Matthew Chapter 10 · Verse 19
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 19
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
παραδιδῶσιν
they deliver
G3860
παραδιδῶσιν
they deliver
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
3 of 19
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
7 of 19
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δοθήσεται
it shall be given
G1325
δοθήσεται
it shall be given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
11 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκείνῃ
that same
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
that same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
15 of 19
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 4:12Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.Exodus 4:15And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.Luke 12:11And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:Matthew 6:31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?Matthew 6:25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Acts 6:10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.Jeremiah 1:7But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.Jeremiah 1:9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Historical Context
Ancient legal systems allowed defendants to speak in self-defense. Eloquence and rhetorical skill often determined outcomes. Uneducated Galilean fishermen would naturally fear learned opponents. Jesus promises divine assistance echoing Moses (Exodus 4:12) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:9). Early church saw this fulfilled: Peter's defense before Sanhedrin amazed educated leaders (Acts 4:13); Stephen's wisdom couldn't be resisted (Acts 6:10); Paul's testimony moved governors (Acts 26:28). Church history records martyrs whose eloquent testimony under pressure authenticated supernatural help.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this promise balance trust in God's provision with responsibility to be prepared?
- What does this teach about the Holy Spirit's role in witness and defense?
- How can we cultivate trust that God will provide needed words in critical moments?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus provides comfort amid persecution anxiety: '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' (οταν δε παραδιδωσιν υμας μη μεριμνησητε πως η τι λαλησητε δοθησεται γαρ υμιν εν εκεινη τη ωρα τι λαλησητε). 'Take no thought' (μη μεριμνησητε) means don't be anxious—same word used regarding material needs (6:25). Jesus prohibits anxious preparation, not thoughtful readiness. In trial's pressure, God will supply words. 'It shall be given' (δοθησεται, passive voice) indicates divine provision. 'That same hour' emphasizes timely supply—not before (so you remain dependent) but precisely when needed. This promise liberates from paralyzing anxiety while requiring trust.