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.

At {G1722} that {G1565} time {G2540} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, I thank {G1843} thee {G4671}, O Father {G3962}, Lord {G2962} of heaven {G3772} and {G2532} earth {G1093}, because {G3754} thou hast hid {G613} these things {G5023} from {G575} the wise {G4680} and {G2532} prudent {G4908}, and {G2532} hast revealed {G601} them {G846} unto babes {G3516}.

It was at that time that Yeshua said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated and revealed them to ordinary folks.

At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:

In Matthew 11:25, Jesus offers a profound prayer of thanksgiving to God the Father. This declaration follows immediately after His pronouncements of judgment upon the unrepentant cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum (Matthew 11:20-24), which had witnessed His mighty works but failed to believe. His words reveal a key aspect of divine revelation and the nature of true spiritual understanding.

Context

The immediate backdrop to this verse is Jesus' frustration with the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart displayed by many in the cities where He performed miracles. Despite overwhelming evidence, the "wise and prudent" – often referring to the religious elite, scribes, and Pharisees of the day who relied on their own intellectual prowess and traditional interpretations – rejected His message. In contrast, Jesus praises God for revealing His truth to "babes," highlighting a divine principle that counters human expectations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty in Revelation: Jesus acknowledges God as "Lord of heaven and earth," affirming His absolute authority and control over who receives spiritual understanding. Salvation and insight into God's Kingdom are not earned by human merit or intellect but are sovereignly granted.
  • Humility vs. Pride: The "wise and prudent" represent those who are intellectually proud, self-sufficient, and unwilling to admit their spiritual need. "Babes," on the other hand, symbolize those who possess humility, openness, and a childlike dependence on God. This echoes Jesus' teaching on the necessity of becoming like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • The Nature of True Wisdom: This verse challenges worldly notions of wisdom. God's truth is often hidden from those who think they are wise in their own eyes and revealed to those who are simple and receptive in spirit. True wisdom, in God's economy, is spiritual discernment, not mere intellectual acumen.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "babes" (nēpios) literally means an infant or a minor, someone who is undeveloped or immature. In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe those who are simple, unpretentious, and spiritually dependent, contrasting sharply with the self-perceived "wise" (sophos) and "prudent" (sunetos), terms that denote intellectual cleverness and understanding.

Practical Application

Matthew 11:25 serves as a powerful reminder that God's truth is accessible not through intellectual superiority or worldly achievements, but through a humble and receptive heart. For us today, it encourages:

  • Humility: To approach God's Word with a teachable spirit, recognizing our dependence on His revelation.
  • Openness: To avoid intellectual pride that can blind us to spiritual realities.
  • Gratitude: To thank God for the privilege of understanding His truths, knowing it is a gift, not a right.

This verse offers comfort to those who feel insignificant or lack worldly wisdom, assuring them that God delights in revealing Himself to the humble. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of intellectual arrogance in spiritual matters.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 21:16

    And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

  • Psalms 8:2

    Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

  • Matthew 16:17

    And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

  • Luke 10:21

    In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

  • Luke 10:24

    For I tell you, that many prophets and kings 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].

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

    For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29

    That no flesh should glory in his presence.

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