King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:11 Mean?

Matthew 13:11 in the King James Version says “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 13:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains His parabolic method: '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.' This verse articulates the doctrine of divine election with remarkable clarity. The verb 'is given' (δέδοται/dedotai) is passive divine—God is the giver. Spiritual understanding isn't achieved but received; not earned but granted. The 'mysteries' (μυστήρια/mystēria) aren't puzzles to solve but divine truths once hidden, now revealed to God's chosen. The stark contrast—'to you...but to them not'—offends egalitarian sensibilities but reflects biblical teaching: God sovereignly determines who receives spiritual illumination (Matthew 11:25-27, John 6:44, Ephesians 1:4-5). Reformed theology sees this as demonstrating both God's mercy (giving anyone understanding despite universal sin) and justice (withholding from those who persistently reject available light). This isn't arbitrary cruelty but righteous response to hardened rebellion. The verse also provides assurance: if you understand and believe gospel truth, it's because God graciously granted that understanding—salvation is entirely His work, guaranteeing its completion (Philippians 1:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke these words after His disciples asked why He taught in parables (v.10). In first-century Judaism, 'mysteries' (רָז/raz in Hebrew) referred to divine secrets revealed only to the righteous or end-times community. Qumran sectarians (Dead Sea Scrolls community) believed God revealed mysteries to them alone. Jesus claims to reveal God's kingdom mysteries, but the recipients aren't the religiously elite—they're the disciples, simple Galileans. The religious establishment, despite their learning and spiritual privilege, remained blind (v.13-15). This pattern—God choosing unlikely recipients of grace—runs throughout Scripture: younger sons over firstborn, Gentiles included with Jews, foolish things confounding the wise (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). The early church wrestled with this reality: why do some believe while others reject the same message? Paul addresses this extensively in Romans 9-11, defending God's sovereign right to have mercy on whom He will. Augustine's debates with Pelagius centered on whether grace is universally available or sovereignly given. The Reformation recovered this biblical emphasis on grace as God's sovereign gift, not human achievement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that spiritual insight is God's gift rather than human achievement affect your pride and gratitude?
  2. What comfort does divine sovereignty in salvation provide when loved ones reject the gospel?
  3. How do you respond to the reality that God doesn't give understanding to everyone—does this seem unfair, or does it highlight the wonder of grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὁ1 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 19

“He answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν4 of 19

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 19

“unto them”

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

ὅτι6 of 19

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὑμῖν7 of 19

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δέδοται8 of 19

“given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

γνῶναι9 of 19

“to know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὰ10 of 19
G3588

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

μυστήρια11 of 19

“the mysteries”

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

τῆς12 of 19
G3588

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

βασιλείας13 of 19

“of the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν14 of 19
G3588

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

οὐρανῶν15 of 19

“of heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἐκείνοις16 of 19

“to them”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

δὲ17 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐ18 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δέδοται19 of 19

“given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:9-101 Corinthians 2:14Matthew 19:11James 1:51 John 2:271 John 2:20

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