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 10:27KJV
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Matthew 10:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:27 mean?

Matthew 10:27 means that Jesus wants his followers to openly share what he has taught them privately, spreading his message boldly and publicly. The verse encourages moving from quiet instruction to open proclamation, even in the face of possible opposition.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to spread his teachings. The setting is one of preparation for mission, where Jesus has been instructing them in private ("in darkness" and "in the ear") and now urges them to declare these truths openly ("in light" and "upon the housetops"). The language paints a picture of moving from secrecy or quietness to public witness.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:27

  • σκοτία (skotia, "darkness"): This word often refers to a place or time of secrecy or privacy, not just literal darkness. Here, it highlights that Jesus’ teachings may start in private settings.
  • φῶς (phōs, "light"): This word means light in a literal or figurative sense, often symbolizing openness or public knowledge. Jesus is urging his disciples to bring what was private into the open.
  • οὖς (ous, "ear"): This word points to the personal, direct way the disciples received Jesus’ teachings—almost like a whisper or confidential instruction.
  • ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων (epi tōn dōmatōn, "upon the housetops"): In ancient times, flat roofs were used as places to make public announcements. The phrase means to proclaim something as widely and publicly as possible.

Why Matthew 10:27 matters

  • Matthew 10:27 clarifies that Jesus’ message is not meant to be kept secret or reserved for a select few; it is intended for public proclamation.
  • The verse emphasizes courage and openness, especially in a context where speaking about Jesus could bring risk or opposition.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage, where Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenges and dangers of sharing his message, encouraging them to be bold and unashamed.

Where else these words appear

“housetops” Greek G1430 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
  • Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
  • Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

“darkness” Greek G4653 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
  • John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
  • 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

“ear” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

“light” Greek G5457 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
  • Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,