For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
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}.
for I myself will give you an eloquence and a wisdom that no adversary will be able to resist or refute.
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
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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?
Context of Luke 21:15
Luke 21:15 is part of Jesus' profound discourse known as the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives. In this section (Luke 21:12-19), Jesus warns His disciples about the intense persecutions they will face for His name's sake, including arrests, trials before kings and rulers, and betrayal by family. Amidst these dire predictions, this verse offers a powerful promise of divine assistance. It assures His followers that even when brought before hostile authorities, they will not be left to their own devices but will receive supernatural help to speak effectively and persuasively.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "a mouth and wisdom" translates the Greek στόμα καὶ σοφίαν (stoma kai sophian). Stoma refers to the ability to speak, while sophian denotes divine wisdom or insight. This isn't merely human eloquence or cleverness, but a supernatural endowment from God. The terms "gainsay" (Greek ἀντειπεῖν - anteipein) and "resist" (Greek ἀντιστῆναι - antistēnai) vividly describe the inability of opponents to contradict or stand against the Spirit-inspired words spoken by the disciples. It implies a complete nullification of their arguments and opposition.
Related Scriptures
This promise of divine aid in speech is consistent throughout scripture. Jesus offers a similar assurance in Matthew 10:19-20, where He states that the Holy Spirit will speak through them. This divine enablement is also evident in the Old Testament, as seen in God's promise to Moses, "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:12). The overarching theme is that God equips those He sends, ensuring His message prevails (Isaiah 55:11).
Practical Application
For believers today, Luke 21:15 offers profound encouragement. While overt persecution may vary globally, Christians still face opposition, ridicule, or intellectual challenges when sharing their faith or standing for biblical truth. This verse reminds us: