Luke 8:10

KJV

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Unto you {G5213} it is given {G1325} to know {G1097} the mysteries {G3466} of the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}: but {G1161} to others {G3062} in {G1722} parables {G3850}; that {G2443} seeing {G991} they might {G991} not {G3361} see {G991}, and {G2532} hearing {G191} they might {G4920} not {G3361} understand {G4920}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of God; but the rest are taught in parables, so that they may look but not see, and listen but not understand.

Berean Standard Bible

He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

American Standard Version

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:10 encapsulates Jesus' profound explanation to His disciples regarding His method of teaching in parables. It reveals that while His closest followers are divinely privileged to comprehend the profound "mysteries of the kingdom of God," others, due to their spiritual unreceptiveness, hear these same truths veiled in parables, resulting in a paradoxical outcome where their seeing leads to not seeing, and their hearing to not understanding. This verse underscores God's sovereign design in revealing spiritual truth and the critical role of a receptive heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-8 "Luke 8:4-8 - The Parable of the Sower") and serves as Jesus' direct response to His disciples' question in [Luke 8:9](/luke/8-9 "Luke 8:9 - The Disciples Ask About the Parable"), "What might this parable be?" It marks a significant transition from Jesus' public teaching to His private instruction of the disciples. The explanation provided in [Luke 8:10](/luke/8-10 "Luke 8:10 - The Purpose of Parables") sets the stage for the subsequent detailed interpretation of the Parable of the Sower in [Luke 8:11-15](/luke/8-11-15 "Luke 8:11-15 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"), highlighting that the parables were not merely illustrative stories but served a dual purpose of revelation and concealment, depending on the spiritual state of the hearer. This passage also introduces the theme of spiritual receptivity, which is further developed in the following verses about light and hidden things ([Luke 8:16-18](/luke/8-16-18 "Luke 8:16-18 - The Parable of the Lamp")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, parables (Hebrew: *mashal*) were a common and effective method of teaching, used by rabbis and prophets to convey moral, ethical, or theological truths. However, Jesus' use of parables was distinctive. While they were accessible stories drawn from everyday life, their deeper spiritual meaning often required divine insight or a receptive heart to grasp. This practice aligns with the prophetic tradition, particularly the theme of spiritual blindness and deafness found in the Old Testament. The phrase "that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand" directly alludes to [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness"), a passage where God commissions Isaiah to preach a message that will result in the spiritual hardening of those who refuse to respond. This highlights a divine judgment upon those who persistently reject God's truth, even when it is presented clearly.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:10 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Concealment**, demonstrating God's sovereign prerogative in choosing to whom He reveals spiritual truth. Understanding the "mysteries of the kingdom" is presented as a divine gift, not a human achievement. Secondly, it illuminates the **Nature of the Kingdom of God**, portraying it not merely as a future political entity but as a present spiritual reality that is being inaugurated through Jesus' ministry, requiring spiritual discernment to grasp. The kingdom's truths are "mysteries" because they were previously hidden in God's eternal plan but are now being unveiled through Christ. Thirdly, the verse clarifies the **Purpose of Parables**, revealing them as more than simple teaching aids; they serve as instruments of divine judgment, separating those with receptive hearts from those who are hardened. This dual function of parables ensures that truth is illuminated for the spiritually hungry while remaining obscured for the indifferent or hostile, fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning spiritual blindness, as seen in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness") and echoed in other Gospel accounts like [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_ - G1325):** This word signifies that the ability to know the mysteries of the kingdom is not earned or achieved by human effort but is a divine bestowal, a gracious act of God. It highlights God's sovereign initiative in revealing truth to His chosen ones, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift from above.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_ - G1097):** This term implies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and relational knowledge. It speaks of understanding that transforms and involves a deep, personal connection with the truth, rather than just factual recognition. It is the kind of knowing that leads to recognition, perception, and often, agreement or participation.
* **mysteries (Greek, _mystḗrion'_ - G3466):** In the New Testament, "mystery" does not mean something unknowable or incomprehensible, but rather a divine truth previously hidden or unrevealed in the Old Testament, which is now being unveiled through God's redemptive work in Christ. These are truths about God's plan for salvation and the nature of His kingdom that are revealed to those who are spiritually receptive.
* **parables (Greek, _parabolḗ'_ - G3850):** Derived from a word meaning "to throw alongside," a parable is a similitude or a symbolic narrative, often drawn from common life, used to convey a moral or spiritual truth. In this context, parables serve a dual purpose: they illuminate truth for the spiritually open but obscure it for those who are resistant or indifferent, acting as a filter for divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God":** This clause highlights the unique privilege bestowed upon Jesus' disciples. The passive voice "it is given" (G1325 _dídōmi_) implies a divine agent, meaning God Himself grants this understanding. The "mysteries of the kingdom of God" (G3466 _mystḗrion_ G932 _basileía_ G2316 _theós_) refer to the profound, previously concealed truths about God's sovereign rule and redemptive plan, which are now being progressively revealed through Jesus' ministry. This knowledge is not intellectual but experiential and transformative, enabling the disciples to grasp the spiritual realities of God's reign.
* **"but to others in parables":** This phrase presents a stark contrast. "Others" (G3062 _loipoí_) refers to the general crowd who hear Jesus' teaching but lack spiritual receptivity. For them, Jesus speaks "in parables" (G1722 _en_ G3850 _parabolḗ_), meaning the parables serve as a veil. While seemingly simple stories, their deeper spiritual meaning remains hidden to those who are not granted the divine gift of understanding or who are unwilling to receive it.
* **"that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand":** This final clause expresses the deliberate, albeit paradoxical, purpose behind Jesus' parabolic teaching for the "others." The Greek word "that" (G2443 _hína_) indicates purpose or result. This is not merely an unfortunate consequence, but an intended outcome of divine judgment on hardened hearts, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness"). Those who "see" (G991 _blépō_) and "hear" (G191 _akoúō_) the external form of the parables are prevented from truly "seeing" (G991 _blépō_) and "understanding" (G4920 _syníēmi_) their spiritual import. This spiritual blindness and deafness is a consequence of their unresponsiveness and rejection of divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Paradox**, evident in the phrase "that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the spiritual reality that physical perception does not guarantee spiritual comprehension. The parables, while outwardly simple, act as a filter, revealing truth to the receptive while simultaneously obscuring it from the unreceptive. This creates a powerful sense of **Irony**, as a teaching method designed to illustrate also serves to conceal. Furthermore, the verse contains a clear **Allusion** to the Old Testament, specifically [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness"), where God commissions Isaiah to preach a message that will result in the hardening of the people's hearts. This allusion underscores the prophetic fulfillment in Jesus' ministry and the divine judgment on spiritual stubbornness. Finally, there is a strong **Contrast** established between "Unto you" (the disciples) and "to others," emphasizing the distinct spiritual states and the differential reception of divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:10 is a pivotal verse that unveils profound theological truths about God's sovereignty in revelation and the nature of spiritual understanding. It teaches that access to the "mysteries of the kingdom" is not a right but a divine gift, graciously "given" to those whom God chooses to enlighten. This highlights God's active role in opening hearts and minds to spiritual truth, emphasizing that true understanding is always a work of the Holy Spirit, not merely intellectual prowess. Conversely, the verse also reveals a sobering truth: God's judgment can manifest as a hardening of hearts, where truth, though presented, remains inaccessible to those who are unrepentant or indifferent. This is not arbitrary but a righteous consequence of persistent rejection, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating that divine revelation carries with it the responsibility of response. The parables, therefore, serve as a divine sifter, separating those who are genuinely seeking God from those whose hearts are closed.

* [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables")
* [Mark 4:10-12](/mark/4-10-12 "Mark 4:10-12 - The Purpose of Parables")
* [1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1_corinthians/2-7-10 "1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:10 serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual understanding is not automatic; it is a divine gift contingent upon a receptive heart. For us, this means cultivating an attitude of humility and eagerness to receive God's Word, recognizing that our ability to grasp spiritual truths depends on His gracious illumination. We must guard against spiritual apathy or a hardened heart, which can prevent us from truly "seeing" and "understanding" even when divine truth is clearly presented. This verse calls us to examine our own spiritual posture: Are we like the good soil, eager to hear, understand, and bear fruit, or are there elements of our lives that are hardening our hearts to God's voice? Our engagement with Scripture, prayer, and community should be marked by a sincere desire for deeper knowledge of God's kingdom, trusting that He will reveal His mysteries to those who earnestly seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current heart condition influence my capacity to understand and apply biblical truth in my daily life?**
* **Am I actively seeking a deeper, experiential knowledge of "the mysteries of the kingdom of God," or am I content with superficial understanding?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently hardening my heart to God's Word, perhaps through busyness, distraction, or unconfessed sin?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God intentionally prevents some people from understanding His truth?**

Answer: Yes, in a profound and complex theological sense, it does. The phrase "that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand" indicates a deliberate purpose (G2443 _hína_). This is not an arbitrary act, but a judicial hardening. It's a consequence for those who have consistently rejected God's truth and hardened their own hearts. Jesus' parabolic teaching served to reveal truth to the receptive (His disciples) and simultaneously obscure it from the unreceptive crowds, thus fulfilling the prophecy in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness"). This highlights God's sovereignty in both revealing and concealing, and His righteous judgment on those who refuse to respond to His light. It underscores that spiritual understanding is a gift, and its absence for some is a consequence of their persistent unbelief and God's just response to it.

**What are "the mysteries of the kingdom of God" that are given to some to know?**

Answer: In the New Testament, "mysteries" (G3466 _mystḗrion_) do not refer to puzzles or riddles, but to divine truths that were previously hidden in God's eternal plan and in the Old Testament prophecies, but are now being progressively revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. These are truths about God's sovereign rule (the "kingdom of God" - G932 _basileía_ G2316 _theós_), its nature, its inauguration through Christ's ministry, and its ultimate consummation. Examples of such mysteries include the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people ([Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3-6 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed")), the church as the body of Christ ([Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church")), the resurrection of believers ([1 Corinthians 15:51-52](/1_corinthians/15-51-52 "1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - The Mystery of the Resurrection")), and Christ dwelling in believers ([Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery of Christ in You")). These are profound spiritual realities that can only be truly known and apprehended by divine revelation, granted by God through the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, for He is the embodiment and revealer of all the "mysteries of the kingdom of God." The privilege "given to know" these mysteries is fundamentally a privilege of knowing Christ, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures")). Jesus is the One who not only teaches about the kingdom but *is* the King, inaugurating God's reign through His life, death, and resurrection. His parables, while serving to conceal truth from the spiritually hardened, ultimately point to His person and redemptive work as the central truth of God's plan. He is the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) who came to open the understanding of His disciples, just as He did for those on the road to Emmaus, enabling them to comprehend the Scriptures concerning Himself ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus Opens Their Minds to Understand the Scriptures")). The division between those who understand and those who do not foreshadows the ultimate judgment based on one's response to Christ: those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ")), while those who reject Him remain in darkness, unable to comprehend the light He brings ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")). Thus, the "mysteries" are fully unveiled in Christ, and true spiritual sight and understanding are found only in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 6:9

¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Mark 4:11

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matthew 13:17

For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].