Matthew 13 43

Matthew 13:43 kjv

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

Matthew 13:43 nkjv

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

Matthew 13:43 niv

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Matthew 13:43 esv

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

Matthew 13:43 nlt

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 43 Meaning

Matthew 13:43 describes the glorious destiny of the righteous at the time of ultimate judgment and consummation of the age. It paints a picture of intense brightness and honor, comparing the redeemed to the radiant sun. This radiant glory is promised within the full reality of God's sovereign rule, which is intimately portrayed as the kingdom of "their Father," emphasizing divine relationship and inheritance. The concluding call, "Whoever has ears, let them hear," urges deep spiritual discernment and reception of this profound truth, highlighting its importance and the need for spiritual understanding beyond mere physical hearing.

Matthew 13 43 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is distinct for its compilation of parables of the kingdom of heaven, presenting a foundational understanding of Jesus' messianic mission and the nature of God's rule. The specific verse (Matt 13:43) is the climax of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Weeds to His disciples (Matt 13:36-43). The preceding verses (Matt 13:41-42) describe the severe judgment of the unrighteous ("weeds") who are gathered and cast into a fiery furnace. Against this dark backdrop of judgment and sorrow, verse 43 vividly contrasts the glorious and eternal destiny of the righteous ("wheat"). It describes the final separation at the end of the age (the "harvest"), establishing the clear distinction between the two groups. The "kingdom of their Father" points to the perfected, final state of God's rule, which began secretly during Jesus' first coming and will be consummated at His return.

Matthew 13 43 Word analysis

• Then (Τότε - Tote): "At that time," "at that point." This temporal adverb points directly to the culmination of the events just described in the parable's explanation: the time of the harvest, which signifies the end of the age and final judgment (Matt 13:39-42). It indicates a decisive and eschatological moment.

• the righteous (οἱ δίκαιοι - hoi dikaioi): "The just ones," "those declared righteous." In the New Testament, "righteous" refers to those who are in a right relationship with God through faith in Christ and whose lives reflect God's will. It describes the "good seed" or "sons of the kingdom" mentioned in the parable. This status is granted by divine grace, not earned by perfect works, though it produces righteous living (Rom 3:21-24; Rom 6:17-18).

• will shine (ἐκλάμψουσιν - eklampsousin): "Will shine out," "will radiate brightly." From the verb eklampō, meaning to emerge or break forth with light, to radiate brilliantly. The prefix ek- (out, forth) intensifies the verb, suggesting an intense, emanating glow, a bursting forth of light. This denotes glory, purity, and perhaps the divine presence reflecting from them.

• like the sun (ὡς ὁ ἥλιος - hōs ho hēlios): "Like the sun," "as the sun." A powerful simile, comparing their glory to the most prominent and brilliant celestial body. The sun is associated with unparalleled brightness, warmth, and the source of all earthly light. This imagery conveys immense glory, supreme radiance, and perhaps a revelation of their true identity as children of God. It directly echoes Daniel 12:3.

• in the kingdom (ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ - en tē basileia): "Within the reign," "in the realm of rule." "Kingdom" (basileia) signifies God's sovereign rule, which has a present reality (Matt 12:28) and a future, fully realized manifestation. Here, it refers to the eschatological, perfected kingdom where God's will is fully and perfectly established, where there is no longer any admixture of evil (Matt 13:41).

• of their Father (τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτῶν - tou Patros autōn): "Of their Father." This highlights the intimate, familial relationship believers have with God. It indicates acceptance, security, and the promise of inheritance within the divine household (Matt 6:9; Rom 8:15). The "kingdom" is not merely an impersonal dominion but a family inheritance governed by a loving Father for His beloved children.

• Whoever has (Ὁ ἔχων - Ho echōn): "He who has," "Anyone having." This is a participial construction often used by Jesus to introduce a challenging statement or a profound truth, indicating the need for a specific faculty or capacity to comprehend it.

• ears (ὦτα - ōta): "Ears." While literally referring to the organs of hearing, in this context, it metaphorically means the spiritual capacity, insight, and openness to truly understand, discern, and receive divine truth.

• let them hear (ἀκουέτω - akouetō): "Let him hear," "He should hear." This is an imperative command, a strong exhortation for active and attentive listening that leads to comprehension and spiritual appropriation, distinguishing between casual listening and true spiritual receptivity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then the righteous will shine like the sun": This phrase projects a dramatic and glorious eschatological destiny for true believers. It underscores the ultimate distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous. Their shining indicates divine approval, inner purity, outer glorification, and perhaps their participation in the very light of God. This glory is not of themselves but reflects God's own glory upon His redeemed, signifying the consummation of their sanctification and transformation.

• "in the kingdom of their Father": This specifies the context and the nature of this glory. It is experienced within the fully established, paternal rule of God. This points to the new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:1-3) where God dwells with His people, and they are fully reconciled to Him as their loving Father, inheriting all that He has promised to His children (Rom 8:17). It contrasts with the fleeting, troubled earthly kingdoms and highlights the eternal security and blessing found only under God's righteous reign.

• "Whoever has ears, let them hear": This concluding proverbial statement is a consistent feature in Jesus' teaching, especially after parables. It emphasizes that the truth being conveyed is not obvious to everyone but requires spiritual perception and an open heart, granted by God's grace. It serves as a call to genuine reflection, discernment, and spiritual receptivity, acknowledging that these deep spiritual realities are only truly apprehended by those prepared to receive them, thus implying a self-selecting audience.

Matthew 13 43 Bonus section

The imagery of "shining like the sun" for the righteous has deep roots in the Old Testament, particularly in Daniel 12:3, and finds its prototype in the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matt 17:2; Lk 9:29). This concept hints at a profound restoration of humanity to an Edenic state, perhaps even surpassing it, where Adam and Eve existed in innocence, now brought to a state of incorruptible glory in the new creation. The glorification suggests a spiritual visibility and recognition, distinguishing God's true children from those who were merely present alongside them in the world. The phrase "kingdom of their Father" is uniquely Matthian (preferring "kingdom of heaven" over "kingdom of God") but here employs the personal "Father" to emphasize the profound relationship and paternal love at the core of the final realm of God's redemptive work, rather than just its governmental aspect. The "hearing" clause highlights that while these parables reveal truths of the kingdom, the spiritual revelation is selective, meant for those with prepared hearts (Matt 13:10-17).

Matthew 13 43 Commentary

Matthew 13:43 delivers a potent message of hope and profound contrast following the stark portrayal of judgment. It encapsulates the ultimate triumph of God's saving plan. The image of the "righteous shining like the sun" speaks to a total transformation, not just an inner state but an outward manifestation of divine glory. This is the promise of transfiguration for believers, a sharing in the glorious likeness of Christ Himself, indicating perfected purity, wisdom, and the full revelation of their status as God's children. This intense glory finds its context "in the kingdom of their Father," signifying acceptance, inheritance, and intimate fellowship in God's completed, purified reign.

This verse serves as a powerful motivator for perseverance and holy living. Understanding that a glorious eternal destiny awaits the faithful should inspire commitment amidst earthly trials. It sharply contrasts with the wailing and gnashing of teeth that awaits the wicked, making the choice for righteousness all the more compelling. The final injunction, "Whoever has ears, let them hear," reminds all hearers that spiritual truths require more than intellectual assent; they demand a spiritual ear, an open heart, and genuine receptivity to God's revelation. It challenges each listener to personally assess their capacity to truly comprehend and act upon the eternal implications of Jesus' words.

Examples:

• Encouragement: When facing injustice, remember the future vindication and glory awaiting the righteous.
• Discernment: Approach difficult scripture with an open heart, asking for spiritual understanding beyond literal reading.
• Perseverance: Be spurred to faithfully follow Christ, knowing the reward of radiant glory in His eternal kingdom.