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.

But {G1161} when {G3752} they shall lead {G71} you, and deliver {G3860} you {G5209} up {G3860}, take {G4305} no {G3361} thought beforehand {G4305} what {G5101} ye shall speak {G2980}, neither {G3366} do ye premeditate {G3191}: but {G235} whatsoever {G3739} shall be {G1437} given {G1325} you {G5213} in {G1722} that {G1565} hour {G5610}, that {G5124} speak {G2980} ye: for {G1063} it is {G2075} not {G3756} ye {G5210} that speak {G2980}, but {G235} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Now when they arrest you and bring you to trial, don't worry beforehand about what to say. Rather, say whatever is given you when the time comes; for it will not be just you speaking, but the Ruach HaKodesh.

But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Mark 13:11 is a profound assurance from Jesus to His disciples concerning divine assistance during future persecutions. This verse is part of Jesus' extensive prophecy about the end times and the tribulations His followers would face, commonly known as the Olivet Discourse.

Context

This verse is nestled within Jesus' warnings about the coming destruction of the Temple and the signs of His return (Mark 13:1-37). Jesus speaks to His disciples, preparing them for a time when they will be "led and delivered up" before councils, synagogues, governors, and kings for His sake. Far from leaving them to fend for themselves, Jesus provides a crucial promise: they will not be abandoned but divinely empowered to speak. This promise parallels similar passages in Matthew 10:19-20 and Luke 12:11-12, underscoring its importance for believers facing persecution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Guidance: The core message is that God will provide the necessary words in times of crisis. Believers are not to rely on their own wisdom or rhetorical skill when on trial for their faith. This highlights God's supernatural intervention.
  • Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Jesus explicitly states, "it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." This highlights the crucial role of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate Helper and Advocate, empowering believers to bear witness effectively. This divine enablement ensures that their testimony carries supernatural authority.
  • Trust Over Anxiety: The command "take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate" directly addresses the natural human tendency to worry or strategize under pressure. Jesus calls for profound trust in God's immediate provision, relieving the burden of anxiety in intense situations.
  • Witnessing in Persecution: These trials, though daunting, become opportunities for believers to give a powerful testimony about Jesus to those in authority, even those who oppose them. The adversity itself serves as a platform for the Gospel message.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "take no thought beforehand" translates the Greek mē promerimnēsēte (μὴ προμεριμνήσητε), which means "do not be anxious beforehand" or "do not worry about it." This emphasizes the internal state of mind—avoiding anxiety—rather than forbidding any form of preparation generally. The word "premeditate" comes from mē meletaō (μὴ μελετάω), meaning "do not practice" or "do not study." Together, these terms convey a sense of not relying on human pre-planning or cleverness, but rather on spontaneous, Spirit-led utterance. The "Holy Ghost" is the KJV term for the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to be His witnesses.

Practical Application

While this verse directly addresses literal persecution, its principles extend to all believers facing situations where they need to articulate their faith or defend Christian truth. It encourages a posture of deep dependence on God. When called to share the Gospel, answer difficult questions about faith, or stand firm in convictions, believers can pray for and expect the Holy Spirit to provide the right words at the right moment. This does not excuse a lack of studying God's Word, but rather emphasizes that in moments of intense pressure or unexpected confrontation, our reliance should be on divine wisdom and power, not merely human intellect or prepared speeches. It's a reminder that God equips those He calls.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 21:14

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

  • Luke 21:15

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

  • 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 10:21

    And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

  • Acts 6:10

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

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