we are facing direct persecution, difficult conversations about our beliefs, or simply everyday challenges that test our resolve, this verse encourages us to release the burden of pre-planning the perfect response. Instead, we are to rely on the Holy Spirit to provide the right words, wisdom, and courage in the moment, transforming our human weakness into a conduit for divine power and testimony. It fosters an inner peace that transcends external pressures, allowing us to be authentic witnesses to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to "meditate before" or anxiously pre-plan your responses, rather than trusting God for the right words?**
* **How can cultivating a "settled heart" in Christ impact your approach to difficult conversations or challenging circumstances?**
* **What does it mean practically to rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and words in your daily interactions?**
* **How might embracing the principle of Luke 21:14 empower you to be a more courageous and authentic witness for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does "not to meditate before" mean believers should never prepare for teaching or sharing their faith?**

Answer: No, this verse does not prohibit diligent study, theological preparation, or thoughtful articulation of one's faith in general contexts. The specific context of [Luke 21:14](/luke/21-14 "Luke 21:14 - Context of Persecution") is one of immediate, unexpected, and hostile interrogation before authorities, where one's life or freedom might be at stake. In such high-pressure, confrontational scenarios, Jesus instructs His disciples not to be consumed by anxious, human-driven premeditation of their defense. Instead, they are to trust that the Holy Spirit will providentially provide the necessary words and wisdom in that precise moment. This is distinct from the regular, disciplined study of Scripture and theological reflection that is essential for effective teaching and discipleship (e.g., [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to Show Yourself Approved")). The emphasis is on releasing anxious self-reliance in moments of crisis, not on neglecting spiritual growth or preparation for ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who, when facing His own trials and interrogations, perfectly embodied this principle of settled trust and reliance on the Father. Though He could have summoned legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")), Jesus chose silence before His accusers ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")), speaking only when it glorified the Father or declared truth. His entire life was a testament to living in complete dependence on God, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross. Furthermore, the promise of divine wisdom and words in the subsequent verse ([Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - The Promise of Divine Wisdom")) is directly linked to Christ's post-resurrection ministry. It is the ascended Christ who sends the Holy Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), the very Spirit who empowers believers to speak boldly and wisely in times of persecution, just as He empowered Peter and John before the Sanhedrin ([Acts 4:8-13](/acts/4-8-13 "Acts 4:8-13 - Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, this verse is not merely a command but a promise rooted in Christ's finished work and His ongoing intercession for His people, ensuring that His followers can bear witness to Him with supernatural enablement, reflecting His own perfect reliance on the Father.

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

Mark 13:11

But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Luke 12:11

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Luke 12:12

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

Matthew 10:19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Matthew 10:20

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