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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples during the Olivet Discourse, warning them of imminent arrest and familial betrayal.

The words — προμεριμνᾶτε (promerimnate) = do not be anxious beforehand [G4305]; παραδιδόντες (paradidontes) = delivering up [G3860]. The text commands against pre-anxiety and frames the arrest as a moment of surrender.

The thread — The identical instruction appears in Matthew 10:19, Luke 12:11, and Luke 21:14, each recording the same prohibition against pre-anxiety and the same promise of divine speech.

Why it lands — The text requires immediate reliance on the Holy Spirit during legal confrontation, explicitly removing the obligation to prepare a defense in advance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Cross-references

Luke 21:14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
Luke 12:11 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say.
Matthew 10:19 But 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.
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.
1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
Jeremiah 1:6 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”
Exodus 4:10 “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”