Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. New Living Translation And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. English Standard Version I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, Berean Standard Bible But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Berean Literal Bible And I say to you that every careless word that they will speak, men will give an account of it in day of judgment. King James Bible But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. New King James Version But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. New American Standard Bible But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. NASB 1995 “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. NASB 1977 “And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. Legacy Standard Bible But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. Amplified Bible But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. Christian Standard Bible I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. Holman Christian Standard Bible I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. American Standard Version And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Contemporary English Version I promise you on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. English Revised Version And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. GOD'S WORD® Translation "I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. Good News Translation "You can be sure that on the Judgment Day you will have to give account of every useless word you have ever spoken. International Standard Version I tell you, on Judgment Day people will give an account for every thoughtless word they have uttered, NET Bible I tell you that on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every worthless word they speak. New Heart English Bible But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Webster's Bible Translation But I say to you, That for every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account in the day of judgment. Weymouth New Testament But I tell you that for every careless word that men shall speak they will be held accountable on the day of Judgement. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. World English Bible I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I say to you that every idle word that men may speak, they will give for it a reckoning in [the] day of judgment; Berean Literal Bible And I say to you that every careless word that they will speak, men will give an account of it in day of judgment. Young's Literal Translation 'And I say to you, that every idle word that men may speak, they shall give for it a reckoning in a day of judgment; Smith's Literal Translation And I say to you, That every idle word which men speak, they shill return word for it in the day of judgment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment. Catholic Public Domain Version But I say to you, that for every idle word which men will have spoken, they shall render an account in the day of judgment. New American Bible I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. New Revised Standard Version I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor I say to you, that for every foolish word which men speak, they will have to answer for it on the day of judgment. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For I say to you that every idle word that people will speak, they will give an answer for it in the Day of Judgment. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut I say to you, That for every idle word which men speak, they shall give account in the day of judgment. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament But I tell you, That every idle word which men speak, for it shall they give an account in the day of judgment. Mace New Testament but I declare unto you, that men shall give an account at the day of judgment, of every scandalous expression they utter. Weymouth New Testament But I tell you that for every careless word that men shall speak they will be held accountable on the day of Judgement. Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Good and Bad Fruit…35The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”… Cross References James 3:5-6 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Colossians 3:8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. Treasury of Scripture But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. every. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Ephesians 6:4-6 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord… idle word. Jump to Previous Account Accountable Accounting Careless Foolish Held Idle Judged Judgement Judgment Judgment-Day Reckoning Render Speak Thereof Utter WordJump to Next Account Accountable Accounting Careless Foolish Held Idle Judged Judgement Judgment Judgment-Day Reckoning Render Speak Thereof Utter WordMatthew 12 1. Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,3. by scripture, 9. by reason, 13. and by a miracle. 22. He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute; 24. and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, 32. he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven. 36. Account shall be made of idle words. 38. He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign, 46. and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother. But I tell you This phrase emphasizes the authority of Jesus as He speaks. In the context of Matthew 12, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, who have accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. His statement underscores His divine authority and the seriousness of His message. This authoritative introduction is consistent with other teachings of Jesus, such as in the Sermon on the Mount, where He often contrasts His teachings with traditional interpretations. that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and the crowd, teaching about the importance of words and the heart's condition. 2. Pharisees A religious group in Israel known for strict adherence to the Law. They are often challenged by Jesus for their hypocrisy and legalism. 3. Day of Judgment A future event when all individuals will stand before God to give an account of their lives, including their words and actions. Teaching Points The Weight of WordsOur words carry significant weight and reflect the condition of our hearts. Careless words can have lasting impacts, and we must be mindful of what we say. Accountability Before God Every word spoken will be accounted for on the day of judgment. This should encourage us to speak with intention and integrity, knowing that God hears all. Heart and Speech Connection Our speech is a reflection of our inner spiritual state. By cultivating a heart aligned with God's will, our words will naturally follow suit. Guarding Our Tongue Practically, we should strive to control our tongue, avoiding gossip, slander, and idle talk, and instead, speak words that build up and encourage others. Seeking Forgiveness and Growth When we fail in our speech, we should seek God's forgiveness and ask for the Holy Spirit's help to grow in this area, becoming more Christ-like in our communication. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 12:36?2. How can we ensure our words align with Matthew 12:36's call for accountability? 3. What does Matthew 12:36 teach about the power and impact of words? 4. How does Matthew 12:36 connect with Proverbs 18:21 on the tongue's power? 5. In what ways can we practice speaking life-giving words daily? 6. How does understanding Matthew 12:36 influence our conversations with others? 7. What does Matthew 12:36 mean by "every careless word"? 8. How does Matthew 12:36 impact our daily speech and conversations? 9. Why does Jesus emphasize accountability for words in Matthew 12:36? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12? 11. What are idle words? 12. What is the Bible's perspective on judgment? 13. What does the Bible say about verbal abuse? 14. What does "guff" mean? What Does Matthew 12:36 Mean But I tell you“ ‘But I tell you…’ ” (Matthew 12:36) signals Christ’s direct authority. When Jesus speaks this way, He is not offering an opinion; He is declaring absolute truth (see Matthew 5:22, 28, 34; Mark 1:22). Scripture is without error, so every “I tell you” carries the weight of heaven. • Jesus places Himself above every earthly teacher, echoing God’s own voice (Matthew 17:5). • Listening to Him is not optional; He speaks as Judge and Savior (John 12:48). that men will give an account “ …that men will give an account…” (Matthew 12:36) makes personal responsibility unmistakable. Romans 14:12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Likewise, 1 Peter 4:5 reminds us that all will “give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” • No one escapes this review—kings, servants, believers, skeptics alike. • God’s record-keeping is perfect; nothing slips through (Psalm 139:1–4). on the day of judgment “ …on the day of judgment…” (Matthew 12:36) anchors the warning to a real future event. Hebrews 9:27 affirms, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Acts 17:31 declares that God “has set a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed.” • This day is fixed, unchangeable, and drawing nearer (2 Peter 3:7). • Revelation 20:11–15 portrays the great white throne, underscoring that eternity hinges on this moment. for every careless word “ …for every careless word…” (Matthew 12:36) turns the spotlight on what we often dismiss. Proverbs 18:21 warns, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” James 3:6 calls the tongue “a fire,” capable of great destruction. • “Careless” means idle, useless, fruitless—words tossed out without thought. • God values words because He created by speaking (Genesis 1), and He expects ours to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 12:18). • Even casual gossip, sarcasm, or exaggeration matters; they reveal the heart (Matthew 15:18). they have spoken “ …they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36) fixes accountability on the individual. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due…for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad.” • Blame-shifting won’t stand; “they” points to each speaker personally. • Words reveal allegiance—either to Christ or to self (Luke 6:45). summary Jesus teaches that every person will personally face Him on a set day, giving a full account of even the most casual statements. Because Scripture is true and literal, this warning invites real-time correction: submit to Christ’s authority, steward every word as a sacred trust, and live in light of the coming judgment that will expose every syllable we have ever uttered. (36) Every idle word that men shall speak.--The teaching, though general in form, still looks back to the hard, bitter words of the Pharisees which had been the starting-point of the discourse. Our Lord does not speak, as we might have expected, of "every evil word," but of "every idle--i.e., useless and purposeless--word," the random utterances which, as being more spontaneous, betray character more than deliberate speech. Such an "idle word" had been the passing taunt, "He casteth out devils by Beelzebub." It is not said, however, that for every such random speech a man shall be condemned, but that he shall give an account for it. It will enter into that great total which determines the divine estimate of his character, and, therefore, the issues of the great "day of judgment."Verses 36, 37. - Matthew only. Verse 36. - But (δέ); and (Revised Version). The adversative particle hints at the contrast of ver. 35 to their ordinary ideas about the importance of words. I say unto you, That every idle (ἀργόν); i.e. effecting nothing, morally useless; 2 Peter 1:8 (cf. καταργεῖ, Luke 13:7). Word (ῤῆμα); see ver. 37, note. That men shall speak, they shall give account thereof (ἀποδώσουσι λόγον: cf. 1 Peter 4:5) in the day of judgment (Matthew 10:15, note).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. that οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. men ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. will give ἀποδώσουσιν (apodōsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 591: From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc. an account λόγον (logon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. on 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. [the] day ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. of judgment κρίσεως (kriseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2920: Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice. for ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. careless ἀργὸν (argon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 692: Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless. word ῥῆμα (rhēma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4487: From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. they have spoken. λαλήσουσιν (lalēsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. Links Matthew 12:36 NIVMatthew 12:36 NLT Matthew 12:36 ESV Matthew 12:36 NASB Matthew 12:36 KJV Matthew 12:36 BibleApps.com Matthew 12:36 Biblia Paralela Matthew 12:36 Chinese Bible Matthew 12:36 French Bible Matthew 12:36 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 12:36 I tell you that every idle word (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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