Matthew 13:43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Then {G5119} shall the righteous {G1342} shine forth {G1584} as {G5613} the sun {G2246} in {G1722} the kingdom {G932} of their {G846} Father {G3962}. Who {G3588} hath {G2192} ears {G3775} to hear {G191}, let him hear {G191}.

Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let him hear!

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears, let him hear.

Matthew 13:43 concludes Jesus' profound explanation of the Parable of the Tares (or Weeds), a crucial teaching about the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

Context

This verse serves as the glorious culmination of Jesus' interpretation of the parable, which He provided privately to His disciples (beginning in Matthew 13:36). The parable itself describes a field where good seed (representing the children of the kingdom) and tares (representing the children of the wicked one) are allowed to grow together until the harvest, which symbolizes the end of the age. The "reapers" are angels who will execute a final, decisive separation of the righteous from the wicked. Matthew 13:43 specifically focuses on the magnificent outcome for those who belong to God.

Key Themes

  • Future Glory and Vindication of the Righteous: The promise that the righteous will "shine forth as the sun" speaks to their ultimate glorification, purity, and honor in God's presence. It signifies a brilliant revelation of their true nature and status, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked. This imagery suggests not just an internal state but a visible, radiant display of their redeemed existence.
  • Divine Judgment and Separation: This verse powerfully underscores the certainty of a future divine judgment where a clear and eternal distinction will be made between those who follow God and those who do not. The current coexistence of good and evil in the world is temporary; a definitive separation is coming.
  • The Kingdom of the Father: The phrase "in the kingdom of their Father" highlights the intimate, familial relationship believers have with God and their secure, eternal inheritance within His sovereign reign. It emphasizes the divine origin and nature of this glorious future, where God's children will dwell in His perfect presence.
  • Spiritual Discernment: The concluding phrase, "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear," is a recurring call from Jesus (also found in Matthew 13:9 and Luke 8:8). It urges listeners to move beyond a superficial understanding and to grasp the profound spiritual truths being conveyed about God's kingdom, judgment, and the believer's glorious destiny.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "shine forth" is eklampsousin (ἐκλάμψουσιν), meaning "to shine out, to beam forth brightly." This vividly conveys the radiant glory that will characterize the righteous. This imagery echoes prophetic language found in the Old Testament, such as Daniel 12:3, where "they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." The comparison to the "sun" signifies ultimate brilliance, visibility, and a complete vindication and display of their purified state in God's presence.

Practical Application

For believers, Matthew 13:43 offers immense encouragement, hope, and a powerful vision of their ultimate destiny. It assures them that despite present struggles, persecution, or the apparent triumph of evil, their ultimate future is one of unparalleled glory and vindication in God's eternal kingdom. This profound truth should motivate a life of continued righteousness, perseverance in faith, and unwavering hope. For those still considering their faith, it serves as a sober reminder of the coming judgment and the eternal importance of aligning one's life with God's will to be counted among the righteous. Ultimately, this verse calls all hearers to listen deeply and respond to the truths of God's Word, preparing for the day when the wheat and the tares will be eternally separated.

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.

  • Daniel 12:3

    And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:41

    [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54

    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

  • Matthew 11:15

    He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  • Luke 12:32

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Revelation 21:22

    And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
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