Matthew 13:52 KJV: "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."

This verse comes at the end of a series of parables that Jesus tells to the people, and it serves as a concluding statement on the nature of the kingdom of heaven. In this verse, Jesus is comparing a scribe who is instructed in the ways of the kingdom of heaven to a householder who brings out treasures, both old and new, from his storehouse.

The theme of this verse revolves around the idea of stewardship and the responsibility of those who are knowledgeable about the kingdom of heaven. It is a commentary on the role of the scribe, who is tasked with not only preserving the teachings of the past but also with bringing forth new understandings and revelations about the kingdom of heaven. The scribe is seen as the householder, responsible for bringing out treasures that have been accumulated over time, and presenting them to others.

The context in which this verse appears is important for understanding its significance. Jesus had just finished telling a series of parables about the kingdom of heaven, such as the parables of the mustard seed, the leaven, the hidden treasure, the pearl of great value, and the dragnet. These parables illustrate the diverse ways in which the kingdom of heaven grows, is found, and is encompassing. Jesus is teaching the people about the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the responsibilities that come with understanding it.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-layered. The scribe is representative of those who are learned and instructed in the ways of the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus' time, scribes were highly educated and knowledgeable individuals who were responsible for preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Jewish faith. In this context, Jesus is using the scribe as a symbol for those who hold knowledge and understanding of the kingdom of heaven.

The householder in this verse is symbolic of the responsibility that those who hold knowledge of the kingdom of heaven have to share that knowledge with others. The treasures, both old and new, represent the teachings and revelations of the kingdom of heaven that have been accumulated over time, as well as the new understandings and insights that continue to emerge.

The imagery of the treasure being both old and new is significant. It suggests that there is value in both the traditional teachings of the kingdom of heaven, as well as in the new understandings and revelations that continue to emerge. It emphasizes the idea that the scribe, or anyone who is instructed in the ways of the kingdom of heaven, has a responsibility to preserve and transmit the old teachings while also being open to new insights and understandings.

Overall, Matthew 13:52 offers a powerful commentary on the nature of stewardship and the responsibility of those who hold knowledge and understanding of the kingdom of heaven. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and transmitting the teachings of the past, while also being open to new insights and revelations. It serves as an exhortation for those who are instructed in the ways of the kingdom of heaven to fulfill their responsibility as stewards of this knowledge, bringing forth both old and new treasures for the edification of others.