Matthew 10:20

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

For {G1063} it is {G2075} not {G3756} ye {G5210} that speak {G2980}, but {G235} the Spirit {G4151} of your {G5216} Father {G3962} which {G3588} speaketh {G2980} in {G1722} you {G5213}.

For it will not be just you speaking, but the Spirit of your heavenly Father speaking through you.

For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

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

Commentary

Matthew 10:20 (KJV) stands as a powerful promise of divine empowerment and guidance for believers, particularly when facing opposition or persecution for their faith. It states, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed instructions to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first missionary journey (see Matthew 10:5-15). He warns them of the significant challenges and hostile reception they will encounter, including being "delivered up to the councils," "scourged in your synagogues," and "brought before governors and kings for my sake" (Matthew 10:17-18). In the face of such daunting prospects, Jesus provides this profound reassurance, promising supernatural assistance in their testimony.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Empowerment: The primary message is that when believers are called to account for their faith, they will not be left to their own wisdom or rhetorical skill. God Himself will speak through them.
  • The Holy Spirit's Active Role: This verse highlights the active and indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, referred to as "the Spirit of your Father." He is not merely a helper but the very source of the words spoken in such crucial moments. This promise echoes in other passages where Jesus speaks of the Spirit's role in future witness, such as Luke 12:12 and Mark 13:11.
  • Courage in Adversity: Knowing that God will provide the words instills courage in believers to face persecution without fear, trusting that their testimony will be divinely inspired.
  • God's Sovereignty in Witness: Even amidst severe opposition, God remains sovereign, using His Spirit to enable His followers to bear effective witness to His truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Spirit" here is pneuma (πνεῦμα), which broadly refers to breath, wind, or spirit. In this context, it clearly denotes the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The phrase "Spirit of your Father" emphasizes the intimate connection to God the Father and the divine authority behind the Spirit's work. The verb "speaketh" (λαλεῖ - lalei) implies active, articulate communication, underscoring that the Spirit will indeed provide clear and effective words.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:20 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today:

  • Boldness in Witness: It encourages Christians not to shrink from opportunities to share their faith or defend the truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging. We are assured that when God calls us to speak, He will equip us.
  • Reliance on God: It reminds us that our effectiveness in ministry and witness comes not from our own cleverness but from absolute reliance on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance. This applies not only in formal settings but also in everyday conversations where faith is discussed.
  • Comfort in Trials: For those who face genuine persecution or difficult questions about their faith, this verse is a powerful reminder that they are not alone. The same Spirit who empowered the apostles is at work in them, enabling them to be witnesses for Christ.

This promise assures believers that God is actively involved in their testimony, transforming their human words into divine pronouncements for His glory.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 21:15

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

  • Acts 6:10

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

  • Luke 12:12

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

  • 2 Samuel 23:2

    The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.

  • 2 Peter 1:21

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Acts 4:8

    Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
← Back