Matthew 11:25

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:25 captures Jesus' profound prayer of thanksgiving to God the Father, acknowledging His sovereign wisdom in revealing spiritual truths. This declaration follows Jesus' pronouncements of judgment on unrepentant cities, highlighting a divine paradox: God deliberately conceals the mysteries of His kingdom from those who are intellectually proud and self-sufficient, while graciously unveiling them to the humble and receptive, whom Jesus metaphorically calls "babes." This verse underscores God's absolute authority over revelation and challenges conventional notions of wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' lament over the unrepentant cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where He had performed many miracles but met with stubborn unbelief ([Matthew 11:20-24](/matthew/11-20-24 "Jesus' Woes to Unrepentant Cities")). The transition from judgment to thanksgiving is striking, indicating that Jesus finds solace and affirmation in the Father's sovereign plan, even amidst human rejection. His "answer" (ἀποκρίνομαι - *apokrinomai*) here is not a direct reply to a question, but rather a profound internal conclusion or declaration, a divinely inspired utterance in response to the spiritual climate and the divine wisdom he perceives in the Father's dealings with humanity. It marks a pivotal shift from public denunciation to intimate communion with the Father, revealing the heart of Jesus' reliance on God's sovereign will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, "the wise and prudent" (*sophos* and *synetos*) would typically refer to the educated elite, particularly the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees, who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law and their intellectual interpretations. They often held positions of influence and authority, valuing human reason and tradition above simple faith. "Babes" (*nēpios*), on the other hand, represented the common, uneducated people, often marginalized by the religious establishment, who lacked formal theological training or societal standing. Jesus' statement subverts the prevailing societal values, where wisdom was equated with intellectual prowess and social status, by asserting that God's revelation operates on an entirely different principle, favoring humility over human achievement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Revelation**, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift from God, not an achievement of human intellect or effort. This aligns with the concept that God "chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Foolish")) and that salvation is by grace through faith, not works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Furthermore, it highlights the stark contrast between **Humility and Pride**, portraying the "babes" as those with a childlike dependence and openness, a quality Jesus frequently commends for entering the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Becoming Like Little Children")). Finally, it redefines **The Nature of True Wisdom**, asserting that genuine insight into God's kingdom is spiritual and divinely granted, often hidden from those who rely on their own intellectual capacities, demonstrating that God's ways are higher than human ways ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts Are Higher Than Ours")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** From ἀπό and κρίνω; to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected). This term suggests Jesus' response is not merely a verbal reply but a profound internal conclusion or declaration, a divinely inspired utterance in light of the preceding events.
* **thank (Greek, _exomologéō'_):** From ἐκ and ὁμολογέω; to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully. This word conveys a deep, full acknowledgment or confession of God's wisdom and goodness, expressing not just gratitude but also agreement with and praise for His sovereign actions. It's a public declaration of assent to God's ways.
* **babes (Greek, _nḗpios'_):** From an obsolete particle (implying negation) and ἔπος; not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian. In this context, it metaphorically describes those who are unpretentious, humble, and spiritually dependent, contrasting with the self-sufficient "wise and prudent." It signifies spiritual receptivity rather than intellectual capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that time Jesus answered and said":** This phrase sets the scene, indicating a specific moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His pronouncements of judgment on the unrepentant cities. His "answer" is not a reply to a question, but rather a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired declaration of praise and insight in response to the prevailing spiritual conditions.
* **"I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth":** Jesus addresses God with profound reverence, acknowledging His intimate relationship as "Father" and His absolute sovereignty as "Lord of heaven and earth." This dual address highlights both God's loving paternal care and His supreme authority over all creation, establishing the divine prerogative in matters of revelation.
* **"because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent":** Jesus gives thanks for God's deliberate act of concealment. "These things" refer to the truths of the Kingdom of God, the identity of Jesus, and the path to salvation. The "wise and prudent" are those who rely on human intellect, worldly wisdom, or self-righteousness, often the religious leaders who rejected Jesus. God's act of hiding is not arbitrary but a righteous judgment on their spiritual pride and unbelief.
* **"and hast revealed them unto babes":** In stark contrast, God has unveiled these same profound truths to "babes." This term metaphorically describes the humble, the simple, the teachable, and those who recognize their spiritual dependence, regardless of their social standing or intellectual capacity. This part of the verse expresses Jesus' joy in God's counter-cultural method of revelation, favoring the humble over the proud.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:25 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as the "wise and prudent"—those expected to grasp profound truths—are precisely the ones from whom revelation is hidden, while "babes"—the seemingly least capable—are the recipients. This creates a powerful **paradox** that challenges human assumptions about wisdom and understanding. The verse also employs **antithesis**, sharply contrasting "the wise and prudent" with "babes," and "hid" with "revealed," to underscore the divine principle of revelation. The address "Lord of heaven and earth" functions as a **title of sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute authority over all creation and, by extension, over the dispensation of spiritual knowledge. Finally, the entire passage is framed as a **prayer of thanksgiving**, which not only expresses Jesus' gratitude but also serves as a didactic tool, illustrating the Father's character and the nature of His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 11:25 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine revelation, emphasizing that God's truth is not discovered through human intellectual prowess or worldly wisdom, but is sovereignly bestowed upon those with humble and receptive hearts. This principle challenges the human tendency towards self-reliance and intellectual pride, asserting that true spiritual insight is a gift of grace. It underscores God's freedom to choose whom He reveals Himself to, often subverting human expectations and exalting the lowly. This divine selectivity is not arbitrary but is rooted in God's justice against spiritual arrogance and His mercy towards the humble, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God operates on principles fundamentally different from the world's.

* [Psalm 25:14](/psalms/25-14 "The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him")
* [1 Corinthians 1:18-29](/1_corinthians/1-18-29 "The Wisdom of God and the Foolishness of the World")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:25 calls us to a profound self-examination regarding our approach to spiritual truth. It serves as a vital reminder that our capacity to understand God's Word and His ways is not contingent upon our academic achievements, intellectual acumen, or social standing, but rather upon the posture of our hearts. If we approach God with intellectual arrogance, convinced of our own wisdom, we risk having the very truths of the Kingdom hidden from us. Conversely, cultivating a childlike humility—a willingness to be taught, to trust, and to depend entirely on God's revelation—opens the door to profound spiritual insight. This verse encourages us to shed any pretense of self-sufficiency, to embrace our spiritual neediness, and to gratefully receive God's truths as a precious gift. It challenges us to pray for humble hearts, to remain teachable, and to recognize that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and a simple, trusting faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own "wisdom and prudence" rather than seeking God's revelation?**
* **What does it mean practically to approach God's truth with the heart of a "babe"?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of humility and dependence on God in your spiritual walk?**
* **Considering this verse, how might you adjust your approach to studying the Bible or engaging in theological discussions?**

### FAQ
**What does "wise and prudent" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 11:25, "the wise and prudent" refers to those who are intellectually astute, educated, and often self-assured, particularly the religious and intellectual elites of Jesus' day, such as the scribes and Pharisees. They relied on their own understanding, human traditions, and intellectual interpretations of the Law, often to the exclusion of simple faith and humility. Their wisdom was worldly and self-derived, leading them to reject Jesus' message and person, as seen in their constant questioning and opposition throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew").

**Who are the "babes" that Jesus refers to?**

Answer: The "babes" (Greek: *nēpios*) are not literally infants, but a metaphor for those who are humble, simple, unpretentious, and spiritually dependent. They represent those who, despite lacking formal education or social standing, possess a childlike openness and receptivity to God's truth. These are the ones who recognize their need for God and are willing to receive His revelation without intellectual pride or preconceived notions, embodying the spirit Jesus commends in [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Becoming Like Little Children").

**Why would God "hide" things from the wise and prudent?**

Answer: God's act of "hiding" is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the spiritual pride, unbelief, and hardness of heart displayed by those who consider themselves wise in their own eyes. Their intellectual arrogance and self-sufficiency prevent them from acknowledging their need for divine revelation. God, in His sovereignty, justly withholds truth from those who refuse to humble themselves, while graciously revealing it to those who are open and receptive. This principle is echoed in [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:25, while a prayer of thanksgiving from Jesus to the Father, powerfully illuminates the very nature of Christ's redemptive work and His identity as the ultimate revealer of God. Jesus himself is the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), and His incarnation is the supreme act of divine revelation, making the invisible God visible ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known")). The "things" hidden from the wise and revealed to babes are fundamentally the truths about the Kingdom of God, which are embodied in Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom all revelation comes, and only by humbling oneself to receive Him as Lord and Savior can one truly grasp the mysteries of God's plan. This verse foreshadows the New Covenant reality where the Spirit of God, sent by Christ, indwells believers and illuminates their understanding, making them "babes" who are now able to comprehend the deep things of God, things that remain foolishness to the unregenerate mind ([1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10-14 "The Spirit Searches All Things")). Thus, Christ is not only the content of the revelation but also the means by which the "babes" are enabled to receive it, fulfilling God's sovereign purpose to save and enlighten those who humbly believe.

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

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.