King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:27 Mean?

Matthew 10:27 in the King James Version says “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.”

Matthew 10:27 · KJV

Context

25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul

26

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

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.

28

And 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.

29

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. farthing: it is in value halfpenny farthing in the original, as being the tenth part of the Roman penny

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this command challenge tendencies toward private, insider Christianity?
  2. What does it mean to 'preach from housetops' in contemporary contexts?
  3. How can we balance thoughtful preparation with bold, public proclamation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὃ1 of 20

“What”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λέγω2 of 20

“I tell”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν3 of 20

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐν4 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ5 of 20
G3588

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

σκοτίᾳ6 of 20

“darkness”

G4653

dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively)

εἴπατε7 of 20

“that speak ye”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐν8 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ9 of 20
G3588

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

φωτί10 of 20

“light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

καὶ11 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὃ12 of 20

“What”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἰς13 of 20

“in”

G1519

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

τὸ14 of 20
G3588

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

οὖς15 of 20

“the ear”

G3775

the ear (physically or mentally)

ἀκούετε16 of 20

“ye hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

κηρύξατε17 of 20

“that preach ye”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ἐπὶ18 of 20

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν19 of 20
G3588

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

δωμάτων20 of 20

“the housetops”

G1430

properly, an edifice, i.e., (specially) a roof

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 10:27 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 10:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 5:20John 16:13John 16:1Proverbs 1:20-23Matthew 13:1-17John 16:29

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