Matthew 13:11
And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text isn't just saying some people get to know God's secrets while others don't. It highlights that this "knowing" is a gift that's been given, implying a deliberate act by God, not something earned or automatic for everyone. This sets up a radical idea: access to understanding the kingdom isn't based on merit but on divine enablement.
Jesus has just shared the Parable of the Sower with a large crowd, teaching about the different ways people receive God's message. His disciples, noticing the crowd's limited understanding, ask why he speaks in parables. Jesus explains that this method of teaching is a deliberate choice by God, revealing deeper truths to his followers while keeping them hidden from others who are not ready to receive them.
Jesus uses a word that sounds like 'secret agent stuff,' but what does 'mysteries' really mean in the Bible? It’s not what you might think!
The word 'mystery' in the Bible, often translated from the Greek word 'mysterion,' doesn't mean something impossible to understand. Instead, it refers to a truth or a plan of God that was previously hidden or unknown but has now been revealed. Think of it like a secret kept locked away until God decided to unlock it and share it.
These 'mysteries' of the kingdom of heaven aren't about complex theological puzzles. They are about the unfolding of God's plan, like the surprising truth that the kingdom would be open to Gentiles, not just Jews, or the future resurrection of believers. These were things concealed from the general population but revealed to Jesus' inner circle.
Jesus tells his disciples they know these secrets, but others don't. Why the difference? It's not about who's smartest, but about God's gracious choice.
Jesus' statement, 'To you it has been given... but to them it has not been given,' points to a crucial theological concept: divine enablement and revelation are gifts from God. It's not about intellectual superiority or who deserves it more.
God chooses to reveal His kingdom's secrets to some, not because they are inherently better, but as an act of His sovereign will and grace. This was true for the disciples, who were chosen to be the foundation of the early church. Their understanding was a gift that equipped them for their mission, while others, due to their hardened hearts or earthly-mindedness, were not granted that specific insight at that time.
Understand the original words
mystērion · Greek Noun
A divine truth previously hidden but now revealed by God to His people. It refers to the sovereign plan of God, particularly regarding the gospel and the redemptive work of Christ.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign and rule of God over all creation, now inaugurated through Jesus Christ. It represents the sphere of God's authority and the community of those who submit to His lordship.
This teaching occurs during Jesus' public ministry when he deliberately uses parables to reveal spiritual truths. The 'mysteries of the kingdom' refer to previously hidden aspects of God's plan, like the inclusion of Gentiles and the nature of the Messiah's reign, which were now being unveiled to the disciples but not fully grasped by the general populace.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus starts teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, announcing the arrival of God's kingdom.
c. 28 AD
Jesus teaches the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers foundational teachings on discipleship, ethics, and the nature of God's kingdom.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches using parables
Jesus begins to employ parables extensively, including the Parable of the Sower, to illustrate the nature of the kingdom and its reception.
c. 28 AD
Jesus explains parables privately
Jesus explains the meaning of the parables to his disciples, revealing deeper truths about the kingdom of heaven that were not readily apparent to the crowds.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving that the Father has hidden things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children, echoing the idea of divine revelation being given to some but not others.
Mark 4:11-12This parallel account in Mark uses similar language, stating that to the disciples it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those outside all things are in parables, so that seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand.
Luke 10:23-24Jesus tells his disciples privately that they are blessed because their eyes see what many prophets and kings longed to see but could not, highlighting the unique privilege and understanding granted to those who follow Him.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10Paul speaks of God’s hidden wisdom, a mystery that was ordained before the ages for our glory, which the rulers of this age did not understand, indicating that such profound truths are revealed by God’s Spirit to those who love Him.
Ephesians 3:3-4Paul refers to the mystery of Christ, which was not made known in former generations but has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, showing how God unfolds His kingdom's secrets progressively through His chosen messengers.
vincentMatthew 13:11: "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."
Mysteries (μυστήρια)From μύω, to close or shut. In classical Greek, applied to certain religious celebrations to which persons were admitted by formal initiation, and the precise character of which is unknown. Some suppose them to have been revelations of religious secrets; others of secret politico-religious doctrines; others, again, sceni…
barnesMatthew 13:11: "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."
The mysteries of the kingdom - The word "mystery," in the Bible, properly means a thing that is "concealed," or that "has been concealed." It does not mean that the thing was "incomprehensible," or even difficult to be understood. The thing might be "plain" enough if revealed, but it means simply that it "had" not been before made known. Thus…
The text isn't just saying some people get to know God's secrets while others don't. It highlights that this "knowing" is a gift that's been given, implying a deliberate act by God, not something earned or automatic for everyone. This sets up a radical idea: access to understanding the kingdom isn't based on merit but on divine enablement.
Jesus has just shared the Parable of the Sower with a large crowd, teaching about the different ways people receive God's message. His disciples, noticing the crowd's limited understanding, ask why he speaks in parables. Jesus explains that this method of teaching is a deliberate choice by God, revealing deeper truths to his followers while keeping them hidden from others who are not ready to receive them.
Jesus has just shared the Parable of the Sower with a large crowd, teaching about the different ways people receive God's message. His disciples, noticing the crowd's limited understanding, ask why he speaks in parables. Jesus explains that this method of teaching is a deliberate choice by God, revealing deeper truths to his followers while keeping them hidden from others who are not ready to receive them.
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c. 30 AD
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
The pivotal events of Jesus' death and resurrection, which offer the ultimate revelation of God's kingdom.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Church growth
The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin to spread the 'mysteries of the kingdom' to a wider audience.
"And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." — The text isn't just saying some people get to know God's secrets while others don't. It highlights that this "knowing" is a gift that's been given, implying a deliberate act by God, not somet…
