Matthew 11:25-26
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; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just thanking God for revealing truth to the humble; he's expressing profound gratitude that God actively hides it from those who think they already have it figured out. This highlights that true understanding isn't about intellectual prowess but a receptive, childlike heart.
Just before this, Jesus had been lamenting the unbelief and rejection He faced in cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida, where He had performed mighty works. He contrasts this with the eventual spread of His message, which will be understood by humble, teachable hearts rather than the proud and intellectually self-sufficient. This prayer of thanksgiving is a response to the way God’s kingdom operates, choosing the seemingly insignificant to reveal His truths, while wisdom of the world remains blind.
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.
Patēr · Greek Noun
The primary designation for God, emphasizing his relationship as the Source of life, authority, and covenant intimacy with his people. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the first person of the Trinity in relation to the Son.
eudokia · Greek Noun
This prayer of thanksgiving comes at a moment when Jesus faces significant opposition and rejection, even from his own forerunner, John the Baptist. It highlights a divine strategy where the mysteries of God are often revealed not to the intellectually proud, but to the humble and teachable, regardless of their social standing or learning.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels through towns like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, preaching the Kingdom of God and performing numerous miracles. Despite the signs and teachings, many in these cities remain impenitent and reject him.
c. AD 28-30
John the Baptist's Imprisonment and Doubt
While Jesus' ministry flourishes, John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas. From prison, John sends disciples to ask Jesus if he is the awaited Messiah.
c. AD 28-30
Rejection by Cities
Jesus laments the lack of repentance in the Galilean cities where he has performed most of his miracles, such as Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. He pronounces a judgment upon them for their unbelief.
c. AD 30
Return of the Seventy Disciples
Jesus' seventy disciples return from their mission, reporting success in casting out demons in his name. This event precedes Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving.
This passage echoes Jesus' sentiment by stating that God chose the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong, highlighting the divine preference for humility over worldly wisdom.
Psalm 8:2This psalm speaks of God establishing strength through the praise of infants and children, mirroring Jesus' acknowledgment that His Father reveals His truths to 'babes,' underscoring a divine principle of strength found in humility and dependence.
Luke 10:21This parallel passage describes Jesus rejoicing in spirit over the same revelation to 'babes' and the hiding of these truths from the 'wise,' showing the consistent divine strategy and Jesus' profound joy in it.
Deuteronomy 29:2-4This passage recounts Moses reminding Israel that God had not given them a heart to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear until that day, illustrating the concept of divine hiddenness and revelation to a chosen people, much like Jesus describes.
Proverbs 3:5-7This proverb encourages trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, directly aligning with the idea that worldly 'wise and prudent' understanding can hinder revelation, while a humble reliance on God opens the door.
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 isn't just thanking God for revealing truth to the humble; he's expressing profound gratitude that God actively hides it from those who think they already have it figured out. This highlights that true understanding isn't about intellectual prowess but a receptive, childlike heart.
Just before this, Jesus had been lamenting the unbelief and rejection He faced in cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida, where He had performed mighty works. He contrasts this with the eventual spread of His message, which will be understood by humble, teachable hearts rather than the proud and intellectually self-sufficient. This prayer of thanksgiving is a response to the way God’s kingdom operates, choosing the seemingly insignificant to reveal His truths, while wisdom of the world remains blind.
Just before this, Jesus had been lamenting the unbelief and rejection He faced in cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida, where He had performed mighty works. He contrasts this with the eventual spread of His message, which will be understood by humble, teachable hearts rather than the proud and intellectually self-sufficient. This prayer of thanksgiving is a response to the way God’s kingdom operates, choosing the seemingly insignificant to reveal His truths, while wisdom of the world remains blind.
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Refers to God's favorable, sovereign choice or desire. It denotes a purpose rooted in divine goodness and pleasure rather than human merit.
"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; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will." — Jesus isn't just thanking God for revealing truth to the humble; he's expressing profound gratitude that God actively hides it from those who think they already have it figured out. This highlights…
