King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:52 Mean?

Matthew 13:52 in the King James Version says “Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

50

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

51

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

52

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.

53

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

54

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven (πᾶς γραμματεὺς μαθητευθεὶς τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν)—The γραμματεύς (scribe) was an expert in Torah, but here Jesus redefines the role. The aorist passive participle μαθητευθείς ('having been discipled') shows these are not self-taught experts but those taught by Christ Himself. They are scribes transformed by kingdom instruction—a new kind of teacher who bridges Old and New Covenants.

Like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old (ὅστις ἐκβάλλει ἐκ τοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ καινὰ καὶ παλαιά)—The οἰκοδεσπότης (householder, master of the house) has a θησαυρός (treasure-store) containing both καινά (fresh, unprecedented revelation—the kingdom mysteries) and παλαιά (ancient truth—the Old Testament). The verb ἐκβάλλει ('throws out, brings forth') suggests generous, purposeful distribution. This describes Matthew's own Gospel, which constantly shows Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecy while revealing new truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This final mini-parable concludes Jesus's day of kingdom parables, commissioning the disciples as the new interpreters of God's revelation. In Jewish culture, a householder managed his estate's resources. Jesus pictures kingdom scribes as stewards who draw from both testaments, validating continuity with Israel's Scripture while introducing the new covenant. Matthew, a former tax collector turned apostle, exemplifies this model perfectly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your teaching or testimony draw from both Old Testament types and New Testament fulfillment?
  2. In what ways does modern evangelicalism wrongly neglect 'the old things' in favor of novel teachings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
1 of 27
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 27

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 27

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῦ4 of 27

he 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

Διὰ5 of 27

Therefore

G1223

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

τοῦτο6 of 27
G5124

that thing

πᾶς7 of 27

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γραμματεὺς8 of 27

scribe

G1122

a professional writer

μαθητευθεὶς9 of 27

which is instructed

G3100

intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e., enrol as scholar

εἰς10 of 27

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν11 of 27
G3588

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

βασιλείαν12 of 27

the kingdom

G932

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

τῶν13 of 27
G3588

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

οὐρανῶν14 of 27

of heaven

G3772

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

ὅμοιός15 of 27

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἐστιν16 of 27

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀνθρώπῳ17 of 27

unto a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οἰκοδεσπότῃ18 of 27

that is an householder

G3617

the head of a family

ὅστις19 of 27

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐκβάλλει20 of 27

bringeth forth

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ21 of 27

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ22 of 27
G3588

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

θησαυροῦ23 of 27

treasure

G2344

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ24 of 27

he 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

καινὰ25 of 27

things new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

καὶ26 of 27

and

G2532

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

παλαιά27 of 27

old

G3820

antique, i.e., not recent, worn out


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 13:52 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 13:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study