Matthew 10:27

“What I tell you in the dark, say in the light; and what you hear in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.”

Matthew 10:27 · direct translation from the Greek
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27

Matthew 10:27, word by word

I tellλέγωlegō

say

To express something in words to others.

Where else “legō” appears
the darkσκοτίᾳskotiai

in secret

What is said in secret.

Where else “skotiai” appears
the lightφωτίphōti

light

Light from the sun, a lamp or heaven.

Where else “phōti” appears
you hearἀκούετεakouete

hear

To perceive a sound, a voice or words with the ears.

Where else “akouete” appears
the earοὖςous

ear

The organ of hearing, on the sides of the head.

Where else “ous” appears
proclaimκηρύξατεkēryxate

proclaim

Proclaim aloud, like a herald announcing a message on behalf of the king.

Where else “kēryxate” appears
the housetopsδωμάτωνdōmatōn

housetop

Roof, the flat terrace of the roof.

Where else “dōmatōn” appears

Parallel passages

Other books that tell the same thing or quote these words.

Do not fear those who kill the body

Luke 12:2-7

A similar saying; scholars discuss whether it is the same saying in another setting or a repeated one.

See them side by side

Matthew 10:26-31

26So do not be afraid of them; for nothing is covered that will not be uncovered, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, say in the light; and what you hear in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 29Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:2-7

2But nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4And I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that cannot do anything more. 5But I will show you whom to fear: fear the one who, after killing, has authority to throw you into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

The context

26So do not be afraid of them; for nothing is covered that will not be uncovered, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.

27 · This verse (above)

28And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

Read all of Matthew 10

To study Matthew 10 in a group

  1. 1. What it says

    What instructions did Jesus give the twelve when he sent them out (vv. 7–10)?

  2. 2. What it means

    Why does Jesus say not to be afraid, even while he announces that there will be opposition (vv. 26–31)?

  3. 3. How I live it

    Jesus says whoever gives a cup of cold water will not lose their reward (v. 42). Whom can you serve this way today?

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