Matthew 13 35

Matthew 13:35 kjv

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.

Matthew 13:35 nkjv

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."

Matthew 13:35 niv

So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."

Matthew 13:35 esv

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."

Matthew 13:35 nlt

This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: "I will speak to you in parables.
I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world. "

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 35 Meaning

Matthew 13:35 explains that Jesus's teaching in parables fulfilled an ancient prophecy, revealing profound spiritual truths that God had intended to unfold since the world began. It signifies that Jesus's unique method of teaching was part of God's eternal plan, designed to both illuminate and obscure, thus discerning those who genuinely seek understanding.

Matthew 13 35 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is often referred to as Jesus's "Parable Discourse." In this chapter, Jesus transitions from teaching in straightforward sermons to communicating primarily through parables to the crowds. Immediately before this verse, the disciples had questioned Jesus about why He spoke in parables (Mt 13:10). Jesus explained that parables function as both a means of revelation for those granted understanding and a veil for those whose hearts are hardened (Mt 13:11-15). Matthew 13:35 then connects this shift in teaching method directly to the fulfillment of prophecy, establishing that it was not a random choice but a divinely purposed act rooted in God's eternal plan and announced by the prophets of old. This serves to authenticate Jesus's ministry and method, proving His actions are in alignment with the Scriptures.

Matthew 13 35 Word analysis

• "This": Refers to Jesus's consistent practice of speaking to the crowds in parables throughout chapter 13.
• "was to fulfill" (ἵνα πληρωθῇ, hina plērōthē): Signifies a divine purpose. This grammatical construction ("in order that it might be fulfilled") emphasizes that Jesus's actions were deliberately aligned with prophetic utterance, validating His Messiahship.
• "what was spoken": Highlights the source of the truth – divine communication. The verb (ῥηθέν, rhēthen, aorist passive participle of rheō, "to say, speak") points to something having been declared definitively in the past.
• "by the prophet" (ὑπὸ τοῦ προφήτου, hypo tou prophētou): Matthew's usual way of introducing Old Testament citations that are Messianic fulfillments. While the quoted passage is from Psalm 78:2 (a psalm traditionally attributed to Asaph), Matthew attributes it generally to "the prophet." This signifies the prophetic nature of the Psalms in anticipating Christ's coming and ministry, indicating that divine revelation could come through various channels within the Old Covenant.
• "I will open my mouth" (ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου, anoixō to stoma mou): Indicates a deliberate and significant act of speech. It implies a formal declaration, a conscious imparting of truth, much like a teacher or wise person would begin to instruct.
• "in parables" (ἐν παραβολαῖς, en parabolais): From Greek parabolē (para - alongside + ballein - to throw), meaning a placing of one thing beside another, for the purpose of comparison or illustration. In the biblical sense, these are earthly stories with heavenly meanings, designed to illustrate spiritual truth. Their effectiveness relies on the listener's spiritual receptivity.
• "I will utter" (ἐρεύξομαι, ereuxomai): This Greek word from Psalm 78:2 (LXX) can mean "to gush forth," "to pour out," or "to speak forth with emotion." It implies a significant, perhaps overwhelming, release of information. It is a strong verb suggesting that the message is being poured out freely, not just whispered.
• "things hidden" (κεκρυμμένα, kekrymmena): Perfect passive participle of kryptō (to hide). These are truths that have been concealed, not immediately apparent or revealed to all. Their hidden nature means they require divine illumination to be understood. This implies that they were always part of God's plan but not explicitly revealed until the appointed time.
• "since the creation of the world" (ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου, apo katabolēs kosmou): This phrase emphasizes the ancient and foundational nature of these truths. Katabolē means "laying down" or "foundation," often used to refer to the very beginning of the created order. Thus, these are not newly concocted ideas, but eternal aspects of God's plan, established from eternity past and now being unveiled in the Person and work of Christ.

Words-group analysis:

• "This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet": This phrase clearly positions Jesus's actions within God's grand prophetic scheme. It is a fulfillment formula common in Matthew, highlighting Jesus's identity as the Messiah who brings God's purposes to completion. It asserts divine orchestration over human events.
• "I will open my mouth in parables": This identifies the specific method of communication, linking Jesus directly to the prophetic statement. The choice of parables is shown to be intentional and prophesied, serving God's larger design for revelation and discernment.
• "I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world": This reveals the profound nature of the truths Jesus is disclosing. They are not merely contemporary teachings but ancient, foundational realities of God's plan, mysteries preserved through time, now made explicit through Christ. This speaks to the depth and eternal significance of the Kingdom truths Jesus is sharing.

Matthew 13 35 Bonus section

• Quotation Variation: While quoting Psalm 78:2, the New Testament phrase "things hidden since the creation of the world" slightly differs from the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Psalm 78:2, which speaks of "dark sayings of old." Matthew's phrasing emphasizes mystery and pre-existence of these truths, aligning perfectly with the New Testament concept of previously undisclosed divine wisdom (Rom 16:25; Col 1:26). This adaptation serves to make the prophetic application to Christ's teaching even clearer.
• Jesus as the Embodiment of Wisdom: This verse subtly portrays Jesus as the ultimate teacher of wisdom. Just as wisdom was said to utter mysteries from of old (Prov 8:22-31), Jesus, in His parables, is seen as the very embodiment of divine wisdom, speaking truths rooted in God's eternal counsel.
• Inclusivity and Exclusivity: The dual nature of parables mentioned elsewhere in Matthew 13 is rooted here: the truth is offered universally (Jesus speaking to crowds) yet grasped exclusively (by those whose hearts are opened by God). This paradox reflects God's sovereign election and revelation.

Matthew 13 35 Commentary

Matthew 13:35 is pivotal as it explicitly links Jesus's unique parabolic teaching method to ancient prophecy, underscoring its divine origin and purpose. By quoting Psalm 78:2, Matthew reveals that the Lord's chosen way of revealing Kingdom truths through parables was foreordained. This implies that Jesus's ministry was not improvisational, but meticulously aligned with God's pre-established plan for cosmic history. The phrase "things hidden since the creation of the world" further magnifies the significance of Jesus's parables, portraying them as the unveiling of profound, eternal truths about God's redemptive agenda, truths that were present in God's mind from the very inception of existence but withheld until the fullness of time. This dual function of parables — revealing to the receptive and obscuring from the resistant — is therefore not a limitation, but an integral part of God's sovereign wisdom, designed to separate genuine seekers from casual listeners, and ultimately leading to the discernment of hearts in relation to God's Kingdom.