Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus’ prayer isn't just about God’s hiddenness from the proud; it’s a declaration that God’s wisdom is actively concealed from those who rely on their own intellect. This isn't about God punishing the wise, but about them being so full of themselves that they can't perceive spiritual truth, which is then freely given to those with childlike openness.
Jesus speaks this prayer of thanksgiving immediately after upbraiding cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida for their unbelief and unresponsiveness to His ministry, contrasting their rejection with the potential openness of others. This makes His joyous praise to the Father, acknowledging the hidden nature of spiritual truths from the intellectually proud and their revelation to the simple and teachable, a profound response to widespread rejection. The verse is the beginning of a section where Jesus reveals more about His relationship with the Father and invites the weary to find rest in Him.
Jesus thanks God for hiding profound truths from the 'wise' and revealing them to 'little children.' Why would God choose this seemingly unequal distribution of revelation?
This verse highlights God's sovereign right to choose who receives spiritual understanding. Jesus isn't complaining; he's praising God's wisdom and power in revealing His mysteries. The 'wise and understanding' often rely on their own intellect and earthly wisdom, which can become a barrier to accepting divine truth. In contrast, 'babes'—those who are humble, teachable, and recognize their dependence on God—are open to receive His revelation.
This isn't about condemning intelligence, but about the attitude of the heart. True wisdom, in God's economy, begins with humility and a recognition of one's need for Him.
What are the 'things' Jesus thanks God for hiding and revealing? Understanding this is key to grasping Jesus' joy.
The 'things' Jesus refers to are the profound mysteries of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God. These aren't just simple facts but the deep truths about God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ—His identity, His mission, and the blessings of grace and righteousness He offers.
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These truths are hidden from those who, though intellectually capable, are proud and self-sufficient. Their worldly wisdom blinds them to the spiritual reality. However, to the humble and teachable, symbolized by 'babes,' God unveils these life-giving truths. It's a revelation that transforms lives and brings true rest and understanding, as Jesus goes on to explain in the following verses.
Understand the original words
sophos · Greek Adjective
Those who are self-sufficient, relying on human intellect, worldly wisdom, or religious status rather than divine revelation. They are often blinded by their own perceived sufficiency.
nēpios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those who are spiritually humble, dependent, and receptive, lacking worldly prestige or self-reliance. They represent the posture of faith necessary to receive the mysteries of God's Kingdom.
This profound statement of thanksgiving comes during a period of intense ministry activity, but also amid significant rejection and misunderstanding from religious leaders and the general populace. It highlights Jesus' perspective: that the very reason many worldly 'wise' reject God's kingdom is their own pride, while the humble, like children, are receptive to divine truth.
c. 27-28 AD— this verse
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus commences his public ministry, calling disciples, teaching, and performing miracles throughout Galilee.
c. 28 AD
Jesus sends out the Twelve
Jesus commissions his twelve apostles, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, and sends them out to preach the kingdom of God.
c. 28 AD
John the Baptist's imprisonment and doubt
John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, sends messengers to Jesus to ask if he is the coming one.
c. 28 AD
Jesus upbraids the cities
Jesus pronounces woes on the unrepentant Galilean cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum where he had performed many miracles.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' observation, highlighting how God intentionally uses the 'weak' and 'foolish' things of the world to confound the wise and proud, ensuring all glory goes to Him.
Psalm 25:9This verse expresses a similar sentiment, stating that God guides the humble and teaches them His way, aligning with Jesus' declaration that wisdom is revealed to the 'little children' or the humble.
Luke 10:21-22This passage contains Jesus' nearly identical prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, showing the consistency of His perspective on divine revelation and His Father's sovereign choices.
Deuteronomy 29:2-4This Old Testament passage describes a similar situation where God gave understanding to a few, while withholding it from the majority of the people, even though He had provided clear signs and teachings.
Proverbs 3:5-7This proverb encourages trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, which reflects the attitude Jesus praises in those who are 'little children' – those who don't rely on their own worldly wisdom.
vincentMatthew 11:25: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
AnsweredIn reply to something which is not stated.I thank (ἐξομολογοῦμαι)Compare Matthew 3:6, of confessing sins. Lit., I confess. I recognize the justice and wisdom of thy doings. But with the dative, as here (σοι, to thee), it means to praise, with an undercurrent of acknowledgment; to confes…
calvinMatthew 11:25-30: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
- At that time Jesus answering said, I acknowledge to thee, [56] O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little children. 26. Undoubtedly, O Father, such was thy good pleasure. [57] 27. All things have been deli…
Jesus’ prayer isn't just about God’s hiddenness from the proud; it’s a declaration that God’s wisdom is actively concealed from those who rely on their own intellect. This isn't about God punishing the wise, but about them being so full of themselves that they can't perceive spiritual truth, which is then freely given to those with childlike openness.
Jesus speaks this prayer of thanksgiving immediately after upbraiding cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida for their unbelief and unresponsiveness to His ministry, contrasting their rejection with the potential openness of others. This makes His joyous praise to the Father, acknowledging the hidden nature of spiritual truths from the intellectually proud and their revelation to the simple and teachable, a profound response to widespread rejection. The verse is the beginning of a section where Jesus reveals more about His relationship with the Father and invites the weary to find rest in Him.
Jesus speaks this prayer of thanksgiving immediately after upbraiding cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida for their unbelief and unresponsiveness to His ministry, contrasting their rejection with the potential openness of others. This makes His joyous praise to the Father, acknowledging the hidden nature of spiritual truths from the intellectually proud and their revelation to the simple and teachable, a profound response to widespread rejection. The verse is the beginning of a section where Jesus reveals more about His relationship with the Father and invites the weary to find rest in Him.
"At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;" — Jesus’ prayer isn't just about God’s hiddenness from the proud; it’s a declaration that God’s wisdom is actively concealed from those who rely on their own intellect. This isn't about God punishing…
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