New Testament
Matthew 10:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
What I tell you in the dark, speak openly in the daylight. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the rooftops.
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What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
What Matthew 10:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus encourages His followers to share the truths He reveals to them, even if those truths are initially given in private or in secret. The imagery of speaking in the daylight and shouting from rooftops emphasizes the importance of boldly proclaiming the message of God. It suggests that believers should not keep their faith hidden but should openly share their experiences and the teachings they receive. The contrast between darkness and light symbolizes the difference between secrecy and openness, urging disciples to be courageous in their witness. This call to action reflects the urgency and significance of spreading the Gospel, as it is meant to be shared with everyone, not kept to oneself. Jesus' words remind us that what we learn in our personal relationship with Him should be shared with others, encouraging a community of faith that is vibrant and vocal about its beliefs.
How to apply Matthew 10:27 to your life
As believers, we should actively share our faith and the insights we gain from our relationship with God. This means speaking openly about our beliefs and experiences, encouraging others to explore their own faith journeys. We can look for opportunities to share our testimonies in everyday conversations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
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Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 10:27
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 10:27 mean?
Matthew 10:27 means that Jesus is instructing His followers to share the truths He reveals to them, even if they were initially given in private. It emphasizes the importance of boldly proclaiming God's message and not keeping one's faith hidden.
What is the meaning of 'speak openly in the daylight' in Matthew 10:27?
The phrase 'speak openly in the daylight' in Matthew 10:27 signifies the call to share one's faith and the truths learned from God without fear or hesitation. It encourages believers to be transparent and vocal about their beliefs.
How can I apply Matthew 10:27 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 10:27 by actively sharing your faith and personal experiences with others. Look for opportunities in everyday conversations to discuss your beliefs and encourage others in their faith journeys.
What does 'shout from the rooftops' mean in Matthew 10:27?
'Shout from the rooftops' in Matthew 10:27 means to boldly proclaim and share the message of God with everyone. It signifies a call to be unashamed and vocal about one's faith in public.
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