Matthew 10:20
New International Version
for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

New Living Translation
For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

English Standard Version
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Berean Standard Bible
For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Berean Literal Bible
for you are not those speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

King James Bible
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

New King James Version
for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

New American Standard Bible
For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you.

NASB 1995
“For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

NASB 1977
“For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Legacy Standard Bible
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Amplified Bible
for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Christian Standard Bible
because it isn’t you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.

American Standard Version
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.

Contemporary English Version
But you will not really be the one speaking. The Spirit from your Father will tell you what to say.

English Revised Version
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Indeed, you're not the ones who will be speaking. The Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you.

Good News Translation
For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

International Standard Version
It won't be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

NET Bible
For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

New Heart English Bible
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Webster's Bible Translation
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Weymouth New Testament
for it is not you who will speak: it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

World English Bible
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for you are not the speakers, but the Spirit of your Father that is speaking in you.

Berean Literal Bible
for you are not those speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Young's Literal Translation
for ye are not the speakers, but the Spirit of your Father that is speaking in you.

Smith's Literal Translation
For ye yourselves are not speaking, but the spirit of your father speaking in you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For it is not you who will be speaking, but the Spirit of your Father, who will speak in you.

New American Bible
For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

New Revised Standard Version
for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father, which speaks through you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For it will not be you speaking, but The Spirit of your Father speaking in you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for it is not you that speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you.

Godbey New Testament
For you are not those speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking in you.

Haweis New Testament
for it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father which is speaking in you.

Mace New Testament
for it is not properly you that speak, but the spirit of your father that speaketh by you.

Weymouth New Testament
for it is not you who will speak: it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Worrell New Testament
for it is not ye that speak, but, the Spirit of your Father Who speaketh in you.

Worsley New Testament
but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh by you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sheep among Wolves
19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.…

Cross References
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Luke 12:12
For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

Mark 13:11
But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 6:10
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

2 Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.

Isaiah 59:21
“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:9
Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

Ezekiel 3:27
But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 7:55
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 13:9
Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas


Treasury of Scripture

For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you.

but.

2 Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

Mark 12:36
For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

your.

Matthew 6:32
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Luke 12:30-32
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things…

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Matthew 10
1. Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;
5. giving them their charge, teaches them;
16. comforts them against persecutions;
40. and promises a blessing to those who receive them.














For it will not be you speaking
This phrase emphasizes the divine assistance promised to the disciples. In the context of Matthew 10, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the persecution they will face as they spread the Gospel. The assurance that they will not be speaking on their own aligns with the biblical theme of God empowering His servants, as seen in Exodus 4:12, where God promises Moses that He will help him speak. This reflects the idea that human weakness is made perfect in divine strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

but the Spirit of your Father
The reference to "the Spirit of your Father" highlights the intimate relationship between God and His followers. This phrase underscores the Trinitarian concept, where the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, empowers believers. The Spirit's role is to guide, teach, and remind believers of Jesus' teachings (John 14:26). This connection is also seen in the Old Testament, where the Spirit of God comes upon individuals to enable them for specific tasks, such as in Judges 6:34 with Gideon.

speaking through you
This assurance of divine speech through the disciples is a promise of inspiration and guidance. It reflects the prophetic tradition where God's message is delivered through human agents, as seen with the prophets in the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 1:9). In the New Testament, this is fulfilled in the apostles' bold proclamation of the Gospel, as seen in Acts 4:31, where they spoke the word of God with boldness after being filled with the Holy Spirit. This phrase assures believers that in times of trial, they will be given the words to speak, fulfilling the promise of divine presence and support.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, providing instructions and encouragement to His disciples as He sends them out to preach the Gospel.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who are being prepared for the challenges they will face in spreading the message of the Kingdom.

3. The Spirit of your Father
Refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine assistance and presence that will empower the disciples in their mission.
Teaching Points
Divine Empowerment
Believers are not alone in their mission; the Holy Spirit empowers and guides them.

Reliance on the Holy Spirit
Trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than relying solely on personal abilities or wisdom.

Courage in Witnessing
Knowing that the Spirit speaks through us should give us courage to witness boldly, even in challenging situations.

Humility in Service
Recognize that any effective ministry is not by our own strength but through the Spirit's work in us.

Preparedness for Persecution
Jesus' words prepare us for opposition, reminding us that the Spirit will provide the words we need in such times.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 10:20?

2. How does Matthew 10:20 encourage reliance on the Holy Spirit when witnessing?

3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in speaking through believers, per Matthew 10:20?

4. How does Matthew 10:20 connect with Acts 2:4 regarding Spirit-led speech?

5. How can we prepare to let the Spirit speak through us today?

6. What practical steps ensure openness to the Spirit's guidance in evangelism?

7. How does Matthew 10:20 define the role of the Holy Spirit in communication?

8. Why is the Holy Spirit speaking through believers significant in Matthew 10:20?

9. How does Matthew 10:20 challenge personal responsibility in delivering God's message?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 10?

11. Is there a female deity called Mother God?

12. If Jesus and the Father are 'one' (John 10:30), doesn't that conflict with strict monotheism elsewhere in Scripture?

13. What did Jesus instruct his disciples? 'Tell my brethren to go to Galilee' (Matthew 28:10) and 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father' (John 20:17).

14. Am I loved by God?
What Does Matthew 10:20 Mean
For

Jesus links this promise to the warning in the previous verse: “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say” (Matthew 10:19). The little word “For” is the hinge—explaining why worry is unnecessary. God’s servants can face hostile courts or confused crowds without panic because divine help is guaranteed. The same pattern appears in Isaiah 41:10 (“Do not fear, for I am with you”) and in Romans 8:31 (“If God is for us, who can be against us?”). The command not to fear rests on the character of a faithful Father who always supplies what He demands.


It will not be you speaking

Jesus does not cancel human responsibility; He redirects confidence.

• The disciples will open their mouths, yet the decisive voice will not be theirs.

• Paul experienced this in 1 Corinthians 2:4–5, where his “message and preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”

• Moses heard the same assurance in Exodus 4:12: “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

God constantly reminds His people that success in witness springs from reliance, not talent.


But the Spirit of your Father

The source of the words is personal—“the Spirit,” not an impersonal force—and familial—“of your Father,” stressing intimacy.

• Jesus’ promise echoes John 14:26, where the Helper “will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”

Romans 8:15–16 shows the Spirit both assuring believers of sonship and empowering them to cry “Abba, Father.”

• In Acts 4:31, the early church prayed, “and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

The Father loves His children too much to leave them tongue-tied in their moment of need.


Speaking through you

The phrase pictures God’s Spirit as the active agent, believers as the willing instrument.

• Stephen’s opponents “could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:10).

• Jesus foretold that the gospel “will be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10), and this preaching would be Spirit-energized.

2 Timothy 4:17 records Paul’s testimony: “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message would be fully proclaimed through me.”

When Christians stand in difficult places, they become conduits of a divine message that carries authority beyond their natural ability.


summary

Matthew 10:20 assures followers of Christ that in critical moments of witness, the burden of eloquence does not rest on them. The Father’s Spirit will supply the very words needed, turning ordinary believers into channels of extraordinary truth. Confidence, therefore, flows from trust in God’s present help, not from self-reliance.

(20) It is not ye that speak.--The words are strong. Human thoughts and purposes seem as if utterly suppressed, and the inspiring agency alone is recognised. It would be obviously beside the drift of our Lord's discourse to make this promise of special aid in moments of special danger the groundwork of a theory of inspiration as affecting the written records of the work of the disciples.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

it will not be
ἐστε (este)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

speaking,
λαλοῦντες (lalountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Spirit
Πνεῦμα (Pneuma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father
Πατρὸς (Patros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

speaking
λαλοῦν (laloun)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

through
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you.
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 10:20 For it is not you who speak (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 10:19
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