What does Luke 21:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 21:14, "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer," is a part of Jesus' discourse about the end times and the persecution his followers would face.

In this statement, Jesus advises His disciples to prepare their minds for the eventuality of being brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities due to their faith.

This preparation, however, should not be in the form of rehearsing or planning their defense or responses in advance.

The deeper meaning implies a reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance, trusting that He would provide the disciples with the wisdom to speak when the time came.

It encourages believers to have faith in God during times of trial rather than depending solely on their own wit or eloquence.

Historical Context

This verse is part of what is commonly known as the Olivet Discourse, delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives.

The discourse is recorded in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) and concerns the destruction of Jerusalem, the persecution of His followers, the end of the age, and the signs of Jesus' return.

At the time, the early Christians were a minority group often persecuted by both Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities.

Jesus' forewarning would have been especially significant for His original audience, who would soon experience the very challenges He described.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes divine providence over human foresight or rhetoric.

It advocates for the reliance on the Holy Spirit as a guide in moments of distress, a concept found in several Christian traditions.

Within Catholicism, this trust in the Holy Spirit is part of the doctrine of divine assistance.

In Protestant thought, it reflects confidence in God's sovereignty and a belief that the Holy Spirit equips believers for every good work, including times of defense or persecution.

The verse also concurs with Pentecostal beliefs in the present-day work of the Holy Spirit, providing 'utterance' in times of need.

Practical Applications

This verse can be practically applied in various aspects of life where individuals face challenges or adversities.

For believers, it provides comfort and guidance, suggesting that they do not need to overly prepare or stress about future difficulties.

It encourages them to cultivate a relationship with God that enables them to trust in His immediate guidance.

In a contemporary setting, this might translate to not overly scripting difficult conversations, interviews, or confrontations, but rather maintaining a state of readiness and openness to instinct or intuition which, for the believer, is seen as divine guidance.

Cross-References

• 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..."
• John 14:26: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things..."
• 1 Peter 3:15: "...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "meditate" is "μελετάω" (meletao), which means to rehearse, contemplate, devise, or plan. By telling His disciples not to "meletao" before they are to speak, Jesus is instructing them against overthinking or preparing a defense beforehand.

The phrase "settle it in your hearts" translates from "θέσθε δὲ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν" (theste de eis tas kardias humon), indicating a firm decision or conviction within oneself.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious and cultural traditions, there is often an emphasis on preparation and the crafting of words as a form of wisdom and defense.

For example, in ancient Greek culture, rhetoric was highly valued and practiced extensively for public and legal matters.

Similarly, in many Eastern traditions, there is a focus on meditation and reflection as means of preparation for life's challenges.

However, Jesus' teaching redirects the focus from self-reliance to reliance on a higher power.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of not preparing a response in advance could be studied under psychological phenomena such as 'flow' or 'being in the zone,' where individuals perform optimally not through premeditation but through an immersed and responsive state of being.

The verse might also touch on topics of cognitive psychology related to how stress and high-pressure situations impact decision-making and verbal responses.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have given their thoughts on Luke 21:14.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the provision of divine strength and wisdom in moments of need.

Meanwhile, the Pulpit Commentary reflects on the idea that this reliance demonstrates the Christian's faithfulness to God.

John Calvin comments on God's providence and the promise of the Spirit's aid as a source of boldness and confidence for believers.

Modern biblical scholars consider the passage as reflecting a common theme in Luke's Gospel concerning trust in God in the face of adversity.