Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:19

What does Matthew 10:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:19 means

Recognizing the intimidating nature of such trials, Jesus gave a comforting and empowering instruction: "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." The disciples were not to rely on their own wisdom or prepared speeches, but on a supernatural anointing. This promise ensures that God would equip them with the very words needed, reminding them that their witness was not solely their own but divinely inspired. This alleviates fear and emphasizes dependence on the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when you are given up into their hands, do not be troubled about what to say or how to say it: for in that hour what you are to say will be given to you;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And whenever they may deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye may speak, for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when they deliver you up, be not careful how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given to you in that hour what ye shall speak.

Context

Following the warnings about facing governors and kings, this verse provides a crucial promise of supernatural assistance during these trials. It directly addresses the natural anxiety of public testimony, assuring the apostles that God will provide for them. This promise then leads into the theological explanation of *how* God will speak through them, clarifying the source of their confident testimony.

v.18yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

v.19This passage

v.20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.

Cross references

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

  • James 1:5

    But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • Acts 4:8

    Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

  • Philippians 4:6

    In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

  • Daniel 3:16

    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.

  • Matthew 6:34

    Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

  • 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:

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 10

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 10.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 10:19.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary