Matthew 13:53

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} had finished {G5055} these {G5025} parables {G3850}, he departed {G3332} thence {G1564}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua had finished these parables, he left

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew from that place.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:53 serves as a narrative pivot, marking the conclusion of Jesus' extensive teaching session on the Kingdom of Heaven through parables. This concise verse signals a deliberate transition in Jesus' ministry, as He departs from the location where He delivered these profound truths, preparing the reader for the subsequent events and encounters that follow His significant discourse. It encapsulates both the completion of a major teaching block and the dynamic, itinerant nature of His earthly mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the culmination of Jesus' seven parables concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, detailed throughout [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom"). Beginning with the foundational [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"), Jesus systematically unveiled the mysteries of the Kingdom's growth, opposition, value, and ultimate consummation. He provided private explanations to His disciples, as seen in His interpretation of the [Parable of the Weeds](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Explanation of the Parable of the Weeds"), thereby distinguishing between those who were given to understand and those whose hearts remained hardened, fulfilling prophetic scripture as noted in [Matthew 13:14-15](/matthew/13-14-15 "Matthew 13:14-15 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy"). Verse 53 acts as a concluding statement to this entire teaching block, signaling that this particular phase of instruction is complete before the narrative shifts to Jesus' return to His hometown.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry was characterized by constant movement throughout Galilee and Judea, often teaching in synagogues, by the sea, or in open fields to large crowds. Teaching from a boat, as described in [Matthew 13:2](/matthew/13-2 "Matthew 13:2 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat"), was a practical method to address a multitude of listeners on the shore. The act of "departing thence" was typical of itinerant teachers and rabbis of the time, who would move from village to village, spreading their message. This movement was not random but purposeful, often in response to the receptivity of the audience or the strategic progression of His mission. The region of Galilee, with its diverse population and numerous towns, provided fertile ground for His public ministry before His eventual journey to Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:53 contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **progressive revelation of the Kingdom of Heaven**, demonstrating that Jesus' teaching was structured and purposeful, revealing truths in stages. Secondly, it highlights the **itinerant and dynamic nature of Jesus' ministry**, emphasizing that the message of the Kingdom was not confined to one place but was actively carried to various communities. This movement also implicitly points to the **sovereignty of Jesus over His ministry**, as He dictates when and where He teaches, and when He moves on. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **rejection and acceptance**, as Jesus' departure from the parable-teaching context leads directly into His encounter with unbelief in His hometown, as narrated in [Matthew 13:54-58](/matthew/13-54-58 "Matthew 13:54-58 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **And it came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This phrase, derived from a verb meaning "to become" or "to come into being," functions as a common narrative transition in the New Testament. It signifies that an event occurred or unfolded, often introducing a new development or a change in scene. Here, it marks the completion of the preceding action (Jesus' teaching) and the initiation of the subsequent one (His departure), underscoring the unfolding of God's plan in Jesus' ministry.
* **had finished (Greek, _teléō'_):** This verb means "to end," "to complete," "to accomplish," or "to bring to a conclusion." Its use here emphasizes that Jesus' teaching session was not interrupted or cut short, but rather brought to a deliberate and purposeful completion. It speaks to the authority and intentionality with which Jesus conducted His ministry, ensuring that His message was fully delivered before moving on.
* **departed (Greek, _metaírō'_):** Meaning "to betake oneself" or "to remove locally," this word signifies a physical movement from one place to another. In this context, it highlights Jesus' intentional relocation after concluding His teaching. It's a simple yet powerful indicator of the dynamic and mobile nature of His ministry, always moving to new locations to proclaim the Kingdom message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass,"**: This introductory phrase, common in biblical narrative, functions as a temporal and narrative marker. It signals to the reader that a new event or a significant transition is about to occur, linking the preceding discourse to the subsequent action. It emphasizes the unfolding of events within God's sovereign timeline.
* **"that when Jesus had finished these parables,"**: This clause specifies the catalyst for the subsequent action. Jesus' completion of His extensive teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven through parables, which occupied the entirety of [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom"), is presented as a definitive act. The word "finished" (Greek _teléō_) implies a deliberate conclusion, not an abrupt cessation, underscoring the purposeful nature of His instruction.
* **"he departed thence."**: This final clause describes Jesus' immediate action following the completion of His teaching. "Departed thence" (Greek _metēren ekeithen_) indicates a physical movement away from the location where He had been teaching. This departure signifies a shift in the narrative, moving from a period of intense public instruction to the next phase of His ministry, which will involve different interactions and challenges.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:53 employs several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Narrative Marker** or **Transitional Device**, signaling a shift in scene and activity within the Gospel's progression. The phrase "And it came to pass" is a common biblical idiom that serves this purpose, drawing the reader's attention to a new development. The verse also acts as a form of **Closure** for the extensive parable discourse, providing a definitive end to this major teaching block. This closure creates a sense of completeness for the reader, reinforcing that a specific phase of Jesus' ministry has concluded. Furthermore, the act of "departing thence" can be seen as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the itinerant nature of Jesus' ministry, always moving, never settling, and preparing the reader for His subsequent encounters and teachings in new locations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:53, while brief, carries significant theological weight. It underscores the intentionality and divine timing of Jesus' ministry. His completion of the parables signifies that the truths concerning the Kingdom of Heaven were fully delivered for that particular audience and context. This act of finishing and departing highlights Jesus' sovereignty over His own mission and schedule, demonstrating that He is not merely reacting to circumstances but purposefully fulfilling His Father's will. The transition also subtly emphasizes the ongoing nature of revelation and discipleship; understanding must lead to movement, and teaching must be followed by living out the implications of those truths in new contexts. It reminds us that God's work, through Christ, is dynamic and always progressing.

* [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus' Prayer of Completion")
* [Luke 4:42-43](/luke/4-42-43 "Luke 4:42-43 - Jesus Preaches in Other Towns")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and Spreading the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:53 offers profound insights for contemporary disciples. Just as Jesus completed His teaching and moved on, we are called to be diligent in our learning and equally ready for transition and application. It's not enough to simply hear or understand spiritual truths; true discipleship involves allowing those truths to propel us into action, to move us from places of comfort or intellectual absorption into new spheres of obedience and service. This verse challenges us to consider if we are truly "finishing" the lessons God is teaching us – not just intellectually, but in terms of integrating them into our lives – and whether we are prepared to "depart thence," to move forward in faith to whatever new assignments or challenges God has for us. It encourages a dynamic faith that is always learning, always growing, and always moving in step with the Spirit's leading, understanding that every season of instruction prepares us for the next season of ministry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "parables" or spiritual lessons has God recently completed teaching me, and how am I being called to "depart thence" into a new phase of application or action?**
* **Am I prone to lingering in seasons of learning without moving into seasons of doing, and how can I cultivate a greater readiness for transition in my spiritual journey?**
* **How does Jesus' intentional completion and departure inspire me to be more purposeful and disciplined in my own spiritual growth and service?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus "finishing these parables" before departing?**

Answer: The phrase "finished these parables" (Greek _teléō_) highlights Jesus' deliberate and authoritative completion of a major teaching block. It signifies that the extensive discourse on the Kingdom of Heaven in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom") was not interrupted but brought to a purposeful end. This emphasizes His control over His ministry and the intentionality with which He delivered foundational truths. It also suggests that the lessons were fully conveyed for that specific audience and context, preparing for the next phase of His work.

**Where did Jesus depart to after teaching the parables?**

Answer: Immediately following His departure in [Matthew 13:53](/matthew/13-53 "Matthew 13:53 - Jesus Departs After Parables"), the narrative in [Matthew 13:54](/matthew/13-54 "Matthew 13:54 - Jesus Returns to Nazareth") tells us that Jesus "came into his own country," referring to Nazareth, His hometown. This transition sets the stage for His subsequent encounter with unbelief and rejection among His own people, a stark contrast to the crowds who had gathered to hear His parables by the sea.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:53, while a simple narrative transition, subtly points to the broader Christ-centered narrative of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' act of "finishing" His teaching and "departing thence" foreshadows His ultimate mission: to complete the work the Father gave Him to do, not merely in teaching but in His atoning sacrifice. Just as He brought a teaching session to a decisive close, so too would He bring the entire work of salvation to its glorious fulfillment on the cross, declaring "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words on the Cross")). His departure from the scene of teaching also prefigures His ascension to the Father after His resurrection, where He "departed" from earth to sit at the right hand of God ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")), having fully accomplished His earthly ministry. This verse, therefore, is a micro-narrative of Christ's perfect obedience and sovereign control over His mission, culminating in the complete and final work of redemption that secures our eternal hope ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

Matthew 7:28

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Mark 4:33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].

Mark 4:35

¶ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.