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.

He answered {G611} and {G1161} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Because {G3754} it is given {G1325} unto you {G5213} to know {G1097} the mysteries {G3466} of the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772}, but {G1161} to them {G1565} it is {G1325} not {G3756} given {G1325}.

He answered, "Because it has been given to you to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it has not been given to them.

He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

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

In Matthew 13:11, Jesus responds to His disciples' question about why He speaks in parables. This verse is pivotal for understanding the nature of divine revelation and the spiritual reception of truth concerning the kingdom of heaven.

Context

This verse comes immediately after the Parable of the Sower and the disciples' direct inquiry in Matthew 13:10: "Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" Jesus' answer here sets the stage for His subsequent explanation of the Parable of the Sower and the deeper meaning behind His teaching method. It highlights a clear distinction between His inner circle of disciples and the broader crowds, who often heard His words but did not comprehend their spiritual significance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty in Revelation: Jesus emphasizes that the ability to understand spiritual truth is "given" by God. This underscores God's sovereign choice in revealing His mysteries. Not everyone is granted the same level of insight, which depends on divine enablement and a receptive heart. This principle is echoed in other New Testament writings, such as 1 Corinthians 2:10.
  • The Mysteries of the Kingdom: The term "mysteries" (Greek: mystērion) does not refer to something inherently unknowable or obscure, but rather to truths previously hidden or not fully understood in the Old Testament, which are now being progressively revealed through Christ. These mysteries include the nature of God's present rule, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the future culmination of His kingdom plan. Paul frequently uses this term, as seen in passages like Ephesians 3:3-6, where he speaks of the mystery of Christ.
  • Distinction Between Insiders and Outsiders: Jesus clearly delineates between "you" (His disciples) and "them" (the unbelieving crowds). To the disciples, who had committed themselves to following Him and desired understanding, revelation was granted. To those who remained hardened or indifferent, the parables served to obscure rather than clarify, fulfilling prophetic words about spiritual blindness (Matthew 13:14-15, citing Isaiah 6:9-10).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mysteries" is mystērion (μυστήριον). In the New Testament, it consistently refers to a divine truth that has been hidden but is now revealed by God, often through Christ and the Holy Spirit. It's not a secret in the sense of something to be kept from everyone, but a truth that requires divine illumination to be understood. This concept is vital for understanding the progressive nature of God's revelation throughout salvation history.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the profound privilege and responsibility of spiritual understanding. For believers, it highlights that our ability to grasp God's truth is a gift, not solely a result of intellectual prowess. It encourages humility and a receptive heart, eager to learn and obey. For those seeking truth, it underscores the need for genuine spiritual hunger and an openness to God's revelation, as understanding is granted to those who truly seek it (Jeremiah 29:13). It also teaches us that God's revelation is not forced upon anyone, but is given to those who are prepared to receive it.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:9

    But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10

    But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

  • Matthew 19:11

    But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • 1 John 2:27

    But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

  • 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.
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