Matthew 13:11
What does Matthew 13:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:11 means
Jesus replies that the disciples are granted the ability to know the mysteries of the kingdom, while others are not. “Mysteries” here are divine truths about the kingdom previously hidden but now disclosed to Jesus’ followers. This doesn’t mean God withholds arbitrarily; rather, those who follow Jesus and seek understanding are given insight. The verse underscores divine initiative in revelation: God opens eyes and hearts so some grasp the secrets of the kingdom, highlighting the responsibility and blessing of discipleship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said to them in answer, To you is given the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he answering said to them that--`To you it hath been given to know the secrets of the reign of the heavens, and to these it hath not been given,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who answered and said to them: Because to you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven: but to them it is not given.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he answering said to them, Because to you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to them it is not given;
Context
This answer to the disciples contrasts private revelation to committed followers with public obscurity for many. It prepares the reader for teaching about spiritual perception, judgment, and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy on hardened hearts. The theme of discerning the kingdom runs through the following verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.
- Matthew 19:11
But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.
- Ephesians 6:19
and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
- Ephesians 5:32
This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.
- John 7:17
If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, Andwhichentered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.
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