King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:10 Mean?

Matthew 13:10 in the King James Version says “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?”

Matthew 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

9

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

12

For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?' After Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower publicly (v.3-9), disciples privately asked why He used parables. Their question suggests confusion—parables seemed to obscure rather than clarify. Jesus's answer (v.11-17) is shocking: parables intentionally reveal truth to some while concealing it from others. This overturns assumption that all teaching should be maximally clear to everyone. Reformed theology recognizes this demonstrates divine sovereignty in revelation: God chooses to whom He grants understanding. Parables serve dual purpose: for receptive hearts with spiritual eyes, they illuminate truth through memorable stories; for hardened hearts without spiritual perception, they obscure meaning as judgment for previous rejection of clear truth. This explains why identical teaching produces radically different responses—not because message is unclear but because hearers have different spiritual capacities (granted or withheld by God). The question leads to crucial teaching about election, revelation, and spiritual understanding (v.11-17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic tradition used parables (מְשָׁלִים/meshalim) extensively in teaching—familiar pedagogical method. However, rabbis used parables to clarify difficult concepts, making abstract ideas concrete. Jesus's parabolic method differed: He used parables to simultaneously reveal and conceal. This shift occurred after mounting opposition (chapters 11-12), particularly after Pharisees attributed His work to Satan (12:24)—point of no return in their rejection. From that point, Jesus taught publicly in parables while explaining meanings privately to disciples (v.36). This pattern fulfilled Isaiah 6:9-10 (quoted in v.14-15): judicial hardening where God gives persistent rejecters over to their chosen blindness. Early church recognized this pattern: gospel preached to all, but understanding granted sovereignly (Acts 16:14, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The disciples' question was therefore profound: why this teaching method? Answer revealed deep truths about election, revelation, and sovereign grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why would Jesus deliberately teach in ways that conceal truth from some while revealing it to others?
  2. What does the parabolic method teach about the necessity of divine illumination for understanding spiritual truth?
  3. How do you respond to the reality that identical gospel message produces vastly different responses based on God's sovereign gift of understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσελθόντες2 of 11

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

οἱ3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ4 of 11

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

εἶπον5 of 11

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς6 of 11

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Διατί7 of 11

“Why”

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

ἐν8 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παραβολαῖς9 of 11

“parables”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

λαλεῖς10 of 11

“speakest thou”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτοῖς11 of 11

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 4:33-34Mark 4:10

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