“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.
Parallel translations
- WEB Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known.
- KJV Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
- BSB So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.
- NKJV Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
- NASB “So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Disciples need not fear their opponents, for all hidden truth will finally be revealed. God's vindication of the truth is certain.
Overview
Three times in this section Jesus says 'don't be afraid.' Here the ground for fearlessness is that nothing will stay concealed: the gospel will be made known and all things judged rightly in the end. Confidence in God's ultimate disclosure of truth frees believers to speak openly despite present hostility.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 20
- Luke 8:17For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light.
- Mark 4:22For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.
- Jer 1:8Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says Yahweh.
- 1 Cor 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
- Isa 43:1–2But now Yahweh who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.
- Matt 10:28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
- Isa 51:12–13“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you, that you are afraid of man who shall die, and of the son of man who will be made as grass?
- Isa 41:10Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Luke 12:2–9But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known.
- Isa 51:7–8“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law: Don’t fear the reproach of men, and don’t be dismayed at their insults.
- Prov 28:1The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
- Isa 41:14Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says Yahweh, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
- 1 Pet 3:14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”
- Prov 29:25The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
- Ezek 2:6You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
- Acts 4:19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,
- Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
- Jer 1:17–18“You therefore put your belt on your waist, arise, and say to them all that I command you. Don’t be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them.
- Luke 24:47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
- Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 10:26 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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