Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:18

What does Matthew 10:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:18 means

The persecution would escalate beyond local councils and synagogues; Jesus stated, "before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake." This indicates that their testimony would reach the highest levels of Roman and regional authority. The purpose of these trials, though seemingly negative, was divinely intended: "for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles." Through their suffering, the Gospel message would paradoxically be proclaimed to those who otherwise might not hear, demonstrating God's sovereign use of adversity to advance His kingdom. This points to the global scope of their witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And you will come before rulers and kings because of me, for a witness to them and to the Gentiles.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and before governors and kings ye shall be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And you shall be brought before governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

Context

This verse expands on the warnings of persecution, indicating that the apostles' trials would extend beyond local religious authorities to include political rulers. It highlights the unexpected evangelistic opportunity inherent in their suffering, immediately leading to instruction on how to respond when facing such daunting circumstances, particularly concerning what to say in their defense.

v.17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

v.18This passage

v.19But 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 12:1

    Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.

  • Mark 13:9

    But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.

  • 2 Timothy 1:8

    Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;

  • 2 Timothy 4:16

    At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

  • Psalms 2:1

    Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?

  • Acts 5:25

    And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people.

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