A crowd gathers, and Jesus addresses his followers.
Luke 12:11 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:
Luke 12:11 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
Whenever, however, they introduce you into the meeting places and the magistrates and the authorities, you should not worry about how or what you will defend by yourselves or what you should say.
The more we worry, the less we can hear the voice telling us what is right.
Ὅταν δὲ εἰσφέρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἐπὶ τὰς συναγωγὰς καὶ τὰς ἀρχὰς καὶ τὰς ἐξουσίας,
Whenever, however, they introduce you to the meeting places and the magistrates and the authorities,
μὴ μεριμνήσητε πῶς [ἢ τί] ἀπολογήσησθε ἢ τί εἴπητε:
not you should worry about how or what you will defend by yourselves or what you should say.
The word translated as "they bring" means "bring into" or "carry in." From these meanings, we get secondary meanings such as "introduce" and "to propose". Its form is either the future tense or something that "might" happen. The NIV makes this phrase passive, which is wrong.
The word translated as "unto" and "before" means "to" a place, "towards" as a direction, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
The Greek word translated as "synagogues" is the source of our English word. It simply means an assembly or place of assembly.
The term translated as "powers" and "authorities" isn't the "power" of skill or energy but of authority, control, and the ability to choose.
The Greek word translated as "answer" and "defend" is only used in Christ's words in this verse and the next. It means to "speak in defense", "defend oneself", and "speak in support of". This word is used only here and later in Luke in a similar verse. It is in the form of something that "should" happen and in the middle voice, someone active on, for, or by themselves.
The final "say" is also in the form of possibility, so it should be "should say." It is not the future tense.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "and" should be something more like "but."
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word that should usually be translated as "when."
- UW --Untranslated Word -- The word "synagogues" means "meeting." It is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "unto" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "magistrates" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "powers" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word - This "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "but" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word that should usually be translated as "when."
- WF -- Wrong Form - This "you" is not a subject but an object.
- WV --Wrong Voice - The verb here is translated as passive but it is active.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "before" should be something more like "into."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "synagogues" is not shown in the English translation.
- UW --Untranslated Word -- The word "synagogues" means "meeting." It is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "rulers" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "ruler."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "authorities" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word - This "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice.
And -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "and" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. This word doesn't mean "and."
when -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "when" introduces a phrase that explains a certain condition so "whenever" or "since." This is not the more common word for "when." Here, the condition is less certain to happen.
they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.
bring - The word translated as "bring" means "bring into" or "carry in." From these meanings, we get secondary meanings such as "introduce" and "to propose." Unlike many of the other verbs in the Lord's Prayer, it isn't in the form of a command, though it is translated that way in the KJV to match the form of the other verbs in the prayer. Its form is of something that "might" happen. It is a simple statement, not a request, about what the Father doesn't want to happen but the entire sentence comes across as a shy suggestion.
you -- The "you" here is the second-person, plural pronoun in the form of an object of the action or preposition.
unto -- The word translated as "unto" means "upon or on to a height," "up to," "as far as," "a little way," "a little," "towards," "to," in hostile sense: "against," of extension: "over," "over (a space)," of time: "for," "during," "up to" or "till," in a causal sense: "of (the object)," for (this purpose)," "as regards," "according to," and "by (this cause)."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
synagogues, -- (UW) The Greek word translated as "synagogues" is the source of our English word. It simply means an assembly or place of assembly. It comes from a Greek word Christ uses commonly, sunagô, to mean "gather" or "bring together."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
unto -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
magistrates, . -- "Magistrates" is a noun that means "beginning," "origin," "first principles," "first place of power," "empire," and "command." In the plural, it means "the authorities," and "the magistrates."This is the word from which we get both "archbishop," primal bishops who can consecrate other bishops, and "archeology," the study of ancient history.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
powers, -- The term translated as "powers" isn't the "power" of skill or energy but of authority, control, and the ability to choose. To avoid confusing it with the other Greek word for energy power from which we get "dynamic," this word might be best translated as "authority" or "control" depending on the context.
take -"Take...thought" is translated from a Greek word that means "to be anxious about," "to care for," and "to meditate upon." Jesus uses it the way we use "worry" in English.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
no -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
thought - This completes the meaning of the verb.
how - "How" is the adverb that means "how," "by any means," and "I suppose." This is a common interrogatory pronoun used by Jesus.
or -- "Or" is translated from a Greek word that means primarily "or" but serves as "than" in a comparison. The same word could also be the exclamation "hi" or the adverb meaning "in truth."
what -- The Greek word translated as "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
thing - There is no word, "thing," in the Greek source, but this word comes from the neuter, plural form of the previous adjective.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
answer,- - The Greek word translated as "answer" is only used in Christ's words in this verse and the next. It means to "speak in defense", "defend oneself", and "speak in support of". This word is used only later in Luke in a very similar verse.
or -- "Or" is translated from a Greek word that means primarily "or" but serves as "than" in a comparison. The same word could also be the exclamation "hi" or the adverb meaning "in truth."
what -- The Greek word translated as "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.
say: - The word translated as "say" means "to say" and "to speak." It is one of the two most common words translated "speak," "say" and "tell," but it has more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.
missing "but" -- (MW) The untranslated word "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
When -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "when" introduces a phrase that explains a certain condition so "whenever" or "since." This is not the more common word for "when." Here, the condition is less certain to happen.
you -- (WF) The "you" here is the second-person, plural pronoun in the form of an object of the action or preposition.This is not a subject but an object.
are -- (WV) The verb here is translated as passive but it is active.
brought - The word translated as "brought " means "bring into" or "carry in." From these meanings, we get secondary meanings such as "introduce" and "to propose." Unlike many of the other verbs in the Lord's Prayer, it isn't in the form of a command, though it is translated that way in the KJV to match the form of the other verbs in the prayer. Its form is of something that "might" happen. It is a simple statement, not a request, about what the Father doesn't want to happen but the entire sentence comes across as a shy suggestion.
before - (WW) The word translated as "before " means "upon or on to a height," "up to," "as far as," "a little way," "a little," "towards," "to," in hostile sense: "against," of extension: "over," "over (a space)," of time: "for," "during," "up to" or "till," in a causal sense: "of (the object)," for (this purpose)," "as regards," "according to," and "by (this cause)."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
synagogues, -- (UW) The Greek word translated as "synagogues" is the source of our English word. It simply means an assembly or place of assembly. It comes from a Greek word Christ uses commonly, sunagô, to mean "gather" or "bring together."
missing "and" -- (MW) The untranslated word ."and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
rulers --- --(CW) "Rulers" is a noun that means "beginning," "origin," "first principles," "first place of power," "empire," and "command." In the plural, it means "the authorities," and "the magistrates."This is the word from which we get both "archbishop," primal bishops who can consecrate other bishops, and "archeology," the study of ancient history. This is not the word usually translated as "ruler."
missing "and" -- (MW) The untranslated word ."and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
authorities,-- The term translated as "authorities" means "authority," "control," and "the ability to choose." To avoid confusing it with the other Greek word for energy power from which we get "dynamic," this word might be best translated as "authority" or "control" depending on the context.
do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.
not -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.
worry about -"Worry" is translated from a Greek word that means "to be anxious about," "to care for," and "to meditate upon." Jesus uses it the way we use "worry" in English.
how - "How" is the adverb that means "how," "by any means," and "I suppose." This is a common interrogatory pronoun used by Jesus.
(Note: there is the Greek for "or what" here in some manuscripts but not all.)
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
defend,- - The Greek word translated as "defend" is only used in Christ's words in this verse and the next. It means to "speak in defense", "defend oneself", and "speak in support of". This word is used only later in Luke in a very similar verse.
yourselves -- This if from the middle voice form of the verb.
or -- "Or" is translated from a Greek word that means primarily "or" but serves as "than" in a comparison. The same word could also be the exclamation "hi" or the adverb meaning "in truth."
what -- The Greek word translated as "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
will -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.
say: - The word translated as "say" means "to say" and "to speak." It is one of the two most common words translated "speak," "say" and "tell," but it has more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.
ὅταν [70 verses](adv/conj) "When" is from hotan, which means "whenever (as a condition)," and "since (as a cause)."
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "But" is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of an indirect cause ("so") and a condition ("if"). In an "if" (εἰ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, it means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then." It can also be an explanation of cause ("so") and a condition ("if"). When used with a conditional starting a clause, the sense is "if/when...then." When used with a particle meaning "indeed" the sense is "on one hand...on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
εἰσφέρωσιν [3 verses](verb 3rd pl pres subj act) "They bring" is from eisphero, which means "to carry in," "to bring in," "to contribute," "to bring into," "to introduce," "to bring forward," "to propose," "to carry with one," "to bring with," "to draw a break," "to drink [water]," "to sweep along [as a river]," and "to nominate."
ὑμᾶς [210 verses](pron 2nd pl acc) "You" is humas which is the plural objective form of the second-person pronoun, "you." As the object of a preposition, an accusative object indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement.
ἐπὶ [138 verses](prep) "On" is from epi , which means "on," "upon," "at," "by," "before," "across," "for," and "against." With a noun in the possessive, genitive, it means "upon," "on" but not necessarily of Place, "by (of persons)," "deep (with numbers)," "in the presence of," "towards," "in the time of," and "over (referring to a person of authority)." With a noun indirect object, dative, it means of place: "upon," "on," or "over," of people: "against (in a hostile sense)," regarding a situation: "towards" or "in reference to," of an accumulation: "upon," "after," "addition to," and "besides," of position: "after," "behind," "in dependence upon," and "in the power of," of time: "by," and "after," and. in a causal sense: "of the occasion or cause," "for" a person, an end, or purpose," "on condition that," and "for" (a price). With the objective noun, an accusative, it means of place: "upon or on to a height," "up to," "as far as," "a little way," "a little," "towards," "to," in hostile sense: "against," of extension: "over," "over (a space)," of time: "for," "during," "up to" or "till," in a causal sense: "of (the object)," for (this purpose)," "as regards," "according to," and "by (this cause)." With verbs of perceiving, observing, and judging, it means "in the case of."
τὰς [821 verses](article pl fem acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
συναγωγὰς [14 verses] (noun pl fem acc ) "Synagogue" is synagoge, which means a "bringing together," "assembly," "place of assembly," "contracting," "collection," "combination," "conclusion," and "demonstration." It comes from a Greek word Christ uses commonly, sunagô, to mean "gather" or "bring together."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
τὰς [821 verses](article sg fem gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --
ἀρχὰς [13 verses] (noun sg fem gen) "Magistrates" is arche, which means "beginning," "origin," "first principles," "first place of power," "empire," and "command." In the plural, it means "the authorities," and "the magistrates."This is the word from which we get both "archbishop," primal bishops who can consecrate other bishops, and "archeology," the study of ancient.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
τὰς [821 verses](article sg fem gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --
ἐξουσίας, [23 verses] (noun pl fem acc) "Powers" is exousia which means "control," "the power of choice," "permission," "the power of authority," "the right of privilege," "abundance of means," and "abuse of power."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "No" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used with verbs of subjective action: thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care." The combination of ἵνα μή means "lest." The combination of ὅτι μή, means "except." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is rejecting the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
μεριμνήσητε [6 verses] (verb 2nd pl fut ind act or verb 2nd pl aor subj act) "Take...thought" is merimnao , which means to "be anxious about,""care for," "meditate upon," "to be cumbered with many cares," and "to be treated with anxious care [passive]." There is an alternate spelling of this word listed separately, merimanao.
πῶς [36 verses](pron indecl form) "How" is pos, which means "how," "how in the world," "how then," "in any way," "at all," "by any mean," "in a certain way,"and "I suppose." -
ἢ [92 verses](conj/adv) "Or" is e, which is a particle used as a disjunctive, "either," "or," , or as a comparative, "than" or "rather than." It is (explam) also an exclamation, "hi!" and an adverb,(adv) meaning "in truth" and "of a surety." It is used with comparative forms of adjective or with positive adjective implying a comparison.
[τί] [252 verses] (irreg sg neut nom/acc) "What" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end?
ἀπολογήσησθε [2 verses] (verb 2nd pl fut ind mp) "Ye shall answer" is from apologeomai, which means "speak in defence", "defend oneself", and "speak in support of".
ἢ [92 verses](conj/adv) "Or" is e, which is a particle used as a disjunctive, "either," "or," , or as a comparative, "than" or "rather than." It is (explam) also an exclamation, "hi!" and an adverb,(adv) meaning "in truth" and "of a surety." It is used with comparative forms of adjective or with positive adjective implying a comparison. -- "Or" is translated from a Greek word that means primarily "or" but serves as "than" in a comparison. The same word could also be the exclamation "hi" or the adverb meaning "in truth."
τί [252 verses] (irreg sg neut nom/acc) "What" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end? -- The Greek word translated as "any" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
εἴπητε: [162 verses] (verb 2nd pl aor subj act) "Ye shall say" is eipon, which means "to speak," "to say," "to recite," "to address," "to mention," "to name," "to proclaim," "to plead," "to promise," and "to offer." This is the second most common word Jesus uses for this idea. The other word is used more for discussion. Perhaps translating it consistently as "tell" would work.
Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils,
Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up,
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils...
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up...
Luke 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you,
Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues,
Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate
The versions of this verse in Matthew and Mark are all different from this one.