Matthew 13:35

KJV

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G3704} it might be fulfilled {G4137} which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} by {G1223} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004}, I will open {G455} my {G3450} mouth {G4750} in {G1722} parables {G3850}; I will utter {G2044} things which have been kept secret {G2928} from {G575} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, "I will open my mouth in parables, I will say what has been hidden since the creation of the universe."h

Berean Standard Bible

So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

American Standard Version

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:35 serves as a profound interpretive lens for understanding Jesus' parabolic teaching, establishing it not merely as a pedagogical choice but as a direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy. This verse, quoting Psalm 78:2, reveals that Jesus' method of speaking in parables was divinely ordained to unveil truths about God's kingdom that had been concealed since creation, thereby demonstrating His role as the ultimate revealer of God's eternal plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13:35 concludes Jesus' extensive discourse on parables, often referred to as the "Parable Chapter" or "Parable Discourse." Preceding this verse, Jesus has delivered a series of significant parables, including the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"), the [Parable of the Weeds](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Weeds"), the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/matthew/13-31-32 "Matthew 13:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed"), and the [Parable of the Leaven](/matthew/13-33 "Matthew 13:33 - The Parable of the Leaven"). The disciples had specifically inquired why Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, prompting His explanation that the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven were revealed to them, but veiled from others, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of spiritual blindness ([Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")). Matthew 13:34 notes that Jesus spoke nothing to the crowds without a parable, leading directly into the prophetic justification of verse 35, which grounds this teaching strategy in God's long-standing, sovereign plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' use of parables was a common teaching method in the ancient Near East, particularly among Jewish rabbis. These were not mere fables but often short, illustrative stories drawn from everyday life, designed to convey profound spiritual or moral truths. However, Jesus' parables often differed in their intent: while rabbinic parables typically clarified a known truth, Jesus' parables often veiled truth from those who were spiritually unresponsive, while simultaneously revealing it to those with "ears to hear" ([Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - He who has ears, let him hear")). This dual function aligns with the prophetic tradition, where God's revelation could both illuminate and harden, depending on the hearer's heart. The quotation from Psalm 78:2 further emphasizes the continuity of God's revelatory plan from the Old Covenant to the New, positioning Jesus as the culmination of prophetic utterance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout Matthew's Gospel. Primarily, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, a recurrent motif in Matthew, demonstrating how Jesus' life, ministry, and even His teaching methods precisely align with Old Testament declarations. The direct quotation from [Psalm 78:2](/psalms/78-2 "Psalm 78:2 - The Prophetic Source") highlights this. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Revelation of Hidden Truths**, signifying that Jesus, through His parabolic teaching, was unveiling profound mysteries concerning the kingdom of heaven, salvation, and God's ultimate purposes that had been "kept secret" or only partially understood in previous ages. These "secrets" are not meant for permanent concealment but for divine disclosure at God's appointed time through His Son. Thirdly, it solidifies **Jesus' Authority as the Divine Revealer**, portraying Him not only as the one who fulfills prophecy but also as the one who brings God's eternal plan to light. His teachings, even in seemingly simple stories, carry profound, eternal significance, making previously unrevealed aspects of God's character and kingdom accessible to those whom God has chosen to enlighten ([Matthew 11:25-27](/matthew/11-25-27 "Matthew 11:25-27 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** From G4137, meaning "to make replete," "to accomplish," "to execute," or "to verify (or coincide with a prediction)." In this context, it signifies that Jesus' actions perfectly align with and bring to completion a divine prophecy. Matthew frequently uses this term to emphasize the precise and intentional unfolding of God's plan through Christ.
* **parables (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** From G3850, meaning "a similitude," "a fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral)," or "an adage." It refers to a teaching method involving comparisons or allegories. Jesus' use of parables was not merely a pedagogical technique but a divinely ordained means of communicating profound spiritual truths, often with a dual purpose of revealing and concealing.
* **kept secret (Greek, _krýptō'_):** From G2928, meaning "to conceal (properly, by covering)," or "to hide." This word highlights the idea of truths that were previously hidden or veiled, not necessarily obscured by God to prevent understanding, but rather held in reserve within His divine counsel until the appointed time for their full revelation through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,"**: This introductory clause immediately signals Matthew's theological agenda: to demonstrate Jesus' identity and ministry as the culmination of Old Testament prophecy. The phrase "the prophet" refers to the author of Psalm 78, traditionally Asaph, but Matthew's broader designation emphasizes the prophetic nature of the text rather than a specific individual. This direct fulfillment formula underscores the divine intentionality behind Jesus' actions.
* **"I will open my mouth in parables;"**: This is a direct quotation from Psalm 78:2. In its original context, Psalm 78 recounts Israel's history through didactic poetry, using "parables" (or dark sayings/riddles) to teach profound lessons about God's faithfulness and Israel's rebellion. By applying this to Jesus, Matthew asserts that Jesus, like the psalmist, is revealing deep truths through illustrative narratives. This clause explains *how* the truths will be revealed—through the distinctive method of parabolic teaching.
* **"I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."**: This second part of the quotation from Psalm 78:2, as interpreted by Matthew, elevates the significance of Jesus' parables. It implies that the truths Jesus is revealing are not merely historical lessons but profound "secrets" concerning God's eternal plan, hidden from humanity since the very beginning of creation. These "secrets" pertain to the nature and principles of the Kingdom of God, now being unveiled through the Son.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:35 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Fulfillment Citation**, a hallmark of Matthew's Gospel. By directly quoting [Psalm 78:2](/psalms/78-2 "Psalm 78:2 - The Prophetic Source") and explicitly stating "That it might be fulfilled," Matthew establishes a clear connection between Jesus' actions and Old Testament prophecy, validating Jesus' ministry as divinely orchestrated. This also functions as **Intertextuality**, where the meaning of the New Testament text is enriched by its dialogue with the Old Testament. Furthermore, the phrase "things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the profound and ancient nature of the truths being revealed. While not literally hidden from the *very* beginning in a physical sense, it conveys the idea that these are deep, eternal mysteries of God's plan, now being unveiled. Finally, the concept of "parables" itself is a **Metaphorical** teaching tool, using earthly stories to convey heavenly realities, serving as a veil for some and an illumination for others.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:35 profoundly connects Jesus' teaching method to God's overarching plan of progressive revelation. It asserts that Jesus' parables are not random stories but divinely purposed vehicles for unveiling truths about the Kingdom of God that were previously concealed. This highlights God's sovereignty over history and revelation, demonstrating that His ultimate purposes, though ancient and hidden, are unfolded precisely in His appointed time through His Son. The "secrets" are not meant to remain hidden indefinitely but are brought to light through Christ, inviting a deeper understanding of God's character and the nature of His reign.

* [Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "Romans 16:25-26 - Revelation of the Mystery")
* [Ephesians 3:8-10](/ephesians/3-8-10 "Ephesians 3:8-10 - The Mystery Revealed to the Gentiles")
* [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:35 offers profound insights for believers today, reassuring us of the intentionality and faithfulness of God's plan throughout history. It reminds us that our understanding of divine truth is not accidental but part of a grand, unfolding revelation orchestrated by God Himself. Just as truths were "kept secret" until Christ's coming, we are now privileged to live in an era where these mysteries are unveiled through His Word and Spirit. This should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and humility, prompting us to diligently seek understanding of God's revealed will. Furthermore, recognizing that Jesus' parables both reveal and conceal should challenge us to examine our own spiritual responsiveness. Are we among those with "ears to hear," eager to grasp the profound truths of the Kingdom, or are our hearts hardened to the Spirit's illumination? This verse calls us to a posture of active listening, prayerful study, and a willingness to allow God's Word to transform our understanding and our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 13:35 strengthen your trust in God's sovereign plan for history and your own life?**
* **What "secrets" or mysteries of God's kingdom have you recently discovered or understood more deeply through studying Jesus' parables or other parts of Scripture?**
* **In what ways might your own heart be "hardened" or resistant to certain truths God is trying to reveal, and what steps can you take to cultivate "ears to hear"?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew say "the prophet" instead of specifying Asaph or David for Psalm 78:2?**

Answer: Matthew's use of "the prophet" (G4396, _prophḗtēs_) is a common practice in his Gospel, often referring to prophetic scripture in a general sense rather than a single author. While Psalm 78 is attributed to Asaph, a Levitical choirmaster and prophet, Matthew's emphasis is on the divine origin and prophetic nature of the utterance itself, rather than the human instrument. This broad designation underscores that the words are God's own, spoken through a prophet, and now fulfilled in Jesus. It highlights the unified testimony of the prophetic tradition concerning the Messiah.

**What are the "things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world" that Jesus is revealing?**

Answer: These "things kept secret" (G2928, _krýptō_) refer to profound truths about the Kingdom of God that were part of God's eternal counsel but not fully disclosed or understood in previous dispensations. While the Old Testament hinted at God's universal plan, Jesus' coming and His teaching in parables unveiled the full scope and nature of the Kingdom. This includes the mystery of the inclusion of Gentiles ([Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4-6 "Ephesians 3:4-6 - The Mystery of Christ")), the spiritual nature of the Kingdom (not merely political), the delay of the consummation, the co-existence of good and evil until the harvest ([Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Weeds")), and the ultimate triumph of God's reign through seemingly small beginnings ([Matthew 13:31-33](/matthew/13-31-33 "Matthew 13:31-33 - Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven")). These are the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" that Jesus reveals to His disciples ([Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - Mysteries of the Kingdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:35 powerfully positions Jesus as the ultimate revealer of God's eternal purposes, making Him the central figure in the unfolding of divine truth. By fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 78:2, Jesus demonstrates that His very method of teaching in parables was not accidental but part of God's pre-ordained plan to unveil truths "kept secret from the foundation of the world." These "secrets" are ultimately the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, which find their full embodiment and explanation in Christ Himself. He is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures")). The parables, though seemingly simple, are profound vehicles for revealing the nature of God's reign, the character of His people, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. Jesus, as the divine Son, is uniquely qualified to utter these ancient, hidden truths, for He was "with God in the beginning" ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). His coming marked the appointed time for these mysteries to be brought to light, demonstrating that all of God's redemptive history culminates in Him, the "Alpha and the Omega" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). Thus, Matthew 13:35 underscores Jesus' unparalleled role as the Prophet, Priest, and King who fully discloses the Father's heart and the Kingdom's reality.

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

Psalms 78:2

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

1 Peter 1:21

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: