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.

MATTHEW 10:19KJV
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Matthew 10:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:19 mean?

Matthew 10:19 tells Jesus’ followers not to worry about what to say when they are handed over to authorities, because the right words will be given to them at that moment. The verse reassures believers that they do not need to plan their defense ahead of time in situations of persecution.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to spread his message. He warns them that they will face opposition and even be brought before rulers or courts. Instead of being anxious about their response, Jesus assures them that God will provide the words they need when the time comes.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:19

  • The word μεριμνάω (merimnaō, “take thought”) means to be anxious or overly concerned. Here, Jesus is telling the disciples not to be preoccupied or worried about preparing their defense.
  • The phrase ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ (en ekeinē tē hōra, “in that same hour”) emphasizes that the help or guidance will come exactly when it is needed, not before.
  • The verb δοθήσεται (dothēsetai, “it shall be given”) is passive, highlighting that the words will be provided to them by someone else—implying divine help, not their own effort.

Why Matthew 10:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus is not calling for carelessness, but for trust in God’s provision during moments of trial, especially when facing hostility for faith.
  • It connects to the wider passage where Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenges and dangers of their mission, showing that their reliance should be on God, not their own abilities.
  • The verse reassures believers that God is actively involved in their lives, even in stressful or threatening situations, offering comfort and confidence in the face of uncertainty.

Where else these words appear

“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?
  • Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
  • 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:

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 12:11 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:
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
  • John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.