And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

LUKE 12:11KJV
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Luke 12:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:11 mean?

Luke 12:11 pictures Jesus’ followers being brought before religious gatherings and people in authority to answer for themselves. Jesus tells them not to be anxious about how to defend themselves or what words to use when that happens.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples while a large crowd is present. “Synagogues” were Jewish places of gathering, while “magistrates” and “powers” refer to rulers and authorities. The setting is a hearing in which the disciples must answer those questioning them.

The Greek behind Luke 12:11

  • “take ye no thought” — μεριμνάω (merimnaō): The Greek carries the sense of being anxious or worried. The KJV phrase can sound like a ban on thinking, but here the concern is anxiety about an answer.
  • “answer” — ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai): This word means to speak in one’s defense. It helps show that the disciples are pictured facing a challenge or accusation, not merely taking part in an ordinary conversation.

Why Luke 12:11 matters

  • Jesus names more than one setting where his followers might face questioning. “Synagogues,” “magistrates,” and “powers” place the situation before both Jewish gatherings and people with governing authority.
  • The reason for Jesus’ instruction appears in the next verse. Luke 12:12 says that the Holy Ghost, the KJV’s term for the Holy Spirit, will teach them what they ought to say “in the same hour.”

Where else these words appear

“answer” Greek G626 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
  • Acts 25:8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
  • Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

“take” Greek G3309 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Matthew 10:19 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

“bring” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

“magistrates” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;