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.

But {G1161} when {G3752} they deliver {G3860} you {G5209} up {G3860}, take {G3309} no {G3361} thought {G3309} how {G4459} or {G2228} what {G5101} ye shall speak {G2980}: for {G1063} it shall be given {G1325} you {G5213} in {G1722} that same {G1565} hour {G5610} what {G5101} ye shall speak {G2980}.

But when they bring you to trial, do not worry about what to say or how to say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you should say.

But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say.

But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak.

Matthew 10:19 is a profound promise from Jesus to His disciples, given as part of His instructions for their initial mission. It reassures them that when they face persecution and are brought before authorities, they will be divinely equipped to speak.

Context

This verse is found within Jesus' extensive charge to the twelve apostles as He sends them out to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:5-15). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus warns them about the opposition and persecution they will inevitably face, stating they will be "delivered up" to councils and scourged in synagogues, and even brought before governors and kings for His sake (Matthew 10:17-18). Verse 19 directly addresses how they should respond in these challenging situations, promising supernatural assistance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Empowerment: The central message is that God Himself will provide the necessary words for His servants when they are under pressure. This highlights God's active involvement in the lives and ministries of His followers, particularly during trials.
  • Trust Over Anxiety: The command "take no thought how or what ye shall speak" directly addresses the natural human tendency to worry or be anxious about what to say in a crisis. Jesus encourages a posture of complete reliance on God rather than debilitating self-preparation for specific arguments in such moments.
  • Holy Spirit's Guidance: While not explicitly named in this verse, parallel passages in the Gospels, such as Mark 13:11 and Luke 12:12, clarify that this divine utterance comes through the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to speak boldly for Christ.
  • Witness in Persecution: This promise transforms potential moments of fear and intimidation into opportunities for powerful testimony. It assures believers that even when facing opposition, they can effectively bear witness to God's truth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "take no thought" translates the Greek word merimnaō (μεριμνάω), which means "to be anxious," "to be worried," or "to be distracted by cares." It is not a prohibition against careful thought or preparation in general, but specifically against debilitating anxiety about how to articulate one's defense or testimony when unexpectedly put on the spot. The emphasis is on relying on God's immediate provision rather than human foresight.

The phrase "it shall be given you" uses a divine passive voice (δοθήσεται - dothēsetai), indicating that God is the one who will provide the words. This emphasizes the supernatural and divine source of the wisdom and speech, reinforcing the idea that it comes from a power beyond human capability.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 10:19 offers significant comfort and instruction:

  • Facing Difficult Conversations: This verse provides assurance when Christians are confronted about their faith, whether in formal settings (like a workplace review) or casual conversations with skeptics. It encourages reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than human cleverness or anxiety.
  • Evangelism and Testimony: It reminds us that when sharing the Gospel or defending Christian truth, we are not alone. God can give us the right words, even when we feel inadequate or unprepared for a specific question. This promise is not an excuse for general unpreparedness in studying God's Word, but for unexpected, intense moments of confrontation.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: This promise reinforces the broader theme of trusting God's control and provision in all circumstances. It assures us that He will equip us for the tasks He calls us to, especially when those tasks involve bearing witness to Him in the face of opposition.

Reflection

Matthew 10:19 serves as a profound assurance for those who follow Christ, particularly when facing hostility or interrogation for their beliefs. It underscores the active and empowering role of God in the lives of His witnesses, reminding us that our sufficiency is not from ourselves, but from Him. This divine promise liberates believers from the fear of man and enables them to speak with courage and clarity, knowing that the words are ultimately God's own. It invites a deeper trust in the ever-present guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to be channels for His truth.

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.

  • Exodus 4:12

    Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

  • 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.

  • Mark 13:13

    And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

  • 2 Timothy 4:17

    Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

  • 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:

  • Exodus 4:15

    And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

  • Daniel 3:16

    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter.

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