Matthew 13:52

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

In Matthew 13:52, Jesus concludes a series of parables about the kingdom of heaven by offering a profound insight into the role of His disciples and all who are truly instructed in God's truth.

Context

This verse comes at the end of what is often called the "Parable Chapter" of Matthew, where Jesus uses various stories to illustrate the nature of the kingdom of heaven. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus asks His disciples if they have understood all these things, and they affirm that they have (Matthew 13:51). This concluding statement serves as a commission, defining what it means to be a true interpreter and dispenser of spiritual wisdom in light of His teachings. It also ties into previous parables like the parable of the net, emphasizing the discernment required for kingdom understanding.

Key Themes

  • The Disciple as a Teacher: Jesus redefines the traditional role of a "scribe." Previously, scribes were experts in the Mosaic Law and Jewish traditions. Here, Jesus declares that a true scribe, one instructed into the kingdom of heaven, is not merely a keeper of old traditions but an active teacher and communicator of God's truth. This highlights the calling for believers to be equipped to share and explain biblical truths, reflecting the Great Commission.
  • Integration of Old and New Truths: The phrase "things new and old" is central. "Old" refers to the foundational truths found in the Old Testament scriptures – the Law, the Prophets, and the wisdom literature. "New" refers to the fresh revelations and deeper understanding brought by Jesus Christ concerning the kingdom of God, His teachings, and the new covenant. A wise teacher effectively brings forth both, showing how the new fulfills and illuminates the old, and how the old anticipates the new.
  • Stewardship of Divine Knowledge: The analogy of the "householder" (or master of a house) emphasizes responsible stewardship. Just as a householder manages his resources and brings out what is needed, a disciple instructed in the kingdom is entrusted with a wealth of spiritual knowledge. This knowledge is not to be hoarded but to be wisely dispensed for the benefit of others, demonstrating discernment in applying truth to various situations.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "scribe" is grammateus (γραμματεύς), which literally means "one who writes" or "a secretary." In Jewish society, these were legal scholars and teachers of the Law. Jesus' use of this term here is transformative; He elevates the role by attaching it to those "instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," indicating a shift from mere legalistic interpretation to a spiritual understanding of God's reign. The "treasure" (θησαυρός - *thesauros*) implies a valuable storehouse of knowledge and spiritual understanding accumulated through divine instruction.

Practical Application

This verse is a powerful call to every believer, especially those who teach or lead. It encourages us to be diligent students of God's Word, drawing from both the rich history and prophecy of the Old Testament and the transformative teachings and fulfillment found in the New Testament. True spiritual maturity involves understanding how all scripture points to Christ and His kingdom. We are called to be wise stewards of this truth, ready to share relevant insights that bless and instruct others, whether it's foundational principles or fresh applications for contemporary challenges. It's about being well-equipped to present the timeless truths of God's kingdom in ways that are both profound and accessible, much like all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable.

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

  • 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,
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