Matthew 13:11-12
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The word "mysteries" here doesn't refer to things impossible to understand, but rather to divine truths that were previously hidden and are now being revealed. Jesus is pointing out that this revelation is a gift, not automatically granted, and its purpose is to draw people into the reality of God's kingdom, not just present them with abstract information.
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. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, using a story to communicate truths about the kingdom of God. His disciples, confused by his method, ask why he speaks in parables. Jesus explains that this teaching style is a way for God to reveal the hidden "mysteries" (or secrets) of his kingdom to those who are open to Him, while keeping them concealed from those who are hardened in their hearts.
When Jesus talks about the 'mysteries of the kingdom,' what does he really mean? It's not about something impossible to understand.
The Greek word for 'mysteries' here (mysteria) doesn't mean something utterly unknowable. Instead, it refers to truths or secrets that were previously hidden or concealed but are now being revealed.
Think of it like a secret code or a hidden treasure map. The map itself isn't impossible to read, but its contents are hidden until you have the map. In this context, these 'mysteries' are divine truths about God's kingdom that were not obvious to everyone but were being specially disclosed to Jesus' disciples.
These included truths like the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, the nature of the Messiah's kingdom, and the implications of Jesus' death and resurrection. These weren't meant to be incomprehensible; they were simply not yet made known to the general public.
Why did some people understand Jesus, and others didn't? The answer lies in who received the 'giving'.
Jesus’ response highlights a crucial point: the ability to understand the truths of God's kingdom is not a matter of intellectual superiority or merit, but a gift from God.
He states plainly, 'To you it has been given...' and 'but to them it has not been given.' This points to God's sovereign choice in revealing Himself. It wasn't that the disciples were inherently better or more deserving. Rather, God, in His wisdom and timing, chose to grant them understanding.
This doesn't mean God is unfair. It means His ways of revealing Himself are profound and not always aligned with human expectations. For those who received the gift, it was an act of grace, opening their eyes to see and ears to hear what others, for reasons known to God, did not perceive.
Ask a follow-up
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.
The 'mysteries' of the Kingdom are truths about God's reign that were previously hidden but are now revealed, particularly to Jesus' inner circle of disciples, who are commissioned to carry this revelation forward.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus starts teaching, performing miracles, and gathering followers, including his core disciples. His message of the Kingdom of Heaven begins to spread.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches in Galilee
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues and to large crowds. He uses parables frequently to illustrate his teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus Explains Parables Privately
After teaching a parable to the crowds, Jesus withdraws with his disciples and explains its deeper meaning, revealing truths not fully grasped by the general populace.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central events of Jesus' life, leading to his death and subsequent resurrection, fundamentally changing the understanding and future of his message.
c. 33 AD onwards
Early Church Spreads the Gospel
The apostles and early believers begin to spread Jesus' teachings, including the understanding of the 'mysteries' of the Kingdom, to both Jews and Gentiles.
This passage describes Jesus giving thanks to the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to 'little children' while hiding them from the wise and understanding, mirroring the contrast in Matthew 13:11.
Luke 10:23-24Jesus tells His disciples privately that they are blessed to see and hear what many prophets and righteous people longed for but never experienced, highlighting the privilege of understanding divine truths granted to the disciples.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10Paul speaks of God's hidden wisdom, the 'mysteries' that God predestined before the ages for our glory, which were not known by the rulers of this age but are revealed to us through the Spirit.
Ephesians 3:3-5Paul explains that the 'mystery of Christ' was not made known to former generations but has now been revealed to His apostles and prophets by the Spirit, showing a direct parallel to the disciples' unique access to heavenly secrets.
Daniel 2:22Daniel thanks God for revealing 'deep and hidden things' and making known to him what was in the king's mind, demonstrating a pattern where God reveals His hidden purposes to those He chooses.
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 word "mysteries" here doesn't refer to things impossible to understand, but rather to divine truths that were previously hidden and are now being revealed. Jesus is pointing out that this revelation is a gift, not automatically granted, and its purpose is to draw people into the reality of God's kingdom, not just present them with abstract information.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, using a story to communicate truths about the kingdom of God. His disciples, confused by his method, ask why he speaks in parables. Jesus explains that this teaching style is a way for God to reveal the hidden "mysteries" (or secrets) of his kingdom to those who are open to Him, while keeping them concealed from those who are hardened in their hearts.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, using a story to communicate truths about the kingdom of God. His disciples, confused by his method, ask why he speaks in parables. Jesus explains that this teaching style is a way for God to reveal the hidden "mysteries" (or secrets) of his kingdom to those who are open to Him, while keeping them concealed from those who are hardened in their hearts.
"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. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even…" — The word "mysteries" here doesn't refer to things impossible to understand, but rather to divine truths that were previously hidden and are now being revealed. Jesus is pointing out that this revelat…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
