Luke 21:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I {G1473} will give {G1325} you {G5213} a mouth {G4750} and {G2532} wisdom {G4678}, which {G3739} all {G3956} your {G5213} adversaries {G480} shall {G1410} not {G3756} be able {G1410} to gainsay {G471} nor {G3761} resist {G436}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for I myself will give you an eloquence and a wisdom that no adversary will be able to resist or refute.

Berean Standard Bible

For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

American Standard Version

for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 21:15, Jesus promises His disciples supernatural enablement in the face of persecution, assuring them that He will provide them with a profound "mouth and wisdom" that their adversaries will be utterly unable to contradict or resist. This divine endowment is not merely human eloquence but a Spirit-given ability to articulate truth with unassailable authority, ensuring that the message of the Gospel prevails even amidst intense opposition and hostile tribunals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, often referred to as the [Olivet Discourse](/luke/21-5-36 "Luke 21:5-36 - The Olivet Discourse"), delivered on the Mount of Olives. Preceding [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - Divine Empowerment in Persecution"), Jesus has just warned His disciples about the signs of the end times, including the destruction of the temple and cosmic disturbances. Crucially, in [Luke 21:12-14](/luke/21-12-14 "Luke 21:12-14 - Warnings of Persecution"), He explicitly predicts the severe persecutions they will endure for His name's sake: arrests, trials before kings and governors, and betrayal even by family members. It is precisely in the midst of these dire predictions of suffering and opposition that [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - A Promise of Wisdom and Eloquence") emerges as a powerful promise of divine intervention and assurance, shifting the focus from the inevitability of persecution to the certainty of God's empowering presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' words reflect the historical realities and potential future experiences of His disciples in the Roman world. Early Christians faced significant legal and social challenges, often being accused of sedition, atheism (for not worshipping Roman gods), or other crimes. Trials before Roman governors, Jewish councils (like the Sanhedrin), and even local magistrates were common. In such settings, defendants were expected to speak in their own defense, often without legal counsel. The ability to articulate one's case persuasively, especially when facing hostile interrogators and false accusations, was paramount. This promise from Jesus directly addresses the very real fear and inadequacy His followers would feel when confronted by powerful authorities, offering a divine solution to a humanly overwhelming situation.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - God's Provision in Adversity") contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision** in times of adversity, assuring believers that God is actively involved in their trials. Secondly, it highlights the **Empowerment for Witness**, particularly through the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Helper"), as seen in [Acts 6:10](/acts/6-10 "Acts 6:10 - Stephen's Spirit-Inspired Wisdom") where Stephen's adversaries "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." This promise anticipates the Spirit's role in equipping believers for their mission, even when facing persecution. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Invincibility of God's Word and Truth**, demonstrating that no human opposition or argument can ultimately gainsay or resist the divinely inspired message proclaimed by God's messengers, echoing the confidence found in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma_):** This word, literally referring to the physical mouth, is used here by implication to signify the faculty of speech, eloquence, or the ability to articulate words. In this context, it denotes not just the physical organ but the capacity for verbal expression, particularly in a public or confrontational setting. Jesus promises to give His disciples not merely a voice, but the very words themselves, ensuring their testimony is clear and compelling.
* **wisdom (Greek, _sophía_):** This term refers to deep insight, understanding, and practical knowledge, often implying a divine origin when used in a theological context. It is distinct from mere human cleverness or intellectual prowess. Here, "wisdom" signifies the supernatural discernment and spiritual insight necessary to speak truth effectively, to answer difficult questions, and to navigate complex legal or theological challenges with divine clarity and authority.
* **gainsay (Greek, _antépō_):** Derived from "against" and "to say," this verb means to contradict, dispute, or refute. It implies an inability on the part of the adversaries to logically or truthfully argue against the words spoken by the disciples. The divine wisdom given will be so profound and irrefutable that no counter-argument, however cunning, will be able to stand against it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom,"**: This clause reveals the source and nature of the promised empowerment. Jesus, speaking with divine authority, is the giver. The "mouth" signifies the ability to speak, while "wisdom" refers to the content and insight of what is spoken. This is a supernatural endowment, not a natural talent, ensuring that the words spoken are divinely inspired and strategically effective.
* **"which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."**: This second clause describes the profound effect of the divine gift. "All your adversaries" highlights the universal scope of the opposition, whether legal, intellectual, or spiritual. The double negative "not be able to gainsay nor resist" emphasizes the absolute futility of their opposition. "Gainsay" refers to refuting or contradicting the spoken word, while "resist" implies standing against or opposing the speaker's authority or message. The promise is that the divinely given words will be unassailable and unstoppable.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist," emphasizing the absolute and overwhelming nature of the divine empowerment. While adversaries may attempt to contradict, their efforts will ultimately be futile against Spirit-inspired truth. **Metonymy** is present in "a mouth and wisdom," where "mouth" stands for the ability to speak or articulate, and "wisdom" for divine insight. This is not merely a physical mouth but the words that issue forth, imbued with supernatural understanding. The use of **parallelism** in "gainsay nor resist" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the adversaries' inability to overcome the disciples' testimony, highlighting both verbal and active opposition. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **promise** and **assurance**, serving to comfort and empower the disciples in the face of predicted future trials.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This promise in [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - Divine Aid in Witness") is a profound testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful witnesses, particularly during times of persecution. It underscores the theological truth that Christian witness is not solely a human endeavor but a Spirit-empowered proclamation. The "mouth and wisdom" are gifts from Christ, ensuring that His message, delivered through His followers, cannot be ultimately silenced or defeated by human opposition. This divine enablement transforms moments of vulnerability into opportunities for powerful testimony, demonstrating that God's truth is inherently superior and ultimately triumphant over all human arguments and resistance. It points to a God who not only calls His people to difficult tasks but also fully equips them for the mission, guaranteeing the efficacy of their Spirit-led words.

* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - The Spirit Will Speak Through You")
* [Acts 6:10](/acts/6-10 "Acts 6:10 - Stephen's Irresistible Wisdom")
* [Exodus 4:12](/exodus/4-12 "Exodus 4:12 - God's Promise to Moses' Mouth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - Courage in the Face of Opposition") offers immense encouragement for believers in every age, reminding us that our effectiveness in witnessing for Christ does not depend on our own intellectual prowess, eloquence, or social standing, but on the supernatural enablement of God. While overt physical persecution may not be a daily reality for all Christians globally, we frequently encounter opposition to our faith in various forms—intellectual skepticism, cultural ridicule, social pressure, or professional discrimination. In these moments, we are called to speak truth, to defend our convictions, and to share the Gospel. This verse assures us that we are not left to our own devices; the same Spirit who empowered the early disciples is available to us, providing the right words, the necessary wisdom, and the unshakeable confidence to articulate our faith compellingly. Our responsibility is to be faithful, available, and willing to speak, trusting that God will provide the "mouth and wisdom" to overcome any opposition, ensuring His truth prevails.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most intimidated or inadequate to speak about your faith?**
* **How does the promise of "a mouth and wisdom" from Jesus change your perspective on sharing the Gospel or defending biblical truth?**
* **What practical steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance in your words, rather than solely on your own abilities?**

### FAQ
**Does this promise apply only to the apostles or to all believers facing persecution?**

Answer: While initially spoken to the disciples who would face immediate and severe persecution, the promise in [Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - A Universal Promise of Empowerment") contains principles that extend to all believers. The New Testament consistently teaches that the Holy Spirit empowers all believers for witness ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), and the early church's experience, as seen in [Acts 6:10](/acts/6-10 "Acts 6:10 - Stephen's Spirit-Filled Defense") with Stephen, demonstrates that this divine enablement was not limited to the original twelve. Therefore, while the intensity of "adversaries" may vary, the promise of divine wisdom and articulation for those who stand for Christ is a universal encouragement for all who are called to bear witness to His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Luke 21:15 - Christ's Empowering Presence") finds its ultimate fulfillment and continued efficacy in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly through the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, whom He promised to send. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of "wisdom" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")) and the very "Word" made flesh ([John 1:1,14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1,14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His promise to give a "mouth and wisdom" is a direct outflow of His own divine authority and His ongoing ministry as the head of the church. Through His death and resurrection, Christ secured the outpouring of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Spirit Poured Out")), who then empowers believers to speak with the very wisdom and authority of God. Thus, when believers speak in the face of opposition, it is not merely their words, but Christ Himself, through His Spirit, speaking through them ([Matthew 10:20](/matthew/10-20 "Matthew 10:20 - The Spirit of Your Father Speaking Through You")). This promise assures us that the message of the Gospel, being Christ's own message, is ultimately irresistible and will triumph over all who "gainsay nor resist," ensuring the advancement of His kingdom until His glorious return.

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

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Luke 12:12

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

Acts 6:10

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

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Colossians 4:4

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

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?