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.
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}.
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.
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.’
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.
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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].
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."
Context
This verse comes immediately after Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and is spoken in response to his disciples asking why he speaks in parables. It reveals Jesus' purpose behind using this teaching method – to reveal truth to those who are receptive and conceal it from those who are not.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "mysteries" is mysteria (μυστήρια), which in the New Testament context refers to divine truths that were previously hidden but are now being unveiled through God's redemptive work. It's not about something unknowable, but something revealed at the right time to the right people. The phrase "kingdom of God" (basileia tou Theou - βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ) signifies God's sovereign rule, both present and future.
Significance and Application
This verse teaches that understanding spiritual truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but requires divine enablement ("unto you it is given") and spiritual receptiveness. Those whose hearts are open and willing to follow Jesus receive insight into the nature of God's kingdom, while those who are hardened or indifferent remain in spiritual darkness, even when presented with truth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of having a "good ground" heart that hears the word and understands it.