Matthew 10 20

Matthew 10:20 kjv

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

Matthew 10:20 nkjv

for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Matthew 10:20 niv

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

Matthew 10:20 esv

For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 10:20 nlt

For it is not you who will be speaking ? it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 10 verses

Matthew 10 20 Meaning

Matthew 10:20 signifies that when believers are brought to trials or challenged for their faith, they should not be anxious about what to say, because their words will not originate from their own human intellect or wisdom. Instead, the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of God the Father, will empower them and speak through them, providing the necessary testimony and wisdom in that specific moment. It assures divine enablement for faithful witness, especially under persecution.

Matthew 10 20 Context

Matthew 10, known as the "Missionary Discourse," details Jesus' instructions to His twelve disciples before sending them out to proclaim the kingdom. The chapter transitions from their initial mandate to heal and cast out demons (vv. 5-15) to a stark warning about the persecution and opposition they would inevitably face (vv. 16-25). Verse 20 directly addresses the anxieties associated with such trials, specifically the need to give an account of their faith before various authorities (councils, governors, kings). Historically, early Christians often faced legal charges, particularly from Jewish and Roman authorities, requiring them to defend their faith. Jesus provides this assurance as a profound comfort and empowering promise for their witness in the face of such adversity. It underlines the divine initiative and oversight in the mission.

Matthew 10 20 Word analysis

• For (γάρ, gar): A particle indicating a reason or explanation. It links directly back to the preceding instruction in verse 19, explaining why they should not worry.
• it is not you who speak (οὐ γὰρ ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ λαλοῦντες, ou gar hymeis este hoi lalountes):
  • οὐ (ou): Absolute negative, emphasizing complete negation.
  • ὑμεῖς (hymeis): Second person plural pronoun, "you" (plural). This highlights the human, fleshly origin, contrasting it sharply with the divine.
  • ἐστε (este): Form of "to be," "you are."
  • οἱ λαλοῦντες (hoi lalountes): "those who speak." Laleō (λαλέω) refers to articulate speech, expressing thoughts aloud. The present active participle ("speaking") suggests a continuous or habitual action. The negation emphasizes that their own natural abilities or prepared speeches will not be the source of their testimony.
• but (ἀλλὰ, alla): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or opposition. It introduces the true agent.
• the Spirit (τὸ Πνεῦμα, to Pneuma): Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead. In biblical theology, the Spirit is the divine agent of inspiration, prophecy, and enablement. The definite article "the" denotes a specific and well-known entity.
• of your Father (τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, tou Patros hymōn): Identifies the source of the Spirit's authority and mission. This underscores the Trinitarian nature of this divine provision – the Father sending His Spirit to speak through the Son's disciples. "Your Father" implies an intimate, loving relationship, providing assurance and comfort.
• speaking (λαλοῦν, laloun): Same root as lalountes (from laleō), a present active participle agreeing with "Spirit." It indicates the Holy Spirit is the direct and active agent in the process of verbalizing the message. This is not passive inspiration but active utterance.
• through you (ἐν ὑμῖν, en hymin): Literally "in you" (preposition en indicating location/instrumentality, with the dative plural pronoun hymin for "you"). In this context, it functions instrumentally, meaning "through you" or "by means of you." The disciples become the channels or vessels for the Spirit's divine words. It denotes enablement, indwelling, and empowering influence.

Matthew 10 20 Bonus section

• This verse highlights the Trinitarian nature of revelation: The Father's Spirit speaks through His Son's disciples.
• It does not encourage unpreparedness in general, but specifically addresses the anxiety and perceived inadequacy in stressful, hostile contexts of witness. Disciples are still expected to learn and know the teachings of Christ, but under duress, supernatural provision is guaranteed.
• The promise of Spirit-led speech extends beyond formal trials to any situation where a believer must explain or defend their faith, demonstrating God's consistent provision for His people.
• This verse can be a comfort to those who feel they are not eloquent or well-spoken; the power resides in the Spirit, not in human rhetorical skill.

Matthew 10 20 Commentary

Matthew 10:20 provides profound assurance to those called to bear witness for Christ, particularly in times of pressure or persecution. It fundamentally reorients the disciple's focus from self-reliance to divine dependency. When facing trials where articulate defense or profound wisdom seems necessary, believers are freed from the anxiety of formulating their own arguments. The promise here is not merely that God will give them the thoughts, but specifically the words—the very utterance (laleō). This means the Holy Spirit will speak through them, making them instruments of God's direct testimony. This spiritual empowerment ensures that the message proclaimed is truly divine, carrying God's authority and wisdom, transcending human limitations. It reinforces the supernatural nature of Christian witness, a hallmark of apostolic ministry. This promise serves not only as a comfort in moments of intense persecution but also informs the ongoing dependence of believers on the Holy Spirit for all effective ministry and proclamation of the Gospel. It calls us to prepare our hearts for obedience, not to rely on prepared speeches.