What does Matthew 13:35 mean?

Matthew 13:35 (KJV) says, "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."

In this verse, Jesus is referencing a prophecy from the book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 78:2, which says, "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old." The context of this verse is significant as it provides insight into the way Jesus taught and communicated with his followers. By speaking in parables, Jesus was able to convey deep spiritual truths in a way that was accessible to his audience, many of whom were uneducated or unfamiliar with complex theological concepts.

The use of parables was a common teaching method during Jesus' time and is an important theme throughout the New Testament. Parables are simple stories that convey deeper meanings and truths, often relating to the kingdom of God and the nature of faith. Jesus used parables to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons, often drawing on familiar, everyday situations and objects to make his points relatable to his listeners.

The significance of this verse lies in its fulfillment of prophecy, emphasizing the divine authority of Jesus' teachings. By referring to the words of the prophet, Jesus is aligning himself with the established tradition of the Hebrew scriptures and asserting his role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

The concept of revealing things kept secret from the foundation of the world is also profound. It suggests that the teachings of Jesus are not just new insights, but revelations that have been hidden or obscured throughout history, waiting to be unveiled in their fullness at the appointed time. This idea ties back to the theme of fulfillment and continuity between the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-layered. The concept of opening one's mouth in parables speaks to the power and authority of Jesus' words. By choosing to speak in parables, Jesus is deliberately engaging his listeners in a way that invites deeper reflection and understanding. It also conveys a sense of mystery, as parables often contain hidden meanings that require discernment and spiritual insight to grasp.

The idea of uttering things kept secret from the foundation of the world speaks to the eternal nature of God's truth. It suggests that the teachings of Jesus are not bound by time or cultural context but hold universal relevance and significance. The use of the term "foundation of the world" also alludes to the creation of the world, emphasizing the divine authority and pre-eminence of Jesus' teachings.

In addition to the immediate context of Jesus' teaching ministry, this verse can also be understood in a broader theological sense. It speaks to the overarching theme of God's plan of redemption and revelation, which spans from the beginning of creation to the fulfillment of all things in Christ. It underscores the continuity and coherence of God's purposes throughout history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, Matthew 13:35 encapsulates the profound significance of Jesus' teaching ministry and the timeless relevance of his words. It serves as a reminder of the divine authority of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the ultimate revealer of God's truth. This verse challenges us to approach the teachings of Jesus with humility, openness, and a willingness to seek out the hidden treasures of wisdom and understanding contained within his parables.

Artwork for Matthew 13:35

Matthew 13:35 - "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."

"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." - Matthew 13:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 24:35

Matthew 27:35

John 13: 34-35

Matthew 15:35 - "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground."

Luke 24:13-35

John 13:31-35

Matthew 5:35 - "Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King."

Matthew 24:35 - "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

Matthew 22:35 - "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,"

Matthew 21:35 - "And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another."

The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35

The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35

Leviticus 13:35 - "But if the scall spread much in the skin after his cleansing;"

Exodus 35:13 - "The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread,"

Job 35:13 - "Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it."

The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35

The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35

Matthew 13

Mark 13:35 (KJVA) 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: