Matthew 13:35

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.

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}.

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

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.”

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

Matthew 13:35 serves as a pivotal interpretive key within Matthew's Gospel, particularly concerning Jesus' method of teaching. It provides a divine rationale for why Jesus chose to speak in parables, connecting His actions directly to Old Testament prophecy.

Context

This verse concludes Jesus' extensive teaching on parables in Matthew chapter 13, often referred to as the "Parable Chapter." Prior to this, Jesus has delivered several parables, including the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, and the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The disciples had specifically asked Jesus why He spoke to the crowds in parables, to which He replied that it was given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but not to others (Matthew 13:11). Matthew 13:35 then offers a further, prophetic explanation for this teaching strategy, grounding it in God's long-standing plan.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The primary theme is the precise fulfillment of Old Testament scripture. Matthew frequently emphasizes how Jesus' life and ministry align with prophetic declarations, and here, His very teaching method is shown to be foretold. The verse directly quotes Psalm 78:2, attributing it to "the prophet" (likely Asaph, the author of Psalm 78, or simply 'a prophet' as a general term for a prophetic writer).
  • Revelation of Hidden Truths: The phrase "I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world" highlights God's sovereign plan of progressive revelation. Jesus, through His parables, was unveiling profound truths about the kingdom of heaven, salvation, and God's purposes that had been hidden or only partially understood in previous ages. These "secrets" are not meant to be permanently concealed but revealed at God's appointed time through His Son.
  • Jesus as the Divine Revealer: This verse underscores Jesus' unique role as the one who not only fulfills prophecy but also reveals God's ultimate plan. His teachings, even in seemingly simple stories, carried profound, eternal significance, bringing to light previously unrevealed aspects of God's character and kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The term "parables" (Greek: parabolē) literally means a "placing alongside" or "comparison." It refers to a narrative or saying that draws a comparison to illustrate a spiritual or moral truth. Jesus' use of parables was not merely a pedagogical technique but a divinely ordained method for revealing the "mysteries of the kingdom" to those with ears to hear, while simultaneously veiling them from those who were spiritually unresponsive.

The phrase "kept secret" (Greek: kekrymménos) emphasizes the idea of something being hidden or concealed. This isn't about God deliberately obscuring truth from His people, but rather about the divine timing of revelation. These truths were part of God's eternal counsel, waiting for the appropriate moment in history—the coming of Christ—to be fully disclosed to humanity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 13:35 offers several insights:

  • God's Sovereign Plan: It reassures us that God's purposes are ancient, deeply laid, and perfectly executed. What He foretold, He fulfills, demonstrating His faithfulness and control over history.
  • Seeking Understanding: The parables, though initially "secret," are now revealed through Christ and the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to diligently study God's Word, praying for the Spirit's illumination to grasp the profound truths of the kingdom of God.
  • The Centrality of Christ: Jesus is the ultimate revealer of divine truth. All of God's hidden wisdom and mysteries are found in Him. To understand God's plan, we must look to Christ and His teachings.
  • Progressive Revelation: This verse reminds us that God reveals Himself and His plan progressively. While some truths were hidden, they were unveiled in Christ, inviting us to delve deeper into the richness of His revealed Word.

This verse thus stands as a powerful testament to the intentionality of Jesus' ministry and the divine orchestration behind the unfolding of God's eternal plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:2 (144 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 3:9 (33 votes)

    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 (27 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:21 (27 votes)

    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 (26 votes)

    ¶ 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 (26 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

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