Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:35

What does Matthew 13:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:35 means

Jesus explains that speaking in parables fulfills prophecy—‘I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.’ The citation affirms that the parable method is part of God’s unfolding plan: hidden truths reserved in God’s counsel are now being disclosed through these stories. The verse connects Jesus’ ministry to the prophetic tradition, indicating God’s sovereign timing in revealing and veiling truth according to redemptive purposes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That it might come true which was said by the prophet, Opening my mouth, I will give out stories; I will give knowledge of things kept secret from before all time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through the prophet, saying, `I will open in similes my mouth, I will utter things having been hidden from the foundation of the world.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so that that should be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from [the] world's foundation.

Context

This verse follows the declaration that Jesus spoke in parables to crowds. It anchors Jesus’ method in Scripture and prophecy, showing continuity rather than novelty. The narrative now shifts from public parables to private explanations to the disciples, beginning with the tares parable.

v.34All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:

v.35This passage

v.36Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 16:25

    Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

  • Colossians 1:25

    whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Revelation 17:8

    The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.

  • Psalms 78:2

    I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

  • Ephesians 3:5

    which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

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