New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 13:35

Secrets of the Kingdom

So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 13:35, in plain English

This fulfilled an ancient prophecy: I will speak in parables and reveal things hidden since the creation of the world.

Why it's here

Jesus' storytelling was not random -- it was prophesied. Through His parables, He was unveiling truths that had been hidden since the beginning of time.

Who's speaking

Matthew quotes the fulfillment of prophecy.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus' parables are not just clever stories -- they are the unveiling of mysteries that have been hidden since the foundation of the world. Ancient prophecy is being fulfilled.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Matthew identifies this parabolic method as fulfillment of Psalm 78:2 (attributed to 'the prophet'): 'I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world' (kataboles kosmou).

Language and setting

The citation of Psalm 78:2, an Asaphic psalm recounting Israel's history, frames Jesus' parables as revelations of mysteries concealed since creation. Matthew's fulfillment formula (hina plerothe) marks this as divinely appointed teaching method.

Voice

The narrator provides a fulfillment quotation.

Significance

Matthew reveals that Jesus' parabolic method was prophesied: His stories are not just illustrations but revelations of truths hidden since the world's foundation, now being disclosed.

In context

Matthew 13:33–37

33He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”

34Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.

35So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

36Then Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37He replied, “The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

Read all of Matthew 13 — A farmer scatters seed, a woman hides yeast, a merchant finds a pearl. Jesus teaches in parables — and not everyone is meant to understand.

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