Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:20

What does Matthew 10:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:20 means

Jesus provides the theological basis for the promise of divine utterance: "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you." This clarifies that their testimony in the face of persecution would be more than human eloquence; it would be the very voice of God the Father speaking through them by His Spirit. This underscores the divine authority and power behind their message, elevating their witness beyond mere human opinion. It offers profound assurance that God Himself would defend His truth through His chosen messengers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because it is not you who say the words, but the Spirit of your Father in you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for ye are not the speakers, but the Spirit of your Father that is speaking in you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For ye are not the speakers, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you.

Context

Building directly on the promise that they would be given words to speak, this verse explains the mechanism behind that provision: the Holy Spirit's active work. This powerful theological explanation completes the instruction on how to handle trials, transitioning to an even more severe warning about the relational and familial divisions that will arise due to their allegiance to Christ.

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.

v.20This passage

v.21And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Samuel 23:2

    The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, And his word was upon my tongue.

  • Acts 6:10

    And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

  • Mark 12:36

    David himself said in the Holy Spirit, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.

  • Luke 11:13

    If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Acts 4:8

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

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