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

MATTHEW 10:26KJV
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Matthew 10:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:26 mean?

Matthew 10:26 reassures Jesus’ followers not to be afraid of those who oppose them, because everything hidden will eventually be revealed and all secrets will come to light. The verse promises that truth will not stay concealed forever, so there is no need to fear threats or secrecy.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He sends them out to spread His message. He warns them about opposition and persecution, but encourages them by saying that God will ultimately uncover all things. The verse highlights the certainty that what is true and right will be made known, even if it is hidden for a time.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:26

  • "Fear" (φοβέω, phobeō): This word means to be afraid or to feel terror. Here, Jesus uses it to tell His disciples not to let fear control them in the face of threats.
  • "Covered" (κεκαλυμμένον, kekalymmenon): This word refers to something that is hidden or concealed. The verse uses it to describe things that are not yet visible or known.
  • "Revealed" (ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, apokalyphthēsetai): This word means to uncover or make known. Its use here emphasizes that hidden things will be brought into the open.
  • "Hid" (κρυπτόν, krypton): This word means something secret or kept out of sight. The verse pairs it with the idea that nothing secret will remain unknown.

Why Matthew 10:26 matters

  • Matthew 10:26 clarifies that Jesus’ followers should not let fear of people or hidden plots stop them from speaking and living the truth.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus prepares His disciples for opposition, showing that God’s justice and truth will ultimately prevail.
  • It reassures readers that even if wrongs or dangers are hidden now, God will ensure that everything comes to light in His time.

Where else these words appear

“covered” Greek G2572 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
  • James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

“hid” Greek G2927 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
  • Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

“shall” Greek G601 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • John 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
  • Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

“Fear” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.