Matthew 10:26
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 16
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
φοβηθῆτε
Fear
G5399
φοβηθῆτε
Fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
3 of 16
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
αὐτούς·
them
G846
αὐτούς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
5 of 16
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν
there is
G2076
ἐστιν
there is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
7 of 16
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Luke 8:17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.Jeremiah 1:8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Mark 4:22For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Proverbs 28:1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.Ezekiel 2:6And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Historical Context
Early Christians faced persistent slander without means of public defense. No newspapers, public forums, or legal protections corrected false accusations. They depended on truth's eventual triumph through lived testimony and divine vindication. Church history shows this confidence justified: Christianity outlasted Roman Empire; slanders were eventually discredited; truth prevailed despite centuries of opposition. Final vindication awaits Christ's return when all secrets are exposed (1 Corinthians 4:5) and righteousness publicly acknowledged.
Questions for Reflection
- How does confidence in truth's eventual triumph shape how we respond to false accusations?
- What does this passage teach about patience and long-term perspective in the face of injustice?
- How can we maintain integrity when truth is currently suppressed or distorted?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands courage: 'Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known' (μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ουδεν γαρ εστιν κεκαλυμμενον ο ουκ αποκαλυφθησεται και κρυπτον ο ου γνωσθησεται). 'Fear not' (μη φοβηθητε) is command, not suggestion. Reason: truth will eventually prevail. What's currently 'covered' (κεκαλυμμενον, concealed) will be 'revealed' (αποκαλυφθησεται, uncovered). What's 'hid' (κρυπτον) will become 'known' (γνωσθησεται). This could mean:
Likely all three. Truth has inherent power to emerge. Temporary slander can't permanently suppress reality. This creates patient confidence: vindication is coming.