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

LUKE 21:15KJV
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Luke 21:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:15 mean?

Luke 21:15 describes Jesus promising his followers that he himself will give them the ability to speak wisely and clearly, so that none of their opponents will be able to successfully argue against or overpower what they say. This assurance is meant to comfort and prepare them for times when they might face hostility or questioning because of their faith.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about coming hardships and persecutions they will face for following him. He tells them not to worry about how to defend themselves, because he will provide both the words ("a mouth") and the wisdom they need. The verse highlights that their ability to answer will come directly from him, not from their own skill or preparation.

The Greek behind Luke 21:15

  • στόμα (stoma, "mouth"): This Greek word means not just the physical mouth, but often refers to the ability to speak or express oneself. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus will give them the right words to say.
  • σοφία (sophia, "wisdom"): This word means practical insight or skill in living, not just knowledge. Jesus promises not only words, but also the wisdom to use them well.
  • ἀντικείμενοι (antikeimenoi, "adversaries"): This term refers to those who actively oppose or stand against someone. The verse highlights that even determined opponents will not be able to refute or withstand the wisdom Jesus gives.
  • ἀντιστῆναι (antistēnai, "resist"): This word means to stand against or oppose. The sense here is that the adversaries will not be able to successfully resist or counter the wisdom provided.

Why Luke 21:15 matters

  • Luke 21:15 clarifies that Jesus’s followers are not expected to rely on their own cleverness or rehearsed answers when under pressure, but on what he provides in the moment.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus prepares his disciples for future trials, showing that their security lies in his ongoing help, not in avoiding trouble.
  • This promise helps clear up the misunderstanding that believers must always be ready with perfect arguments; instead, the emphasis is on trust in Jesus’s provision.

Where else these words appear

“gainsay” Greek G471 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

“adversaries” Greek G480 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
  • Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“resist” Greek G436 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Romans 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
  • 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,