Matthew 10:27

What I tell you in darkness, [that] speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, [that] preach ye upon the housetops.

What {G3739} I tell {G3004} you {G5213} in {G1722} darkness {G4653}, that speak ye {G2036} in {G1722} light {G5457}: and {G2532} what {G3739} ye hear {G191} in {G1519} the ear {G3775}, that preach ye {G2784} upon {G1909} the housetops {G1430}.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

What I tell you in the darkness, speak ye in the light; and what ye hear in the ear, proclaim upon the house-tops.

Commentary

Matthew 10:27 captures a crucial instruction from Jesus to His disciples regarding the public proclamation of truth. It emphasizes that what is revealed in private should be declared openly and widely, without fear.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive instructions to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first missionary journey. In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus provides guidance on their mission, the challenges they will face, and the authority they possess. Amidst warnings of persecution and opposition, He calls them to unwavering faithfulness and bold declaration of His message. This specific instruction serves as a foundational principle for their future ministry and the spread of the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Public Proclamation of Truth: The core message is clear: the truths revealed by Jesus, initially to a select few or in a more intimate setting, are not meant to be kept secret. They are to be shared widely and loudly. This foreshadows the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
  • Fearless Witness: Despite the dangers and opposition Jesus warns about in the surrounding verses, the disciples are commanded to speak boldly. The contrast between "darkness" and "light," and "in the ear" and "upon the housetops," underscores the call to overcome any fear of man and prioritize obedience to Christ's command to testify. This echoes the spirit of boldness in the early church.
  • Divine Authority and Urgency: The message comes directly from Jesus, implying divine authority. The urgency of the mission requires that the message be proclaimed from the most visible platforms, ensuring maximum reach and impact.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "preach ye upon the housetops" is a vivid cultural image. In ancient Israel, houses typically had flat roofs that were used for various purposes, including relaxation, storage, and often as elevated platforms for making public announcements or sharing news. Therefore, to "preach upon the housetops" meant to proclaim something openly, publicly, and for all to hear, ensuring the message reached a wide audience in the community.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:27 serves as a timeless mandate for believers today. Just as the disciples were entrusted with the message of Christ, so too are Christians called to share the Gospel. This means:

  • Boldness in Sharing Faith: We should not hide the truth we have received, but rather boldly proclaim it in our spheres of influence, whether through words or actions.
  • Living Authentically: Our private convictions should align with our public witness. What we believe in our hearts should be evident in how we live and speak in the world.
  • Being a Light: As followers of Christ, we are called to be light, dispelling spiritual darkness by clearly articulating the hope and salvation found in Jesus.
The verse encourages Christians to be confident and courageous in proclaiming the message of salvation, knowing that it is a divine truth meant for all to hear.

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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

  • Acts 5:20 (16 votes)

    Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

  • John 16:13 (12 votes)

    Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

  • John 16:1 (9 votes)

    These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

  • John 16:29 (5 votes)

    His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

  • Proverbs 1:20 (5 votes)

    ¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

  • Proverbs 1:23 (5 votes)

    Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

  • Matthew 13:34 (4 votes)

    All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: