Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:52

What does Matthew 13:52 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:52 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:52 means

Jesus says every scribe trained as a disciple of the kingdom is like a householder who brings out treasures new and old. This means that those who study and serve the kingdom should draw on the riches of God’s revelation—both Scripture and the fresh insights of Jesus’ teaching. The image honors careful teachers: they steward and apply both established truth and new understanding, making the faith accessible and vibrant. It calls for faithful handling of God’s treasures for the building up of the community.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, For this reason every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house, who gives out from his store things new and old.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `Because of this every scribe having been discipled in regard to the reign of the heavens, is like to a man, a householder, who doth bring forth out of his treasure things new and old.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, For this reason every scribe discipled to the kingdom of the heavens is like a man [that is] a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.

Context

This follow-up to the disciples’ affirmation ties understanding to responsibility: those taught must now teach. It emphasizes integration of the old covenant heritage with new covenant revelation in the Messiah, preparing for the chapter’s close and Jesus’ return to his hometown where his authority will be tested.

v.51Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.

v.52This passage

v.53And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:7

    even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

  • 2 Corinthians 6:10

    as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

  • Proverbs 16:20

    He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.

  • Proverbs 22:17

    Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.

  • Proverbs 15:7

    The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolishdoethnot so.

  • Ephesians 3:8

    Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 13

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 13.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 13:52.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary