Mark 13:11
What does Mark 13:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:11 means
Jesus provided comfort and guidance for His disciples concerning their future legal trials. He instructed them not to be anxious about what to say when brought before authorities. Instead, they were to speak whatever was given to them "in that hour." He assured them that their words would not be their own, but rather "the Holy Spirit" Himself would speak through them. This promise provides profound encouragement for believers facing persecution, assuring them of divine aid and supernatural enablement to articulate their faith under duress.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when you are taken and given up to be judged, do not be troubled about what to say: but whatever is given to you in that hour, say: because it is not you who say it, but the Holy Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And when they may lead you, delivering up, be not anxious beforehand what ye may speak, nor premeditate, but whatever may be given to you in that hour, that speak ye, for it is not ye who are speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they shall lead you and deliver you up, be not thoughtful beforehand what you shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye. For it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But when they shall lead you away to deliver you up, be not careful beforehand as to what ye shall say, [nor prepare your discourse]: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak; for ye are not the speakers, but the Holy Spirit.
Context
This verse directly addresses the fears and practical concerns arising from the prophecy of persecution in verse 9. It offers a specific promise of divine assistance during trials, assuring the disciples of the Holy Spirit's guidance. This instruction on how to speak under duress builds upon the command to preach the gospel to all nations in verse 10, showing how God will equip them to fulfill their mission even in challenging circumstances.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- 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:
- Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
- Jeremiah 1:6
Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, I know not how to speak; for I am a child.
- Luke 21:14
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:
- Acts 7:55
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
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