Matthew 13:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 13:11, Jesus provides a profound explanation to His disciples regarding His use of parables, stating that the understanding of the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" is divinely granted to them, but withheld from others. This verse serves as a crucial interpretive key, revealing God's sovereign discretion in the revelation of spiritual truth and highlighting the distinct spiritual receptivity between those who follow Christ and those who remain outside His inner circle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Parable of the Sower ([Matthew 13:1-9](/matthew/13-1-9 "Matthew 13:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower")) and the disciples' direct inquiry in [Matthew 13:10](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10 - Disciples' Question") as to why Jesus speaks to the crowds in parables. Jesus' response in [Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Reason for Parables") is not merely an explanation of His teaching method but a theological statement about divine revelation itself. It sets the stage for His subsequent detailed interpretation of the Parable of the Sower to His disciples alone ([Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower")) and the further parables that follow, which progressively unveil aspects of the kingdom of heaven. The verse thus acts as a hermeneutical lens for understanding the entire discourse of parables in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry was conducted within a Jewish context, where prophetic expectation of the Messiah and His kingdom was high. However, the nature of this kingdom often diverged from popular understanding, which anticipated a political, earthly reign. Jesus' parables, particularly those concerning the kingdom, challenged these preconceptions. In the ancient world, parables and riddles were common teaching tools, but Jesus' unique application of them, sometimes to conceal truth from the unreceptive, resonated with Old Testament prophetic traditions, such as [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Spiritual Blindness Prophesied"), which spoke of a people whose hearts had grown dull to God's word. The distinction Jesus makes between "you" (His disciples) and "them" (the crowds) reflects the growing divide between those who genuinely sought spiritual truth and those who were merely curious or resistant.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Reason for Parables") contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Revelation**, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is not inherently accessible to all but is a gift "given" by God. This aligns with the idea that God chooses whom He reveals Himself to, as seen in [Matthew 11:25-27](/matthew/11-25-27 "Matthew 11:25-27 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanks"). Secondly, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven**. These "mysteries" are not inherently unknowable secrets, but rather truths about God's kingdom that were previously hidden or only partially understood in the Old Testament, now being unveiled through Christ's ministry. This concept is foundational to understanding the progressive nature of God's redemptive plan. Finally, it highlights the **Distinction Between Insiders and Outsiders**, or those who are receptive to God's truth versus those who are hardened. This theme is further developed in the subsequent verses, where Jesus explains that those who have spiritual ears to hear will be given more understanding, while those who do not will have even what they think they have taken away ([Matthew 13:12](/matthew/13-12 "Matthew 13:12 - To Those Who Have")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word signifies a voluntary act of imparting or bestowing. In this context, it points to God's sovereign initiative in granting spiritual insight. Understanding the mysteries of the kingdom is not earned through human effort or intellectual prowess, but is a divine gift. This highlights God's grace in revealing truth to His chosen ones, emphasizing that spiritual illumination originates from Him.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** More than mere intellectual apprehension, _ginṓskō_ implies a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. It speaks of understanding that transforms and engages the whole person, not just the mind. For the disciples, it meant not just hearing the parables but grasping their spiritual significance and their implications for life and the kingdom. This kind of knowing is intrinsically linked to divine enablement.
* **mysteries (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** In the New Testament, a "mystery" is not something mysterious or impossible to comprehend, but rather a truth previously hidden or concealed in God's eternal plan, which is now being revealed through Christ. These are divine truths that require supernatural revelation to be understood. Here, it refers to the nature, principles, and unfolding of God's reign—the kingdom of heaven—which Jesus is inaugurating.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered and said unto them":** This phrase establishes the immediate context as Jesus' direct response to His disciples' question in [Matthew 13:10](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10 - Disciples' Question"). It signifies a deliberate and authoritative pronouncement, setting the tone for a pivotal teaching moment.
* **"Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven":** This clause reveals the divine prerogative behind spiritual understanding. The ability to comprehend the profound truths ("mysteries") concerning God's active reign ("kingdom of heaven") is not universal but is a gracious gift ("it is given") specifically bestowed upon the disciples. This highlights their privileged position as recipients of divine revelation, enabling them to grasp truths hidden from the general populace.
* **"but to them it is not given":** This contrasting clause underscores the spiritual divide. "Them" refers to the broader crowds who heard Jesus' parables but lacked the spiritual receptivity or divine enablement to understand their deeper meaning. This withholding of understanding is not arbitrary but a consequence of their spiritual hardness and unwillingness to truly follow, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of spiritual blindness for those who reject God's truth.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Reason for Parables") is **Contrast**. Jesus explicitly distinguishes between "you" (His disciples) and "them" (the crowds), highlighting a clear spiritual bifurcation in receptivity to divine truth. This contrast is reinforced by the repeated phrase "it is given" and "it is not given," emphasizing the sovereign distribution of spiritual understanding. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Exposition**, as Jesus explains the rationale behind His use of parables, which otherwise might appear to obscure rather than clarify. This explanation reveals a deeper theological purpose behind His teaching method. There is also an element of **Divine Sovereignty** conveyed, as the passive voice "it is given" implicitly points to God as the ultimate giver of understanding, underscoring His control over revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:11 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine revelation and human receptivity. It asserts that spiritual understanding is not merely an intellectual exercise but a divinely granted privilege. This principle underscores God's sovereignty in revealing His truth, indicating that He chooses whom He will enlighten, not based on human merit, but on His own wise and gracious purposes. The "mysteries of the kingdom" refer to truths about God's reign that were previously concealed but are now being progressively unveiled through Christ's ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection. This revelation is not for all indiscriminately, but for those who have been given the capacity to receive it, distinguishing between those who are truly committed to Christ and those who remain spiritually indifferent or hostile.

* [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "The Purpose of Parables")
* [Luke 8:10](/luke/8-10 "The Mysteries of the Kingdom")
* [1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1_corinthians/2-7-10 "God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges us to consider our own posture toward God's truth. Do we approach Scripture and the teachings of Christ with a humble, receptive heart, eager for divine illumination, or with a hardened, indifferent, or even cynical spirit? The ability to grasp the "mysteries of the kingdom" is presented as a gift, reminding us that spiritual understanding is not solely a product of human intellect or effort, but a gracious work of God within us. This should cultivate humility, prompting us to pray for wisdom and discernment, acknowledging our dependence on the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's Word. It also calls us to a deeper commitment to Christ, recognizing that true understanding is often granted to those who are willing to follow Him wholeheartedly. For those who are "given" to know, there is a profound responsibility to steward this revelation, living out the truths of the kingdom and sharing them with a world that often remains spiritually blind.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of spiritual understanding being "given" by God influence your approach to studying the Bible and seeking truth?**
* **In what ways might a "hardened heart" (like "them" in the verse) manifest itself in contemporary society or even in our own lives, hindering our reception of spiritual truth?**
* **What are some of the "mysteries of the heaven" that you feel God has revealed to you, and how have they impacted your life?**

### FAQ
**What are the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" refer to truths about God's reign that were previously hidden or only partially revealed in the Old Testament, but are now being unveiled through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. These are not unknowable secrets, but divine truths that require supernatural revelation to be understood. They encompass the nature of God's present spiritual kingdom, its growth, its future culmination, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the principles by which it operates. For example, the parables in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom") themselves reveal aspects of these mysteries, such as the mixed nature of the kingdom (wheat and weeds, [Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Weeds")), its growth from small beginnings (mustard seed, [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31-32 "Matthew 13:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed")), and its immense value (pearl of great price, [Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price")).

**Does this verse imply that God arbitrarily withholds truth from some people?**

Answer: This verse highlights God's sovereignty in revelation, but it is not arbitrary. The withholding of understanding from "them" is often presented in Scripture as a consequence of their spiritual hardness, unbelief, and unwillingness to truly seek and obey God's truth. Jesus often taught that those who have a receptive heart and genuinely seek Him will find understanding ([Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock")), while those who close their eyes and ears to His message will remain spiritually blind ([Matthew 13:14-15](/matthew/13-14-15 "Matthew 13:14-15 - Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness")). Therefore, while God is sovereign in granting understanding, human responsibility in seeking and responding to Him is also a critical factor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Reason for Parables") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the embodiment and revealer of the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." He is not merely the one who speaks about the kingdom, but the very King and the living manifestation of God's reign. The previously hidden truths of God's redemptive plan, which were veiled in Old Testament prophecies and types, are now openly disclosed through Christ's incarnation, life, teaching, death, and resurrection. As [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery of Christ in You") declares, the "mystery hidden for ages and generations" is now "Christ in you, the hope of glory." It is through Jesus that the Father is fully revealed ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), and it is by the Spirit, whom Christ sends, that believers are enabled to "know the things freely given us by God" ([1 Corinthians 2:10-12](/1_corinthians/2-10-12 "1 Corinthians 2:10-12 - The Spirit Reveals God's Thoughts")). Thus, the privilege of knowing the kingdom's mysteries is inextricably linked to knowing Christ, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures")).

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

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.