Matthew 13:10

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then the talmidim came and asked Yeshua, "Why are you speaking to them in parables?"

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”

American Standard Version:

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} the disciples^{G3101} came^{G4334}, and said^{G2036} unto him^{G846}, Why^{G1302} speakest thou^{G2980} unto them^{G846} in^{G1722} parables^{G3850}?

Cross-References (KJV):

Mark 4:33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].

Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Mark 4:10

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

Commentary for Matthew 13:10

Matthew 13:10 is a verse that captures a moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ when His disciples question His use of parables in teaching the crowds. The historical context of this verse is set during the early first century in the region of Galilee, where Jesus was conducting a significant part of His public ministry. The use of parables—simple stories with deeper moral or spiritual meanings—was a common rabbinic teaching method in Jewish culture at the time. However, the disciples' inquiry reflects their puzzlement over why Jesus would choose to convey His message in a way that might not be immediately clear to all listeners.

In the broader thematic context of the Gospel, Jesus' parables serve multiple purposes. They fulfill prophetic Scripture by concealing the truth from those who are hard-hearted or uninterested in spiritual matters, while at the same time revealing deeper insights to those who are sincerely seeking spiritual understanding. This aligns with the Isaiah 6:9-10 prophecy, which speaks of a people who will hear but not understand, see but not perceive, emphasizing the idea that spiritual insight is a gift granted by God to those whom He chooses to enlighten.

The verse also touches on the theme of discipleship and the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. The disciples' question indicates a desire to understand Jesus' teaching methods better and to be equipped to carry on His mission. Jesus' subsequent explanation to them (as recorded in the following verses) underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and the role of the disciples as stewards of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, entrusted with the interpretation and dissemination of these teachings.

In summary, Matthew 13:10 encapsulates the didactic strategy of Jesus, highlights the importance of spiritual insight for understanding His teachings, and reflects the disciples' role in the unfolding narrative of Jesus' ministry. It underscores the selective nature of divine revelation and the need for a receptive heart to grasp the profound truths embedded in Jesus' parables.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G3101
There are 252 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μαθητής
Transliteration: mathētḗs
Pronunciation: math-ay-tes'
Description: from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.
Strong's Number: G4334
There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: προσέρχομαι
Transliteration: prosérchomai
Pronunciation: pros-er'-khom-ahee
Description: from πρός and ἔρχομαι (including its alternate); to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to:--(as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto).
Strong's Number: G2036
There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔπω
Transliteration: épō
Pronunciation: ep'-o
Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
Strong's Number: G846
There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: αὐτός
Transliteration: autós
Pronunciation: ow-tos'
Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
Strong's Number: G1302
There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: διατί
Transliteration: diatí
Pronunciation: dee-at-ee'
Description: from διά and τίς; through what cause ?, i.e. why?:--wherefore, why.
Strong's Number: G2980
There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λαλέω
Transliteration: laléō
Pronunciation: lal-eh'-o
Description: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare λέγω.
Strong's Number: G1722
There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐν
Transliteration: en
Pronunciation: en
Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Strong's Number: G3850
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: παραβολή
Transliteration: parabolḗ
Pronunciation: par-ab-ol-ay'
Description: from παραβάλλω; a similitude ("parable"), i.e. (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage:--comparison, figure, parable, proverb.

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