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)
Jesus isn't just promising His followers eloquent words; He's guaranteeing wisdom that will disarm and baffle opponents. This means it's not about clever arguments we prepare in advance, but about divine insight given in the moment, making truth irresistible to those who hear it.
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)
Jesus is warning his disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the intense persecution they will face for his name. He tells them not to worry about how they will defend themselves when brought before authorities, because he will personally give them the words and wisdom that their opponents won't be able to refute. This promise of divine empowerment is meant to strengthen them for the trials ahead, assuring them that their testimony will be effective even in the face of fierce opposition.
Ever felt put on the spot, wishing you had the perfect thing to say? Jesus promises something even better than quick thinking.
Jesus tells His followers, 'I will give you a mouth and wisdom.' This isn't just about being eloquent; it's a divine enablement.
God's Gift, Not Our Gumption
This promise means when facing opposition for their faith, disciples wouldn't be left to their own devices. God Himself would equip them with the words and the understanding needed. It’s a powerful reminder that our boldness for Christ doesn't rely on our own cleverness, but on His provision.
What happens when divine truth meets human opposition? Jesus assures us the outcome is already decided.
The verse continues with a bold declaration: 'which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.' This speaks to the unassailable nature of the truth God provides.
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The Power of Divine Words
This isn't a guarantee that opposition will cease, but rather that the message delivered by God's empowered followers will be so potent and true that it cannot be effectively refuted or overcome by those who oppose it. It highlights the ultimate victory of God's word, even when delivered by fallible humans.
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' promise in Luke 21:15 speaks directly to the intense pressures faced by His followers when brought before authorities. It's a word of divine empowerment, assuring them that in moments of trial, the Holy Spirit would provide the precise words and wisdom needed to stand firm and confound their accusers, a promise fulfilled in the boldness of the apostles and early martyrs.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus delivers His Olivet Discourse, prophesying the destruction of the Temple and warning His followers about future persecutions and tribulations.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus' death and resurrection, which form the core of the gospel message His followers would later proclaim.
c. AD 33-36
Early Persecution of Believers
Following Jesus' ascension, the early Christian community faces initial opposition and persecution, notably from Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.
c. AD 37-60
Apostolic Missions and Writings
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, facing resistance and writing letters that would become part of the New Testament.
c. AD 62-64
Writing of the Gospels and Acts
Luke records Jesus' teachings and the early history of the church, including the promise of divine wisdom and utterance for disciples facing their accusers.
AD 66-73
First Jewish-Roman War
The widespread conflict culminates in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies and marking a major turning point for Judaism and Christianity.
This verse echoes the promise God made to Moses when he hesitated to speak, assuring him, 'I will put words in your mouth.' This highlights the divine enablement for God's messengers to speak His truth, even when they feel inadequate.
Isaiah 54:17This passage declares that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper, offering a powerful assurance that even in the face of opposition, God's servants will be equipped to stand firm and His truth will prevail.
Jeremiah 1:17-19Similar to Luke 21:15, this prophecy assures Jeremiah that he will be a 'bronze wall' against his enemies, protected and empowered by God to speak His message despite fierce opposition.
Matthew 10:18-20Jesus directly instructs His disciples not to worry about their defense when brought before authorities, because the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak. This is a foundational promise that finds specific application in Luke 21:15.
Acts 6:10This verse describes Stephen, a disciple filled with the Spirit, speaking with such wisdom and power that his opponents 'could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.' This is a clear example of the promise in Luke 21:15 being fulfilled.
clarkeLuke 21:15: "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."
I will give you a mouth and wisdom - Στομα, a mouth, must appear plain to every person to be used here for a ready utterance, or eloquence in speaking. They shall have an abundance of wisdom to know what to say; and they shall have an irresistible eloquence to say what they ought.
pulpitLuke 21:15: "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."
Verse 15. - For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Instances of the splendid fulfillment of this promise are supplied in the "Acts" report of St. Stephen's speech (7.), and St. Paul's defense spoken before the Roman governor Felix (25.) and before King Agrippa (26.).
Jesus isn't just promising His followers eloquent words; He's guaranteeing wisdom that will disarm and baffle opponents. This means it's not about clever arguments we prepare in advance, but about divine insight given in the moment, making truth irresistible to those who hear it.
Jesus is warning his disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the intense persecution they will face for his name. He tells them not to worry about how they will defend themselves when brought before authorities, because he will personally give them the words and wisdom that their opponents won't be able to refute. This promise of divine empowerment is meant to strengthen them for the trials ahead, assuring them that their testimony will be effective even in the face of fierce opposition.
Jesus is warning his disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the intense persecution they will face for his name. He tells them not to worry about how they will defend themselves when brought before authorities, because he will personally give them the words and wisdom that their opponents won't be able to refute. This promise of divine empowerment is meant to strengthen them for the trials ahead, assuring them that their testimony will be effective even in the face of fierce opposition.
"for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." — Jesus isn't just promising His followers eloquent words; He's guaranteeing wisdom that will disarm and baffle opponents. This means it's not about clever arguments we prepare in advance, but about…
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Last reviewed October 2026