King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:35 Mean?

Matthew 13:35 in the King James Version says “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter thing... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 13:35 · KJV


Context

33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. measures: the word in the Greek is a measure containing about a peck and a half, wanting a little more than a pint

34

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

37

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet—Matthew quotes Psalm 78:2 (attributed to Asaph, called a prophet here though technically a psalmist). I will open my mouth in parables (παραβολαῖς, parabolais); I will utter things which have been kept secret (κεκρυμμένα, kekrymmena—perfect passive participle, meaning 'having been hidden') from the foundation of the world (ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου, apo katabolēs kosmou).

The kingdom mysteries were not unknowable, but unrevealed until Christ's coming. God's redemptive plan, hidden in ages past, is now disclosed through Jesus's teaching (cf. Romans 16:25-26, Ephesians 3:5-6, Colossians 1:26). The parabolic method reveals these secrets to those with ears to hear while fulfilling the prophetic pattern of concealment from the proud.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 78 was written by Asaph during Israel's monarchy, recounting God's acts from the Exodus through David's reign. Matthew, writing around AD 60-70 to a Jewish-Christian audience, consistently demonstrates Jesus as fulfilling Old Testament patterns—even the teaching method was prophesied.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'hidden things' about God's kingdom surprised you when first revealed through Scripture?
  2. How does recognizing that parables both reveal and conceal affect your approach to teaching Scripture?
  3. Why would God hide mysteries 'from the foundation of the world' only to reveal them in Christ's earthly ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὅπως1 of 19

That

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

πληρωθῇ2 of 19

it might be fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὸ3 of 19

which

G3588

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

ῥηθὲν4 of 19

was spoken

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

διὰ5 of 19

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ6 of 19

which

G3588

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

προφήτου7 of 19

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

λέγοντος8 of 19

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἀνοίξω9 of 19

I will open

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

ἐν10 of 19

in

G1722

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

παραβολαῖς11 of 19

parables

G3850

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

τὸ12 of 19

which

G3588

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

στόμα13 of 19

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

μου14 of 19

my

G3450

of me

ἐρεύξομαι15 of 19

I will utter

G2044

to belch, i.e., (figuratively) to speak out

κεκρυμμένα16 of 19

things which have been kept secret

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

ἀπὸ17 of 19

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

καταβολῆς18 of 19

the foundation

G2602

a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception

κόσμου19 of 19

of the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))


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 13:35 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 13:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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