Luke 21:14
New International Version
But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.

New Living Translation
So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you,

English Standard Version
Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

Berean Standard Bible
So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.

Berean Literal Bible
Settle, therefore, in your⁺ hearts not to premeditate to make a defense.

King James Bible
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

New King James Version
Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;

New American Standard Bible
So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

NASB 1995
“So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

NASB 1977
“So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

Legacy Standard Bible
So set in your hearts not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

Amplified Bible
So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

Berean Annotated Bible
So make up your⁺ mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time,

American Standard Version
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:

Contemporary English Version
Don't worry about what you will say to defend yourselves.

English Revised Version
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So make up your minds not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.

Good News Translation
Make up your minds ahead of time not to worry about how you will defend yourselves,

International Standard Version
So purpose in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time,

NET Bible
Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense.

New Heart English Bible
Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

Webster's Bible Translation
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer.

Weymouth New Testament
"Make up your minds, however, not to prepare a defence beforehand,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.

World English Bible
Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Settle, then, to your hearts, not to meditate beforehand to reply,

Berean Literal Bible
Settle, therefore, in your⁺ hearts not to premeditate to make a defense.

Young's Literal Translation
'Settle, then, to your hearts, not to meditate beforehand to reply,

Smith's Literal Translation
Set therefore in your hearts, not to practise beforehand to justify yourselves:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Lay it up therefore into your hearts, not to meditate before how you shall answer:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, set this in your hearts: that you should not consider in advance how you might respond.

New American Bible
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,

New Revised Standard Version
So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Treasure it in your heart, and do not try to learn what to answer.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But settle in your hearts that you will not be taught to give an answer.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, determine in your hearts not to meditate beforehand what you shall answer;

Godbey New Testament
Place it in your hearts, not to premeditate your defense:

Haweis New Testament
Therefore rest satisfied in your hearts, not to premeditate what apology to make:

Mace New Testament
fix it therefore in your mind, not to think beforehand about your defence.

Weymouth New Testament
"Make up your minds, however, not to prepare a defence beforehand,

Worrell New Testament
Settle it, therefore, in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to make a defense;

Worsley New Testament
Fix it therefore in your hearts not to premeditate a defence: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Witnessing to All Nations
13This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. 14So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. 15For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.…

Cross References
So make up your mind

Romans 14:5
One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

Daniel 1:8
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.

Isaiah 50:7
Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.
not to worry beforehand

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.

Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
how to defend yourselves.

Matthew 10:19-20
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. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Acts 26:1-2
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,
Acts 4:8-13
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! / If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, / then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. …

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

2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

Jeremiah 1:7-9
But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. / Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

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.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what you shall answer:

Luke 12:11,12
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: …

Matthew 10:19,20
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak…

Mark 13:11
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.

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Answers Beforehand Care Defence Defend Hearts However Meditate Mind Minds Prepare Settle Time Troubled Worry Yourselves
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Answers Beforehand Care Defence Defend Hearts However Meditate Mind Minds Prepare Settle Time Troubled Worry Yourselves
Luke 21
1. Jesus commends the poor widow.
5. He foretells the destruction of the temple, and of the city Jerusalem;
25. the signs also which shall be before the last day.
34. He exhorts them to be watchful.












So make up your mind
This phrase emphasizes a deliberate and conscious decision. In the biblical context, Jesus is instructing His disciples to prepare mentally and spiritually for future challenges. This reflects the broader biblical theme of steadfastness and resolve, as seen in passages like James 1:8, which warns against being double-minded. The call to make up one's mind is a call to faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

not to worry beforehand
Jesus advises against anxiety about future events, echoing His teachings in Matthew 6:25-34, where He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, as God provides for their needs. This reflects a trust in divine providence and a call to live in the present, relying on God's guidance and provision. The cultural context of the time was one of uncertainty and persecution, making this instruction particularly poignant.

how to defend yourselves
The focus here is on the manner of defense, not the act itself. Jesus is preparing His disciples for persecution and trials, as seen in the early church's experiences in Acts. The defense is not to be premeditated, suggesting reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and words, as promised in Luke 12:11-12. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God equipping His people for spiritual battles, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, providing guidance to His disciples about future persecution and trials.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who would face trials for their faith.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Jesus delivered this teaching, significant as a center of religious and political tension.

4. Persecution
The event or circumstance Jesus is preparing His followers for, indicating trials they will face for their faith.

5. End Times
The broader context of Jesus' discourse, where He speaks about signs and events leading up to His return.
Teaching Points
Trust in Divine Provision
Believers are called to trust that God will provide the words and wisdom needed in times of trial. This requires a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Preparation of the Heart
The focus is on preparing one's heart and mind to trust God rather than preparing a defense. This involves spiritual readiness and faith.

Peace in Persecution
Jesus' instruction not to worry is a call to experience His peace, even when facing persecution. This peace is a testimony to others of the believer's trust in God.

Witness through Trials
Trials are opportunities for witness. Believers should view challenges as platforms to demonstrate their faith and the power of God.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps believers endure present trials, knowing that their ultimate hope and reward are in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 21:14?

2. How can we "make up our minds" to trust God in difficult times?

3. What does Luke 21:14 teach about relying on God's wisdom over our own?

4. How does Luke 21:14 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?

5. In what ways can we prepare spiritually for future challenges?

6. How can we apply Luke 21:14 in our daily decision-making processes?

7. How does Luke 21:14 challenge the concept of self-reliance in difficult times?

8. What historical context influenced the message of Luke 21:14?

9. How does Luke 21:14 relate to the theme of divine guidance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 21?

11. Is your heart troubled by unnecessary worries?

12. What defines Christian Rationalism?

13. In Mark 13:11, how is it practical never to prepare any defense when facing persecution, and has this advice ever led to historical contradictions within Christianity?

14. What does 'kingdom of God' mean in Luke 17:20?
What Does Luke 21:14 Mean
So

Luke 21:14 opens with “So,” linking the command to the prophecy in verses 12–13. Jesus has just warned that His followers will face arrests and trials, “but this will be your opportunity to bear witness” (v13). The “So” draws a direct line: because God turns persecution into testimony, we can respond confidently. A similar cause-and-effect appears in Acts 4:8–13, where the Spirit empowers Peter and John before hostile rulers; see also Matthew 10:18–19, where Jesus again connects coming trials with Spirit-given words.


make up your mind

Here Jesus calls for a settled, conscious decision ahead of time. Resolve is an act of the will, not a reaction to circumstances. Joshua 24:15 shows the same deliberate choice: “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” Paul echoes it in 1 Corinthians 2:2, determining to know nothing but Christ crucified before stepping into Corinth’s debates. 1 Peter 3:15 likewise urges believers to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,” preparing in advance to answer.


not to worry beforehand

The command forbids anxious rehearsal. Jesus consistently tells His followers that worry is both unnecessary and unproductive (Matthew 6:25-34). Philippians 4:6-7 strengthens the point: “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.” Trusting God’s sovereignty turns future unknowns into present rest. By settling the matter now, we refuse to let fear script our responses later.


how to defend yourselves

Defense in courtrooms and hostile settings would seem to require meticulous preparation, yet Jesus reverses human logic: “For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:15). Luke 12:11-12 repeats the promise of Spirit-given words. Stephen’s trial in Acts 6:8-10 proves it in action; his opponents “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” The power rests not in polished rhetoric but in divine enablement (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).


summary

Luke 21:14 calls believers to a pre-decided, untroubled trust: because persecution becomes a platform for witness, we resolve now to rest then. Worry is displaced by confidence in the Spirit’s timely words, ensuring that our defense will showcase God’s wisdom rather than our own effort.

(14) Not to meditate before . . .--The word differs from that used in the parallel passage of Mark 13:11, "take no thought" (the addition of "premeditate" there is very doubtful), as involving less anxiety. It is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, but the uncompounded verb meets us, as used by St. Paul, in 1Timothy 4:15.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

make up
θέτε (thete)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

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

mind
καρδίαις (kardiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to worry beforehand
προμελετᾶν (promeletan)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4304: To meditate beforehand, prepare, get up, premeditate. From pro and meletao; to premeditate.

how to defend yourselves.
ἀπολογηθῆναι (apologēthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 626: To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense.


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NT Gospels: Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not (Luke Lu Lk)
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