King James Version

What Does Luke 21:14 Mean?

Luke 21:14 in the King James Version says “Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:”

Luke 21:14 · KJV

Context

12

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

13

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

14

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

16

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: Jesus gives practical instruction: thete oun en tais kardiais hymōn mē promeletān apologēthēnai (θέτε οὖν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν μὴ προμελετᾶν ἀπολογηθῆναι, 'settle therefore in your hearts not to prepare beforehand to make a defense'). The verb thete (θέτε, 'settle/determine/resolve') indicates deliberate decision. The phrase en tais kardiais (ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις, 'in your hearts') locates this resolution in the inner person—a heart commitment, not mere intellectual agreement.

The command mē promeletān (μὴ προμελετᾶν, 'not to practice beforehand/rehearse in advance') prohibits pre-planned speeches. The verb apologeomai (ἀπολογέομαι, 'make a defense') means to present a legal defense. Jesus instructs disciples not to prepare elaborate arguments for anticipated trials. This isn't anti-intellectualism—Paul engaged in sophisticated apologetics. Rather, it's trust in divine enablement during crisis. In persecution's heat, human preparation proves inadequate; supernatural aid suffices. This command tests faith: will believers trust God's promise or rely on human cleverness?

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Historical & Cultural Context

This instruction addresses natural anxiety about persecution. Who wouldn't worry about defending themselves before hostile authorities? Standing before the Sanhedrin, Roman governors, or emperors would terrify anyone. Natural response is to rehearse speeches, prepare arguments, strategize responses. Jesus prohibits this not because preparation is wrong but because in persecution situations, God provides supernatural assistance (v. 15). Early Christians experienced this. Peter, uneducated and previously cowardly (denying Christ), spoke boldly before authorities (Acts 4:8-13), astonishing leaders with his courage. Stephen gave a powerful defense (Acts 7). Paul spoke fearlessly before governors and kings. Church history records martyrs whose testimony under torture amazed persecutors. Modern believers facing interrogation likewise report divine aid—words they didn't prepare, courage they didn't possess naturally.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus command believers not to prepare their defense in advance, and how does this test faith?
  2. What is the difference between legitimate theological preparation and the anxious rehearsal Jesus prohibits here?
  3. How should this command shape believers' approach to potential persecution or hostile confrontation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
θέσθε1 of 9

“Settle”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

οὖν2 of 9

“it therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

εἴς3 of 9

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς4 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίας5 of 9

“hearts”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ὑμῶν6 of 9

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

μὴ7 of 9

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

προμελετᾶν8 of 9

“to meditate before”

G4304

to premeditate

ἀπολογηθῆναι·9 of 9

“what ye shall answer”

G626

to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 21:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 21:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:11-12Mark 13:11Matthew 10:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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