Luke 21:14
What does Luke 21:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 21:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 21:14 means
Jesus instructs His disciples to commit in their hearts not to worry about formulating their defense or carefully choosing their words beforehand when facing persecution. This command emphasizes a reliance on divine assistance rather than human cleverness or preparation. It calls for a profound trust in God's ability to provide the right words at the right moment. This ensures that their testimony will proceed from the Holy Spirit's prompting, rather than from their own anxious efforts.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So take care not to be troubled before the time comes, about what answers you will give:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Settle, then, to your hearts, not to meditate beforehand to reply,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Lay it up therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before how you shall answer:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Settle therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand [your] defence,
Context
Following the assurance that persecution will become a testimony in verse 13, Jesus now provides practical instruction for how to face these trials. This command about not preparing their defense is directly tied to the promise of divine wisdom in verse 15. It addresses the natural human fear of public examination and sets the stage for the supernatural empowerment they will receive, reinforcing their reliance on God's intervention.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak.
- Mark 13:11
And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit.
- Luke 12:11
And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
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