Matthew 11:25
What does Matthew 11:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 11:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 11:25 means
At that particular time, Jesus broke into a prayer of thanksgiving to his Father, the Lord of heaven and earth. He expressed gratitude that the profound spiritual truths of the Kingdom had been hidden from those who considered themselves wise and understanding, yet revealed to those he called "babes"—the humble and unassuming. This highlights a key principle of God's kingdom: spiritual insight is not gained through human intellect or worldly wisdom but through divine revelation to the open and receptive heart.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:
KJV
King James Version · 1611At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At that time Jesus made answer and said, I give praise to you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have kept these things secret from the wise and the men of learning, and have made them clear to little children.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862At that time Jesus answering said, `I do confess to Thee, Father, Lord of the heavens and of the earth, that thou didst hide these things from wise and understanding ones, and didst reveal them to babes.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890At that time, Jesus answering said, I praise thee, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to babes.
Context
This verse marks a dramatic shift from the preceding woes and condemnations to a prayer of thanksgiving. This change in tone provides a theological explanation for why some accept and others reject Jesus' message. It sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent declaration of his unique relationship with the Father and his grand invitation to all who are weary, shifting from judgment to grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 4:10
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.
- John 7:48
Hath any of the rulers believed on him, or of the Pharisees?
- 1 Samuel 2:18
But Samuel ministered before Jehovah, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
- Matthew 13:11
And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
- 1 Corinthians 2:6
We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
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