Matthew 10:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:20 offers profound assurance to the disciples, and by extension to all believers, that when they face persecution and are called to give an account for their faith, they will not be left to their own rhetorical abilities. Instead, the very Spirit of God the Father will speak through them, providing the necessary words and wisdom in moments of intense pressure and opposition. This verse underscores divine empowerment in witness, transforming human testimony into a divinely inspired declaration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' "Missionary Discourse" in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "The Commissioning of the Twelve"), where He commissions His twelve disciples for their initial evangelistic journey. Following instructions on their conduct and message ([Matthew 10:5-15](/matthew/10-5-15 "Instructions for the Disciples")), Jesus abruptly shifts to a stark warning about the severe persecution they will inevitably face. He predicts they will be "delivered up to councils" and "scourged in your synagogues," and even "brought before governors and kings for my sake" ([Matthew 10:17-18](/matthew/10-17-18 "Warnings of Persecution")). It is precisely in this context of anticipated hostility and judicial interrogation that Jesus provides the comforting promise of divine utterance, assuring them not to "be anxious how or what you are to speak" ([Matthew 10:19](/matthew/10-19 "Do Not Be Anxious")). Verse 20 serves as the direct explanation and theological basis for this command against anxiety.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples were being sent into a world where their message would be met with significant resistance, particularly from established religious and political authorities. "Councils" (synedria) refer to local Jewish courts, while being "scourged in your synagogues" points to punishment administered by Jewish religious leaders. Being "brought before governors and kings" indicates encounters with Roman imperial power. In both Jewish and Roman legal systems, those accused would typically be expected to defend themselves. For early Christians, this often meant defending their allegiance to Christ over traditional Jewish law or Roman imperial cults, a stance that could be perceived as seditious or blasphemous. The cultural expectation was for individuals to articulate their own defense, making Jesus' promise of supernatural assistance a radical departure from the norm, emphasizing God's direct intervention in their testimony.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:20 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment** for witness, assuring believers that their mission is not undertaken in their own strength. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Active Role of the Holy Spirit** in the life and ministry of believers, portraying the Spirit as the very source of inspired speech, fulfilling promises echoed in other synoptic accounts like [Luke 12:11-12](/luke/12-11-12 "The Holy Spirit Will Teach You") and [Mark 13:11](/mark/13-11 "The Spirit Will Speak Through You"). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Cost of Discipleship** and the inevitability of persecution, yet simultaneously offers **Divine Assurance** in the face of adversity. Finally, it underscores God's **Sovereignty in Witness**, demonstrating that even amidst intense opposition, God orchestrates the proclamation of His truth through His chosen vessels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle serves to introduce a reason or explanation. In Matthew 10:20, "for" directly explains *why* the disciples should not be anxious about what to say: because the Spirit of their Father will speak through them. It establishes a causal link between the divine promise and the command to trust.
* **speak (Greek, _laléō'_):** This verb means "to talk" or "utter words," implying active, articulate communication. The repetition of this word ("not ye that speak, but... which speaketh") creates a striking contrast, emphasizing that the *source* of the utterance is transferred from the human agent to the divine Spirit. It's not just about forming sounds, but about conveying a message.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a current of air, breath, or breeze," *pneûma* here refers to the **Holy Spirit**, the divine person of the Trinity. The phrase "Spirit of your Father" underscores the Spirit's intimate connection to God the Father and highlights the divine origin and authority of the words spoken through the disciples. It signifies a supernatural, divine influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it is not ye that speak":** This initial clause serves as a powerful negation, directly counteracting any anxiety or reliance on human eloquence. Jesus emphatically states that the words spoken in moments of trial will not originate from the disciples' own intellect, preparation, or natural ability. This removes the burden of self-sufficiency and the fear of inadequacy.
* **"but the Spirit of your Father":** This clause introduces the true agent of speech, creating a stark **contrast** with the preceding negation. The "Spirit of your Father" is a clear reference to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His divine nature and His intimate relationship with God the Father, who is also the Father of the disciples. This highlights the divine authority and paternal care behind the Spirit's work.
* **"which speaketh in you":** This final clause clarifies the mode of the Spirit's operation. The Spirit does not merely inspire from afar but actively "speaketh in you," indicating an indwelling, empowering presence. This signifies a direct, internal prompting and utterance, ensuring that the words are not only divinely sourced but also perfectly suited to the specific circumstances and challenges faced by the disciples.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:20 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, established by the "not... but" construction ("not ye that speak, but the Spirit... which speaketh"). This sharp antithesis highlights the radical shift in agency from human to divine, emphasizing God's direct involvement. There is also an element of **Metonymy** in "the Spirit of your Father," where "Spirit" stands for the divine power and presence of God Himself, operating through the third person of the Trinity. The phrase also implies **Divine Passive**, where the action (speaking) is performed by God through His Spirit, rather than the human agent, underscoring God's sovereignty. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Promise** and **Assurance**, providing comfort and courage to the disciples in the face of daunting future persecution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:20 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for witness and the nature of divine inspiration. It teaches that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in the proclamation of His truth, especially in challenging circumstances. This promise extends beyond the initial apostolic mission, affirming that the Spirit indwells believers to equip them for their testimony, ensuring that the message is not merely human opinion but divinely sanctioned truth. It underscores the profound truth that our effectiveness in ministry and witness is rooted not in our own wisdom or eloquence, but in absolute reliance on the Spirit's power and guidance, transforming our human words into divine pronouncements.

* [Luke 12:11-12](/luke/12-11-12 "The Holy Spirit Teaches What to Say")
* [Mark 13:11](/mark/13-11 "The Holy Spirit Will Speak Through You")
* [Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:20 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers today. In a world increasingly hostile or indifferent to Christian truth, we are often called to articulate our faith, whether in formal settings, casual conversations, or even under direct opposition. This verse encourages us not to shrink from such opportunities out of fear of inadequacy or lack of eloquence. It reminds us that when God calls us to speak, He simultaneously equips us. Our reliance should not be on our own cleverness or rhetorical skill, but on the indwelling Holy Spirit. This applies not only to grand moments of public witness but also to everyday situations where we are prompted to share the hope within us. It assures us that we are never alone in our witness; the same Spirit who empowered the apostles to speak boldly before kings is at work within us, enabling us to be faithful and effective witnesses for Christ, transforming our human words into divine pronouncements for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations do you feel most anxious about speaking about your faith, and how might the promise of Matthew 10:20 alleviate that anxiety?**
* **How does understanding the Holy Spirit as "the Spirit of your Father" deepen your trust in His provision for your witness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily conversations and interactions?**
* **How does this verse challenge the notion that effective evangelism or apologetics is primarily about human intellect or persuasive technique?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 10:20 mean I don't need to study or prepare to share my faith?**

Answer: While Matthew 10:20 assures divine empowerment in moments of intense pressure, particularly when facing hostile interrogation, it does not negate the importance of diligent study and preparation. The context is specifically about being "delivered up" and "brought before governors and kings" ([Matthew 10:18](/matthew/10-18 "Brought Before Governors and Kings")). In such circumstances, where one might be caught off guard or face overwhelming opposition, the Spirit guarantees the words. However, elsewhere, believers are encouraged to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" ([1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")), which implies thoughtful preparation. The Spirit often uses our prepared minds and hearts, but in critical moments, He provides what is beyond our natural capacity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly through His promise and sending of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself, as the incarnate Word of God, perfectly embodied speaking by the Spirit, declaring, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "Words are Spirit and Life")). His entire ministry was empowered by the Spirit, from His baptism ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Jesus' Baptism")) to His teachings and miracles. Before His ascension, Jesus promised His disciples that He would send "the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). This promise culminated at Pentecost, when the disciples were "all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" ([Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "The Day of Pentecost")). Thus, Matthew 10:20 is not merely a historical promise to the twelve, but a foundational truth for the church, demonstrating that the Spirit, sent by the Father through Christ, continues to empower believers to bear witness to the Risen Lord, making their testimony a divine declaration of His saving work, just as [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "The Spirit Intercedes") describes the Spirit's intercession in prayer.

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

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,