Matthew 13:52

KJV

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} said {G2036} he unto them {G846}, Therefore {G1223}{G5124} every {G3956} scribe {G1122} which is instructed {G3100} unto {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is {G2076} like {G3664} unto a man {G444} that is an householder {G3617}, which {G3748} bringeth forth {G1544} out of {G1537} his {G846} treasure {G2344} things new {G2537} and {G2532} old {G3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "So then, every Torah-teacher who has been made into a talmid for the Kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a home who brings out of his storage room both new things and old."

Berean Standard Bible

Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a series of parables illustrating the nature and growth of the kingdom of heaven, Jesus concludes His teaching in Matthew 13:52 by defining the ideal disciple as a "scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven." This figure is likened to a householder who skillfully brings forth from his treasure both "new and old" things, signifying the wise and discerning steward of divine truth who can integrate the foundational revelations of God with the fresh insights and deeper understanding brought by Christ and His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13 is often referred to as the "Parable Chapter," where Jesus uses various parables—such as the Sower, the Weeds, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Net—to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Each parable unveils a different facet of the kingdom's nature, its growth, its challenges, and its ultimate consummation. Just prior to this verse, Jesus asks His disciples if they have understood these parables, and they affirm that they have ([Matthew 13:51](/matthew/13-51 "Matthew 13:51 - Disciples' Understanding")). This verse, therefore, serves as a concluding summary and a commissioning statement, indicating what it means to truly grasp and communicate the truths of the kingdom. It bridges the parables with the disciples' future role as teachers and evangelists.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, scribes (grammateis) were highly respected legal scholars and interpreters of the Mosaic Law and Jewish traditions. They were the intellectual elite, responsible for copying, preserving, and expounding the scriptures. Their authority derived from their meticulous study and adherence to established interpretations. Jesus, however, often challenged the scribes of His day for their legalism and hypocrisy, contrasting their outward observance with a lack of inner transformation ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). By redefining the "scribe" as one "instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," Jesus reorients their traditional role from mere custodians of the Law to dynamic communicators of the new covenant realities, emphasizing spiritual understanding over rigid adherence to tradition. The analogy of the householder also resonates with the patriarchal structure of Jewish society, where the head of the household was responsible for managing resources and providing for the family's needs.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **nature of discipleship**, emphasizing that true discipleship involves not just hearing but understanding and actively participating in the kingdom's mission. Disciples are called to be more than passive recipients of truth; they are to become active stewards and communicators. Secondly, it highlights the **continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Covenants**. The "old" represents the foundational truths of the Old Testament, while the "new" signifies the fresh revelations brought by Jesus concerning the kingdom's present reality and future consummation. A wise kingdom-scribe integrates both, showing how the new fulfills and illuminates the old, and how the old anticipates the new, demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive plan throughout history ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **stewardship of divine knowledge**. The "treasure" represents the rich storehouse of spiritual understanding entrusted to those who comprehend the kingdom. This knowledge is not to be hoarded but wisely dispensed, demonstrating discernment in applying truth to various situations, much like a good householder manages his provisions for the benefit of his household ([1 Corinthians 4:1-2](/1_corinthians/4-1-2 "1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Stewards of the Mysteries of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scribe (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From G1122, meaning "a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary." In the context of the Gospels, this term typically refers to a Jewish scholar and interpreter of the Law. Jesus' use here is transformative, re-envisioning the role from a mere custodian of tradition to a dynamic communicator of kingdom truth.
* **Instructed (Greek, _mathēteúō'_):** From G3100, meaning "to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e. enrol as scholar." This word emphasizes the active process of learning and being discipled. A "scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven" is not merely learned in the Law, but has become a disciple of Jesus, taught directly in the mysteries of God's reign.
* **Treasure (Greek, _thēsaurós'_):** From G2344, meaning "a deposit, i.e. wealth (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it metaphorically represents the rich storehouse of spiritual knowledge and understanding that the "scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven" possesses. It implies a valuable, accumulated body of truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven":** Jesus addresses His disciples, indicating that His preceding parables have prepared them for a new understanding of their role. He redefines the traditional "scribe," not by their mastery of the Law alone, but by their discipleship ("instructed") and their understanding of the "kingdom of heaven." This implies a profound shift in allegiance and intellectual focus from human tradition to divine revelation concerning God's reign.
* **"is like unto a man that is an householder,":** This introduces the central analogy. A "householder" (G3617, _oikodespótēs_) is the master of a household, responsible for its management, provision, and well-being. This figure represents the wise and responsible steward, implying that the "kingdom-scribe" is entrusted with the valuable resources of divine truth and is responsible for their proper distribution.
* **"which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.":** This clause describes the householder's (and thus the kingdom-scribe's) action. The "treasure" (G2344, _thēsaurós_) is the rich store of knowledge and understanding. "Bringeth forth" (G1544, _ekbállō_) implies a deliberate, active, and timely dispensing. The "new" (G2537, _kainós_) refers to the fresh, transformative truths of the New Covenant, particularly Jesus' teachings about the kingdom. The "old" (G3820, _palaiós_) refers to the foundational truths of the Old Testament, including the Law, Prophets, and Psalms. The wise scribe knows how to present both, demonstrating the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is **Simile**, as Jesus explicitly states that the scribe is "like unto a man that is an householder." This comparison illuminates the role of the kingdom-scribe by drawing parallels to a familiar, respected figure in ancient society. The householder's responsibility for managing resources and providing for his family effectively illustrates the scribe's duty to wisely dispense spiritual truth. Furthermore, the phrase "things new and old" functions as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where "new" represents the teachings and realities of the New Covenant brought by Christ, and "old" symbolizes the foundational truths and prophecies of the Old Covenant. This concise pairing encapsulates the comprehensive nature of divine revelation. The entire verse also serves as an **Allegory**, where each element of the householder analogy (the householder, the treasure, the new and old things) corresponds to a spiritual reality concerning the disciple's role in the kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:52 serves as a profound statement on biblical literacy and theological wisdom for all who are called to understand and communicate God's truth. It teaches that true spiritual maturity involves a comprehensive grasp of God's progressive revelation, recognizing how the "old" covenant foreshadows and finds its ultimate meaning in the "new" covenant brought by Jesus Christ. This holistic understanding allows believers to draw from the entire counsel of God, applying timeless principles to contemporary challenges and demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive plan across history. It underscores the responsibility of those entrusted with spiritual insight to be discerning and generous in sharing this treasure for the edification of others.

* [Luke 16:16](/luke/16-16 "Luke 16:16 - The Law and the Prophets were until John")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God has spoken through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:52 is a powerful call to every believer, especially those who teach or lead, to become diligent and discerning students of God's Word. It challenges us to move beyond superficial knowledge and to cultivate a deep, integrated understanding of both the Old and New Testaments. This means recognizing how the Law and Prophets point to Christ, and how Christ's life, death, and resurrection fulfill and illuminate all that came before. We are called to be wise stewards of this truth, not hoarding it, but actively and appropriately dispensing it to others. This involves knowing when to emphasize foundational principles ("old") and when to apply fresh insights and the transformative power of the New Covenant ("new") to specific situations, always aiming to build up the body of Christ and advance the kingdom. Our goal should be to present the timeless, multifaceted truths of God's kingdom in ways that are both profound and accessible, relevant to every generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently draw from "things old" (Old Testament truths) and "things new" (New Testament revelations) in my understanding and sharing of faith?**
* **How can I cultivate a more integrated understanding of Scripture, seeing the continuity of God's plan from Genesis to Revelation?**
* **Am I acting as a wise "householder" with the spiritual truths entrusted to me, discerning when and how to share them for the benefit of others?**
* **What specific "new" insights from the Gospel do I need to better connect with the "old" foundations of God's character and promises?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "things new and old"?**

Answer: The phrase "things new and old" refers to the comprehensive body of divine truth that a "scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven" possesses and dispenses. "Old" represents the foundational truths, prophecies, and laws of the Old Testament. These are the established, historical revelations of God's character and plan. "New" refers to the fresh, deeper, and fulfilling revelations brought by Jesus Christ, particularly His teachings about the kingdom of heaven, the New Covenant, and the spiritual realities that transcend the letter of the Law. A wise teacher integrates both, showing how the new fulfills and illuminates the old, and how the old anticipates the new, demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive plan.

**How does this verse apply to modern-day believers, especially those who aren't "scribes"?**

Answer: While the term "scribe" refers to a specific role in Jesus' day, the principle applies to all believers who are "instructed unto the kingdom of heaven." Through the Holy Spirit and the study of God's Word, every Christian is called to understand and share the truths of the Gospel. This verse encourages all believers to be diligent students of Scripture, capable of drawing from the entire biblical narrative—both Old and New Testaments—to provide relevant wisdom and guidance. It emphasizes the importance of being well-equipped to articulate the timeless truths of faith in ways that are applicable to contemporary life, much like a householder provides for his family's diverse needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:52 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the supreme "scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven" and the ultimate "householder" of divine truth. He perfectly integrated the "new and old," revealing how He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus consistently demonstrated how the Old Testament scriptures bore witness to Him ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Scriptures Testify of Jesus")), unveiling the "new" realities of God's kingdom through His parables, miracles, and redemptive work. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate "new thing" that brings the "old" covenant promises to their glorious consummation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). As the master teacher, Jesus presented the profound truths of God's plan, drawing from the ancient wisdom of Israel and revealing the fresh, transformative power of the Gospel, thereby equipping His disciples to continue this very mission, bringing forth the inexhaustible riches of Christ's kingdom to a waiting world ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")).

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 John 2:7

¶ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

1 John 2:8

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:17

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Titus 2:6

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

Titus 2:7

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,