Matthew 10:27
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
What
G3739
ὃ
What
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωτί
light
G5457
φωτί
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
10 of 20
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
What
G3739
ὃ
What
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κηρύξατε
that preach ye
G2784
κηρύξατε
that preach ye
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
17 of 20
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Acts 5:20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.John 16:1These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.Acts 5:28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.John 16:25These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.John 16:29His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.Luke 8:10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.Acts 17:17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.2 Corinthians 3:12Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
Historical Context
Rabbis often taught select students privately, guarding esoteric knowledge. Jesus does opposite: private teaching prepares public proclamation. Flat roofs in Palestinian houses served as gathering spaces with excellent visibility and acoustics. Announcements were literally shouted from rooftops. Jesus' metaphor: what I whisper in classroom, shout from rooftops. Early church obeyed: private resurrection appearances led to public Pentecost preaching. No secret societies or mystery religions—Christianity was public, universal proclamation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this command challenge tendencies toward private, insider Christianity?
- What does it mean to 'preach from housetops' in contemporary contexts?
- How can we balance thoughtful preparation with bold, public proclamation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands public proclamation: 'What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops' (ο λεγω υμιν εν τη σκοτια ειπατε εν τω φωτι και ο εις το ους ακουετε κηρυξατε επι των δωματων). 'In darkness' (εν τη σκοτια) refers to private instruction; 'in light' (εν τω φωτι) means public proclamation. 'In the ear' (εις το ους) indicates whispered, intimate teaching; 'upon housetops' (επι των δωματων) means shouted publicly. Jesus taught disciples privately; they must proclaim publicly. No secret knowledge for elite insiders; everything becomes public gospel. 'Preach' (κηρυξατε) is herald's proclamation—authoritative, clear, public announcement. This transforms disciples from private students to public heralds.