Matthew 12:36 - Exposition

But ( δέ ); and (Revised Version). The adversative particle hints at the contrast of Matthew 12:35 to their ordinary ideas about the importance of words. I say unto you, That every idle ( ἀργόν ); i.e. effecting nothing, morally useless; 2 Peter 1:8 (cf. καταργεῖ , Luke 13:7 ). Word ( ῥῆμα ); see verse 37, note. That men shall speak, they shall give account thereof ( ἀποδώσουσι λόγον : cf. 1 Peter 4:5 ) in the day of judgment ( Matthew 10:15 , note).