A crowd gathers, and Jesus addresses his followers.
Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Luke 12:3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
For the sake of these, as much as you have spoken in the darkness, it will be heard in the light, and what you have chattered to the ear in the secret chambers will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
This verse begins with an uncommon phrase mistranslated as "therefore" in the KJV and ignored in the NIV. The phrase means "for the sake of these things," referring to the previous verse's discussion of the hidden being revealed. Here, he defines that hidden as what is spoken.
The word translated as "whatsoever" and "what" means "as great as", ""as much as," and similar ideas of comparison.
"Darkness" is translated from a Greek word that means both "darkness" and "dark" but it is the metaphor for "ignorance." "Light" is a Greek word that means both "light" and "in public." It is a metaphor for "knowledge." The term translated as "ears" means "ear," things resembling a handle and is a metaphor for understanding.
Even if we think no one has heard us, in time, it will become public if we speak the truth.
ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ὅσα ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ἀκουσθήσεται,
For the sake of these things, as much as in the darkness you have spoken, in the light, it will be heard
καὶ ὃ πρὸς τὸ οὖς ἐλαλήσατε ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις
and what to the ear you have chattered in the secret chambers
κηρυχθήσεται ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων
will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "there."
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "whatsoever" does not capture the word's specific meaning in this situation.
- WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "have" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "which" doesn't exist in the source.
- WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "have" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "spoken" does not capture the word's meaning.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "in" should be something more like "to."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "closets" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "for the sake of" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "these things" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "what" does not capture the word's specific meaning in this situation.
- WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "have" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
- WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "have" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "whispered" does not capture the word's meaning.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "in" should be something more like "to."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "inner rooms" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "from."
There- -- (CW) The word translated as "there-" is a demonstrative pronoun ("this" "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, "he," "she," "it," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "when," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. In the neuter, plural, its sense is "these things." This is not the word usually translated as "there."
-fore - The word translated as "for" has many meanings that fit this context: "in place of", "at the price of", "in return for," and "for the sake of." However, in English, this Greek word, anti, is from its primary meaning "opposite."
whatsoever -- (CW) The adjective translated as "whatsoever" means "as many," "how many," "how much," "as much as," "as great as,"how great," "as far as," "how far," and "only so far as."and similar ideas of comparison.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
have -- (WT) This helping verb "have" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.
spoken -- - The word translated as "spoken " 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.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
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.
darkness - "Darkness" is a noun that means "darkness," "dark," "gloomy," [of persons] "in the dark," "in secret," and "secret." It is a metaphor for "obscure," and "the nether world,. It was used as the opposite of the Greek word meaning judgment, opinion, and purpose and therefore also a metaphor for "ignorance."
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.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
heard - -- "Heard" is from a Greek verb that means "to hear," "to hear of," and "to listen." It has the same sense as the English not only of listening but of understanding. It also means "to listen" and "to understand," but amusingly, it also means "to be silent."
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
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.
light; -- The Greek word translated as "the light" means "light," "daylight [primarily], "opening," and "public visibility." Jesus uses it as a metaphor for "knowledge,"
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."
that -- 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.
which -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than as a participle.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
have -- (WT) This helping verb "have" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.
spoken -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "spoken " is not the ordinary "to say," "to talk," "to tell," or "to speak" in Greek. This word means "idle chatter," "gossip," and "the proclamations of an oracle." Jesus uses it to capture the idea of "passing on." "conveying," "communicating," "relaying," or "passing on" information. When there isn't an object, and one cannot suggest itself from the previous context, "transmit" captures the idea of being a conduit rather than a source of information.
in -- The word translated as "in" has a meaning that depends on the form of it object and its verb types. Generally, it means "towards," "by reason of," "before" both in time and place, "in the presence of," "against," and several other types of "before." This word doesn't mean "in."
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.
ear -- The term translated as "ears" means "ear," things resembling a handle and is a metaphor for understanding.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
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.
closets -- The word translated as "closet" means a "treasury" or a "storeroom." The idea is a room without windows and just one door. The whole idea is that they were dark and private, not places where people were normally found.
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.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
proclaimed -- The word translated as "preach" means "to act as a herald," "to proclaim," and "to declare." It does not have the relationship to discussing the Divine that our word "preach" does nor does it mean giving a moral lecture. It means spreading the news.
upon -- The word translated as "unto" means "on," "over," "upon," "for," "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" "in the case of."
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.
housetops. -- "Housetops" is translated from a Greek word that is the source of our word domicile. It has most of the same meanings as the word Christ usually uses for "house," but it also means the chief room of a house and the housetop.
missing "for the sake of" -- (MW) The untranslated word "for the sake of" has many meanings that fit this context: "in place of", "at the price of", "in return for," and "for the sake of." However, in English, this Greek word, anti, is from its primary meaning "opposite."
missing "these things" -- (MW) The untranslated word is a demonstrative pronoun ("this" "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, "he," "she," "it," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "when," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. In the neuter, plural used here, its sense is "these things."
What - -- (CW) The word translated as "what" means "as many," "how many," "how much," "as much as," "as great as,” "how great," "as far as," "how far," and "only so far as." and similar ideas of comparison.
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
have -- (WT) This helping verb "have" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.
said -- - The word translated as "said " 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.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
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.
dark- "Dark" is a noun that means "darkness," "dark," "gloomy," [of persons] "in the dark," "in secret," and "secret." It is a metaphor for "obscure," and "the nether world,. It was used as the opposite of the Greek word meaning judgment, opinion, and purpose and therefore also a metaphor for "ignorance."
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.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
heard - -- "Heard" is from a Greek verb that means "to hear," "to hear of," and "to listen." It has the same sense as the English not only of listening but of understanding. It also means "to listen" and "to understand," but amusingly, it also means "to be silent."
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
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.
daylight; -- The Greek word translated as "daylight" means "light," "daylight [primarily], "opening," and "public visibility." Jesus uses it as a metaphor for "knowledge."
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."
what -- The word translated as "what " 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.
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
have -- (WT) This helping verb "have" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.
whispered -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "whispered " is not the ordinary "to say," "to talk," "to tell," or "to speak" in Greek. This word means "idle chatter," "gossip," and "the proclamations of an oracle." Jesus uses it to capture the idea of "passing on." "conveying," "communicating," "relaying," or "passing on" information. When there isn't an object, and one cannot suggest itself from the previous context, "transmit" captures the idea of being a conduit rather than a source of information.
in -- The word translated as "in" has a meaning that depends on the form of its object and its verb types. Generally, it means "towards," "by reason of," "before" both in time and place, "in the presence of," "against," and several other types of "before." This word doesn't mean "in."
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.
ear -- The term translated as "ears" means "ear," things resembling a handle and is a metaphor for understanding.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
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.
inner rooms -- The word translated as "inner rooms" means a "treasury" or a "storeroom." The idea is a room without windows and just one door. The whole idea is that they were dark and private, not places where people were normally found.
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.
be proclaimed the roofs.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
proclaimed -- The word translated as "preach" means "to act as a herald," "to proclaim," and "to declare." It does not have the relationship to discussing the Divine that our word "preach" does nor does it mean giving a moral lecture. It means spreading the news.
from -- (CW) The word translated as "from " means "on," "over," "upon," "for," "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" "in the case of." This is not the word usually translated as "from."
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.
roofs. -- "Roofs" is translated from a Greek word that is the source of our word domicile. It has most of the same meanings as the word Christ usually uses for "house," but it also means the chief room of a house and the housetop.
ἀνθ᾽ [9 verses](prep) "-fore" is anti, which means "opposite", "over against", "instead", "in place of", "at the price of", "in return for", "for the sake of", "against", "in return", "equal to", "corresponding to," and "mutually." -
ὧν [294 verses] (pron pl masc/fem/neut gen) "There-" is hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "it," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "when," “for which reason," and many similar meanings. In the neuter, plural, its sense is "these things."
ὅσα [28 verses](adj pl neut acc) "Whatsoever" is hosos, which means "as many," "how many," "how much," "as much as," "as great as," “how great," "as far as," "how far," and "only so far as."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τῇ [821 verses](article sg fem nom) 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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
σκοτία[5 verses](noun sg fem nom) "Darkness" is skotia, which means "darkness," "dark," "gloomy," [of persons] "in the dark," "in secret," and "secret." It is a metaphor for "obscure," and "the nether world," and was used as the opposite of the Greek word gnome, γνώμη, meaning judgment, opinion, purpose, and therefore also a metaphor for "ignorance."
εἴπατε [162 verses] (verb 2nd pl aor ind act)"Ye have spoken" 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. - The word translated as "speak" 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.
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τῷ [821 verses](article sg neut dat) "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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
φωτὶ [21 verses](noun sg neut dat)"The light" is phos, which means "light," "daylight [primarily],” "illumination [of things and of the mind]," "light [of the eyes], "window," "opening," " public visibility," and "publicity." Christ uses it as a metaphor for "knowledge," but in Greek it is also a metaphor for "deliverance," "happiness," "victory," and "glory."
ἀκουσθήσεται, [95 verses] (verb 3rd sg fut ind pass) "Shall be heard" is akouo, which means "hear of," "hear tell of," "what one actually hears," "know by hearsay," "listen to," "give ear to," "hear and understand," and "understand." The accusative object is the person/thing heard about, while the genitive is the person/thing heard from. However, two genitives can be used with the sense of "hear of a thing from a person."
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."
ὃ [821 verses](article sg masc nom) "That" 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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
πρὸς [92 verses](prep) "In" is from pros, which means both "from" (descent, a place)," "on the side of," and "toward." Its meaning depends on the form of its object. An indirect object (dative) implies no movement but in a fixed position. A direct object (accusative ) indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement. Events may show the amount of time. In statements about time, it means "at," "near," "about," or "for" a future time. With verbs of motion, “towards,” “to,” with verbs implying previous motion, “upon,” “against;”verbs of addition "to," verbs of seeing "towards," "to face," in hostile sense, "against,” "in accusation," without any hostile "to," of various kinds of intercourse or reciprocal action "with," "at the hands of," "incurred by," "inspired by," "before" a witness, of Time, "towards," or "near," of Relation between two objects "in respect of," "touching," "in reference to," "in consequence of," "for a purpose," "in proportion," "in comparison with," of measurements of time "for," "a little past," of Numbers "up to," "about." A possessive object (genitive) indicates movement away or a position away from something, "from," "towards," "from the presence of." Events occur within a specified time. Examples of indirect object: "hard by," "near," "at," "close," "before one," "in the presence of," with verbs denoting motion towards a place "upon," "against," with a notion of clinging closely "clasped to," to express close engagement "at the point of," to express union or addition "besides," "in addition to."
τὸ [821 verses](article sg neut 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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
οὖς [15 verses] (noun sg neut acc) "Ear" is from ous, which means "ear" and things that resemble an ear, such as a handle on pitchers, cups, etc.
ἐλαλήσατε [49 verses (verb 2nd pl aor ind act) "Ye have spoken" is laleo, which means "to talk," "to speak" "to prattle," "to chat," and [for oracles] "to proclaim." It also means "chatter" as the opposite of articulate speech. However, Jesus seems to use it in the sense of "relaying" information gained from another.
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τοῖς [821 verses](article pl neut dat)) "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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ταμείοις, [4 verses] (noun pl neut dat) "Closet" is tameion, which means "treasury," "magazine," "storehouse," "store-room," "chamber," and "closet."
κηρυχθήσεται [11 verses] (verb 3rd sg fut ind pass) "Shall be proclaimed" is kerysso, which means "to be a herald," "to summon by a herald," "proclaim," "call upon," "announce," "declare," and "command publicly." Only in the NT is it translated as "preach" or "teach publicly."
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."
τῶν [821 verses](article pl neut gen)) "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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
δωμάτων. [5 verses] (noun pl neut gen) "Housetops" is doma, which means a "a house," "a hall," "housetop," "chief room," "household," or "a family."
"Darkness" is translated from a Greek word that means both "darkness" and "dark" but it is the metaphor for "ignorance." "Light" is a Greek word that means both "light" and "in public." It is a metaphor for "knowledge." The term translated as "ears" means "ear," things resembling a handle and is a metaphor for understanding.
This verse is an interesting extension of what Jesus said to the apostles in Matthew 10:27. The same rules that he applied to himself in Matthew, he applies to his opponents here.