Luke 21:14-15
Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus isn't telling you to be unprepared, but rather to choose reliance on the Holy Spirit over anxious, self-generated planning. The core command is to "settle it in your hearts," meaning to make a firm decision to trust God's promised wisdom and voice, rather than trying to craft a perfect defense on your own.
Jesus is speaking about the destruction of the temple and the difficult times that will precede His return, warning His disciples against being deceived and urging them to persevere. In this immediate context, He's instructing them not to worry about preparing eloquent defenses when they are brought before authorities, because the Holy Spirit will give them the right words. This promise is a reassurance for the trials ahead, not a license for passivity.
Ever felt that knot in your stomach before a tough conversation or a challenging question? Jesus offers a different way forward.
Jesus tells his followers to 'settle it in your hearts' not to 'meditate beforehand how to answer.' This isn't about avoiding any preparation, but about avoiding anxious, self-reliant scheming. It's a call to trust that God will provide the wisdom and words you need in the moment. The original Greek word used here suggests a deep-seated resolution, a firm conviction to rely on God's provision rather than your own cleverness.
When facing opposition, our instinct is to craft the perfect argument. Jesus points us to a higher source of power.
Jesus promises His followers, 'I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.' This isn't just about having the right words; it's about divine wisdom accompanying those words. Think of Stephen in Acts 6, whose opponents couldn't match the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke. This promise is for all believers when they are called to stand for Him, assuring them that God equips them for the task.
Understand the original words
sophia · Greek Noun
The practical application of spiritual truth to life; it is the divine gift of discernment, insight, and speech that allows the believer to act according to God's will.
antikeimenos · Greek Noun
An opponent, someone who stands in opposition or hostility; used in the NT to refer to those who resist the truth of the Gospel or those who oppose the believer.
Jesus gives the same instruction to his disciples, promising them that the Spirit will speak through them when they are brought before authorities.
Mark 13:11This parallel account emphasizes that the disciples should not worry about what to say, as the Holy Spirit will provide the words.
Acts 4:8Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly answers the Jewish council, demonstrating the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to give wisdom and a mouth to speak.
Acts 6:10Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, powerfully and wisely counters his accusers, showing how the Spirit enables believers to speak truth effectively.
1 Peter 3:15This passage encourages believers to set Christ apart as holy in their hearts and to always be prepared to give an answer for their hope, but with gentleness and respect, aligning with the spirit of reliance on God's guidance.
pooleLuke 21:14: "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:"
Ver. 14,15. See Poole on "Matthew 10:19" , See Poole on "Matthew 10:20" , See Poole on "Mark 13:11" . We must not think that our Saviour by this forbids us what is naturally impossible for us to avoid, that is, the forming of those words first in our thoughts which we speak, nor yet a prudent thinking beforehand what we should speak; but an anxious thinking what we should speak, such a thinking as sho…
vincentLuke 21:14: "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:"
To answerSee on answer, 1 Peter 3:15.
Jesus isn't telling you to be unprepared, but rather to choose reliance on the Holy Spirit over anxious, self-generated planning. The core command is to "settle it in your hearts," meaning to make a firm decision to trust God's promised wisdom and voice, rather than trying to craft a perfect defense on your own.
Jesus is speaking about the destruction of the temple and the difficult times that will precede His return, warning His disciples against being deceived and urging them to persevere. In this immediate context, He's instructing them not to worry about preparing eloquent defenses when they are brought before authorities, because the Holy Spirit will give them the right words. This promise is a reassurance for the trials ahead, not a license for passivity.
Jesus is speaking about the destruction of the temple and the difficult times that will precede His return, warning His disciples against being deceived and urging them to persevere. In this immediate context, He's instructing them not to worry about preparing eloquent defenses when they are brought before authorities, because the Holy Spirit will give them the right words. This promise is a reassurance for the trials ahead, not a license for passivity.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 21:14-15 is available in the Sola app.
"Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." — Jesus isn't telling you to be unprepared, but rather to choose reliance on the Holy Spirit over anxious, self-generated planning. The core command is to "settle it in your hearts," meaning to make a…
