Matthew 10 27

Matthew 10:27 kjv

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

Matthew 10:27 nkjv

"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

Matthew 10:27 niv

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

Matthew 10:27 esv

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

Matthew 10:27 nlt

What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

Matthew 10 verses

Matthew 10 27 Meaning

Matthew 10:27 instructs the disciples, whom Jesus had privately taught and prepared, to publicly proclaim the truth they received. It emphasizes the necessity of boldly sharing the Gospel message received in intimate, foundational instruction to the wider world. What was whispered in private, often to avoid premature confrontation or for specific teaching, was now to be openly declared, especially in the face of future opposition and persecution.

Matthew 10 27 Context

Matthew chapter 10 recounts Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples for their first missionary journey. He gives them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal diseases (v. 1). However, the commission is not presented as an easy task; Jesus immediately warns them about the opposition and persecution they will face, even from within their own families and communities (v. 16-25). Amidst these warnings, Jesus gives instructions on how they are to conduct themselves. Verse 27, therefore, falls within this context of divine empowerment balanced with anticipated severe opposition. It is a direct command from Jesus, empowering them to fearlessly declare the truth regardless of the cost. The instruction reflects the cultural setting where important messages could be proclaimed from flat rooftops common in Jewish homes, making the message heard by a wider public.

Matthew 10 27 Word analysis

• ὅσα (hosa) — What (things): Implies everything that Jesus has taught them, encompassing not just specific doctrines but the entirety of His person, ministry, and the message of the Kingdom.

• λέγω (legō) — I tell / have told: Points to the instruction already given by Jesus. It implies a direct, authoritative revelation from Him to the disciples.

• ὑμῖν (hymin) — you (plural): Specifically addresses the disciples. The instruction is personal to them but intended for transmission through them.

• ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ (en tē skotia) — in the dark / in secret: Metaphorical. Refers to the private, often intimate and foundational, teachings and truths shared by Jesus with His inner circle away from the general public. This was a time of discipleship and revelation of deeper spiritual understanding not yet ready for mass declaration.

• εἴπατε (eipaté) — speak / say (command): A direct imperative, calling for active and vocal proclamation. It implies verbal articulation of the message.

• ἐν τῷ φωτί (en tō phōti) — in the light / openly: Metaphorical. Signifies public, open, and clear proclamation. What was understood privately is now to be brought into the open for all to hear and see. It suggests illumination and clarity.

• καὶ (kai) — and: Connects the two parallel injunctions, emphasizing the breadth and consistency of the command.

• ὃ (ho) — what: Refers to the same content of truth and teaching mentioned previously.

• ἀκούετε (akouete) — you hear: Refers to the receptive act of listening to Jesus' instruction. It implies internalizing the message.

• εἰς τὸ οὖς (eis to ous) — in the ear / into the ear: A Hebrew idiom suggesting a whispered, private, or confidential communication. It parallels "in the dark" referring to exclusive, personal instruction given to a select few.

• κηρύξατε (kēryxate) — proclaim / preach (command): A stronger and more formal word than "speak" (εἴπατε), suggesting a public herald or town crier's announcement. It emphasizes an authoritative and public declaration of the Gospel. This is the act of evangelism.

• ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων (epi tōn dōmatōn) — on the housetops: Literal and symbolic. Ancient Palestinian houses had flat roofs, often accessed by external stairs, serving as vantage points for announcements, contemplation, or even sleeping. Proclaiming from the housetops meant making a message widely known, audibly across the village or town, a public, unmissable announcement. It directly parallels "in the light."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light": This phrase establishes a stark contrast between the setting of instruction (private, intimate, even secretive training) and the setting of declaration (public, open, universal. It illustrates the progression of revelation—from being internal to becoming external—and the imperative to share personal understanding for societal benefit.
• "what you hear in the ear, proclaim on the housetops": This second parallel reinforces the first, using a culturally specific image. "In the ear" implies confidential, one-on-one, or closely guarded teaching, whereas "on the housetops" denotes widespread, unafraid, and unashamed dissemination of the message, ensuring it reaches as many people as possible. It symbolizes turning a private lesson into a public sermon.

Matthew 10 27 Bonus section

• Nature of Revelation: This verse highlights a progression in God's revelation. Initial, foundational truths are often received in more private, intimate settings of discipleship or personal conviction. However, these are never the ultimate end but serve as preparation for broader dissemination. The Gospel, once understood, demands proclamation.
• The Disciple's Call: The verse delineates the dual role of a disciple: first, as a receiver and learner ("hear in the ear," "tell you in the dark"), and second, as an agent of communication ("speak in the light," "proclaim on the housetops"). This is not optional but an imperative for all who claim Christ's name.
• Divine Sovereignty and Timing: While Jesus taught His disciples "in the dark" for a season, this instruction shows God's sovereign timing in revealing His truth. There is a season for preparation and a season for full public proclamation, irrespective of obstacles.
• Courage in Evangelism: The backdrop of impending persecution in Matthew 10 magnifies the courage required to fulfill this command. Proclaiming from the housetops implies not just audibility, but also visibility and vulnerability, which could invite opposition. Thus, it underscores fearless evangelism.

Matthew 10 27 Commentary

Matthew 10:27 is a core instruction for all followers of Jesus: the truth received from Him, often intimately and personally, is not meant to remain hidden. Jesus himself, though teaching intimately at times, also taught publicly. The instruction shifts the disciples from passive learners to active, bold proclaimers. It anticipates a time when their private discipleship would blossom into public witness. This proclamation is to be done fearlessly, regardless of the implications for the messenger, echoing the preceding call not to fear those who can only harm the body. The urgency is evident; what they have come to know through Christ must illuminate the world. The Gospel is inherently a public truth that cannot remain confined.