Matthew 13 52

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.

Matthew 13:52 nkjv

Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."

Matthew 13:52 niv

He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

Matthew 13:52 esv

And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

Matthew 13:52 nlt

Then he added, "Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old."

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 52 Meaning

Matthew 13:52 concludes Jesus' discourse on the parables of the Kingdom. It signifies that a true disciple, having been thoroughly instructed in the mysteries and truths of God's sovereign reign, becomes like a wise household manager. This spiritual steward can effectively draw forth and dispense both the enduring foundational truths of God's prior revelations ("what is old," referring to the Old Testament, the Law, and previous divine instruction) and the new, fulfilling insights and transformative realities brought forth by Christ's teaching and the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven ("what is new"). This demonstrates a holistic, integrated understanding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

Matthew 13 52 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is pivotal in Jesus' ministry, often referred to as the "Parables Chapter." Here, Jesus explains the nature and progress of the Kingdom of Heaven through a series of parables (the Sower, Weeds, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Value, and the Net). These parables describe the diverse reception of the Kingdom message, its hidden growth, its supreme value, and its final judgment. Immediately prior to verse 52, in verse 51, Jesus asks His disciples, "Have you understood all these things?" Their affirmation, "Yes, Lord," prompts this concluding teaching. Verse 52 serves as an explanation and a commission regarding the unique role of His disciples: they are not merely passive recipients of truth, but are now to become active expounders of Kingdom truth, demonstrating their newfound spiritual understanding gained through their discipleship under Jesus, contrasting them with the traditional, often spiritually blind, scribes of the time.

Matthew 13 52 Word analysis

• He said to them, 'Therefore: This phrase indicates a conclusion or an application following a preceding statement. Here, it follows the disciples' affirmation of understanding the parables, signaling a direct implication of their comprehension and readiness.
• every scribe (Greek: γραμματεύς, grammateus): In the traditional Jewish context, a grammateus was an educated expert in the Mosaic Law, responsible for transcribing, interpreting, and teaching it. These were often Pharisees or Sadducees, many of whom opposed Jesus. However, in this verse, Jesus redefines the "scribe" as a believer in His Kingdom. This implies a transformation of identity and purpose—from being an expert in the Old Covenant Law alone to being an expert in God's broader redemptive plan that culminates in Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven.
• who has been trained (Greek: μαθητευθείς, mathēteutheis): This is a passive participle of mathēteuō, meaning "to be discipled" or "to be taught as a disciple." It emphasizes that this "scribe" has not self-taught but has undergone intentional instruction and spiritual formation under Jesus. It implies a profound transformation of character, intellect, and spiritual perception, distinguishing them from those who rely solely on human wisdom or legalistic interpretations.
• for the kingdom of heaven: This prepositional phrase defines the ultimate purpose and scope of their training and knowledge. Their learning and expertise are specifically geared towards understanding, embodying, and proclaiming God's sovereign reign inaugurated by Christ. It is a spiritual, Kingdom-centric understanding, not merely an academic or worldly one.
• is like a master of a house (Greek: οἰκοδεσπότης, oikodespotēs): This simile portrays the disciple as a responsible and authoritative head of a household. A oikodespotēs manages resources, provides for his family, and wisely dispenses what is needed. This analogy conveys authority, responsibility, stewardship, and practical wisdom in handling truth.
• who brings out of his treasure (Greek: θησαυρός, thēsauros): A "treasure" or "storehouse" signifies a rich reservoir of valuable possessions. In this spiritual context, it represents the vast, accumulated wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual insights gained through their discipleship in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is not just about having knowledge, but having access to and drawing from a profound reserve of divine truth.
• what is new and what is old (Greek: καινός, kainos and παλαιός, palaios): This is the heart of the verse's meaning.
  • Old (palaios): Refers to the established, longstanding truths revealed in the Old Testament: the Law, the Prophets, the wisdom literature, and God's historical dealings with Israel. These are foundational and endure.
  • New (kainos): Refers to the fresh, superior, and climactic revelations brought by Jesus Christ—the mysteries of the Kingdom, the inauguration of the New Covenant, the spiritual truths that fulfill and surpass the old forms, and the radical implications of the Gospel. It's new in quality and nature, not merely new in time.This combination signifies the Kingdom scribe's ability to synthesize both. They don't discard the "old" but see it fulfilled and illuminated by the "new." They understand the continuity and advancement in God's redemptive plan, enabling them to teach and apply truth dynamically and comprehensively.

Matthew 13 52 Words-group analysis

• "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven": This phrase introduces the radical new identity of a disciple in God's kingdom. Unlike the traditional scribes who adhered to rigid interpretations of the past, this new "scribe" is specifically disciplined by Jesus himself for the purpose of the Kingdom. Their training is transformative and purpose-driven, setting them apart as true custodians and interpreters of divine revelation.
• "is like a master of a house who brings out of his treasure": This vivid analogy emphasizes the practical wisdom and responsibility of the trained scribe. Like a wealthy householder who manages his valuable stores, the disciple-teacher effectively stewards the profound truths entrusted to him. It implies not just possession of knowledge, but the wise and opportune dispensing of it for the benefit of others, drawing from a deep well of understanding.
• "what is new and what is old": This key phrase highlights the comprehensive and integrated nature of the disciple's understanding and teaching. It signifies the ability to weave together the entirety of God's redemptive revelation. The "old" forms the foundation, the prophecies, the shadows; the "new" is the fulfillment, the substance, the light of Christ. A true Kingdom teacher integrates the continuity of God's faithfulness from the Old Testament with the revolutionary, life-transforming truths revealed through Jesus and the Kingdom. This implies discernment in showing how past revelation points to and is illuminated by present reality in Christ.

Matthew 13 52 Bonus section

The idea of the "new and old" also touches on the concept of spiritual maturity. A new believer might initially grasp only the "new" — the basics of the Gospel, grace, and forgiveness. However, as they mature, led by faithful teachers, they begin to see how these "new" truths are deeply rooted in the "old" covenant and prophetic promises. A truly discipled person, or "Kingdom scribe," gains a fuller, integrated view of God's redemptive story. This verse implicitly outlines the core curriculum for those who would effectively communicate the mysteries of God's kingdom. It signifies that sound doctrine requires both an appreciation for God's unchanging nature and revelation through history, coupled with a vibrant grasp of the ongoing, dynamic work of the Spirit and the contemporary application of Christ's teachings. It implies a Spirit-empowered understanding, as only the Holy Spirit truly illuminates the "old" to reveal its connection to the "new" (cf. 1 Cor 2:10-13).

Matthew 13 52 Commentary

Matthew 13:52 is Jesus' direct affirmation and commission to His disciples, particularly for their future role as teachers of His Kingdom. Having grasped the deeper spiritual meaning of the parables, they are now qualified to share this truth effectively. The "scribe trained for the kingdom of heaven" represents the ideal Christian teacher, a person whose knowledge of Scripture (the "old") is profoundly enhanced and illuminated by the revelatory truth of Jesus and the New Covenant (the "new"). This teacher does not reject the Old Testament but sees it through the lens of Christ's fulfillment. They understand how God's ancient promises find their "yes" and "amen" in Him.

Like a resourceful master, this scribe skillfully brings forth appropriate truths from the spiritual treasure, providing guidance relevant to various situations. This calls for a dynamic rather than a static understanding of faith—one that can contextualize enduring truths while introducing the transforming power of new life in Christ. This teaching has profound implications for anyone entrusted with spiritual instruction today, highlighting the importance of deep, balanced scriptural understanding and discerning application. For example, a "Kingdom scribe" could explain an Old Testament law concerning sacrifice, then reveal how it foreshadowed Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Or they might trace an Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah, showing its precise fulfillment in Jesus, and then explain the New Covenant's call to new obedience.