King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:20 Mean?

Matthew 10:20 in the King James Version says “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”

Matthew 10:20 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

18

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

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.

20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains the source: 'For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you' (ου γαρ υμεις εστε οι λαλουντες αλλα το πνευμα του πατρος υμων το λαλουν εν υμιν). The Holy Spirit empowers witness, not human eloquence or preparation. 'Spirit of your Father' emphasizes intimate relationship—the Spirit belongs to the Father who is your Father. This familial language comforts: you're not alone facing hostile courts; your Father's Spirit speaks through you. 'In you' (εν υμιν) indicates indwelling presence. This anticipates Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Spirit would permanently indwell believers. The promise combines divine sovereignty (Spirit speaks) with human instrumentality (speaks 'in you'). Believers become vessels for divine speech.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Old Testament prophets experienced God's Spirit enabling speech (Ezekiel 3:24-27, Micah 3:8). Jesus promises this same prophetic enablement to all disciples. Pentecost fulfilled this: Spirit-filled believers spoke boldly (Acts 2:4, 4:31). Early church understood witness as Spirit's work through believers, not human achievement. This democratized prophecy: not just special leaders but all believers receive Spirit's enabling for witness. Church history shows ordinary believers empowered to extraordinary testimony under persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing the Spirit speaks through us transform our confidence in witnessing?
  2. What is the relationship between the Spirit's empowerment and our human responsibility to witness?
  3. How can we remain open to the Spirit's leading rather than relying solely on prepared speeches?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οὐ1 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμεῖς3 of 16

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐστε4 of 16

“it is”

G2075

ye are

τὸ5 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

λαλοῦν6 of 16

“speaketh”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἀλλὰ7 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὸ8 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

πνεῦμα9 of 16

“the Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ10 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

πατρὸς11 of 16

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν12 of 16

“of your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὸ13 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

λαλοῦν14 of 16

“speaketh”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἐν15 of 16

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν16 of 16

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:20 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 Matthew 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 6:10Luke 21:152 Samuel 23:2Luke 12:122 Peter 1:21Acts 2:4

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