Matthew 13:34
What does Matthew 13:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:34 means
This verse reports that Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables and used no plain speech in public. It notes his consistent use of metaphor and story as his primary teaching method for multitudes. The verse points to a deliberate strategy: parables teach memorable truths while testing hearts and fulfilling prophecy. It draws attention to the patterned method of Jesus’ public ministry—stories that require reflection—rather than straightforward doctrinal exposition for the general crowd.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:
KJV
King James Version · 1611All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All these things Jesus said to the people in the form of stories; and without a story he said nothing to them:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All these things spake Jesus in similes to the multitudes, and without a simile he was not speaking to them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes: and without parables he did not speak to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and without a parable he did not speak to them,
Context
This summary follows the three kingdom parables and marks a transition to scriptural fulfillment. It prepares the reader for Jesus’ claim that his parabolic method fulfills prophetic words, and then for the private explanations he will give to his disciples.
v.33Another 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 it was all leavened.
v.34This passage
v.35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 13:13
Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
- John 16:25
These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.
- Mark 4:33
And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;
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