And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just telling them not to worry about what to say, but that the message itself will be divinely given—it's not their own cleverness, but the Holy Spirit speaking through them for a divine purpose. This elevates their trial from a personal defense to a sacred testimony, empowering them with God's own words in their moment of greatest need.
And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just warned his disciples about escalating global conflict, natural disasters, and famines, describing them as the beginning of sorrows. He then shifts to a more personal prophecy, foretelling that they will be arrested, persecuted, and brought before religious and political authorities for his sake. This verse offers them specific instruction and reassurance for those terrifying moments of interrogation and trial.
Imagine being dragged before powerful leaders, accused of crimes you didn't commit. What would you say? Jesus gives a remarkable promise for these moments.
Jesus tells his followers not to worry about what to say when they are brought to trial. It's a profound assurance: 'whatever is given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.'
A Gift for the Moment
This isn't a license to be unprepared, but a promise of divine assistance when it's most needed. The Holy Spirit will provide the words, the wisdom, and the courage required for that specific moment. This help is not about eloquent speeches designed to impress, but about speaking truth that serves as a testimony to those who are persecuting believers.
Not About Us, But God
When we are called to stand for our faith, especially under pressure, the focus shifts from our own abilities to God's power working through us. This promise frees us from the anxiety of figuring everything out ourselves and reminds us that God equips those He calls.
Persecution is not just an unfortunate byproduct of following Jesus; it's a vital part of the Gospel's spread.
Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the reality of what his followers will face. They will be delivered up, beaten, and brought before rulers and kings. But he frames this suffering not as a failure, but as an opportunity.
The Gospel's Defense
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Jesus states that these trials are 'for a testimony.' This means that the very act of enduring hardship, speaking truthfully, and maintaining faith in the face of opposition serves as powerful evidence of the Gospel's truth and the reality of God's power.
God's Sovereignty in Suffering
When believers are put on trial, their defense isn't just about saving themselves; it's about bearing witness to Christ. The wisdom and boldness given by the Holy Spirit in these moments are meant to demonstrate God’s presence and power, ultimately serving as an undeniable testimony to those who are judging them.
Understand the original words
synagogē · Greek Noun
A legal proceeding or judicial hearing where one is called upon to give an account, often used in the New Testament to describe the persecution of believers.
merimnaō · Greek Verb
The state of being troubled or uneasy in mind, characterized by a lack of trust in God's sovereignty; Jesus commands his followers not to yield to this when facing persecution.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers, guides them into truth, and empowers their witness and speech, especially in times of crisis.
The promise of the Holy Spirit speaking through believers in times of trial is a powerful assurance that their words would carry divine authority, even as they faced persecution leading up to and following the destruction of Jerusalem.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple and the ensuing tribulations for his followers, culminating in his own death and resurrection.
c. AD 30-60
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early believers begin to spread the Christian message throughout Judea, Samaria, and the wider Roman Empire.
c. AD 62— this verse
Martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome
Key leaders of the early church, Peter and Paul, are martyred in Rome, a significant event that would have deeply impacted the Roman Christian community and underscored the dangers they faced.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
A major revolt by the Jews against Roman rule begins, leading to widespread conflict and devastation across Judea.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Roman forces under Titus conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Second Temple, and devastate the city, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.
This passage is a parallel account of Jesus giving similar instructions to his disciples before sending them out, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in guiding their speech when facing persecution.
Luke 12:11Jesus directly addresses the anxiety of being brought to trial, promising that the Holy Spirit will teach them what to say in that very hour, echoing the core message of Mark 13:11.
Acts 4:8This New Testament account shows Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, directly speaking with boldness and wisdom before the Sanhedrin, demonstrating the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Mark 13:11.
1 Peter 3:15Peter instructs believers to 'sanctify Christ the Lord in your hearts' and to be ready to give an answer for their hope, implying a divinely-given wisdom and readiness, consistent with the Spirit's empowerment mentioned in Mark 13:11.
expositorsMark 13:8-16: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
CHAPTER 13:8-16 (Mark 13:8-16)THE IMPENDING JUDGMENT "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in divers places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail. But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver y…
calvinMark 13:9-13: "But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them."
- Then will they deliver you up to be afflicted, and will kill you; and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name. 10. And then will many be offended, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. 11. And many false prophets will arise, and will dece…
Jesus isn't just telling them not to worry about what to say, but that the message itself will be divinely given—it's not their own cleverness, but the Holy Spirit speaking through them for a divine purpose. This elevates their trial from a personal defense to a sacred testimony, empowering them with God's own words in their moment of greatest need.
Jesus has just warned his disciples about escalating global conflict, natural disasters, and famines, describing them as the beginning of sorrows. He then shifts to a more personal prophecy, foretelling that they will be arrested, persecuted, and brought before religious and political authorities for his sake. This verse offers them specific instruction and reassurance for those terrifying moments of interrogation and trial.
Jesus has just warned his disciples about escalating global conflict, natural disasters, and famines, describing them as the beginning of sorrows. He then shifts to a more personal prophecy, foretelling that they will be arrested, persecuted, and brought before religious and political authorities for his sake. This verse offers them specific instruction and reassurance for those terrifying moments of interrogation and trial.
"And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit." — Jesus isn't just telling them not to worry about what to say, but that the message itself will be divinely given—it's not their own cleverness, but the Holy Spirit speaking through them for a div…
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Last reviewed October 2026