Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a beautiful contrast: the wicked will be cast into a "furnace of fire," while the righteous will "shine forth as the sun." This "shining forth" isn't just about future glory; it implies bursting out from whatever has obscured their light in this life, revealing a radiant splendor that was always within, now perfected in God's kingdom.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds, which describes how God will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of the age. He then turns to his disciples, not just to offer a comforting reward for the righteous, but to emphasize the glorious and radiant state awaiting them in God's presence. This climactic declaration serves as a powerful conclusion to the parables of the Kingdom, underscoring the ultimate triumph and splendor of God's people.
Ever feel like your true self or your faith is hidden or misunderstood in this world? This verse promises a powerful unveiling.
Jesus uses vivid imagery to describe the future state of believers. The word for 'shine forth' (eklampsoosin) implies a bursting out of light, like the sun emerging from behind clouds. It's not just a subtle glow, but a brilliant display. This suggests that the struggles, hidden virtues, and quiet obedience of the righteous in this life will be fully revealed and celebrated in the age to come. Their current association with imperfection and misunderstanding will be dissolved, allowing their true, God-given radiance to be seen.
Where will this incredible shining take place? The answer is deeply personal and reassuring.
The verse places this glorious shining 'in the kingdom of their Father.' This isn't just a generic heavenly realm; it's specifically identified with the Father. While Jesus often spoke of the 'kingdom of heaven' or the 'kingdom of the Son of Man,' here the emphasis shifts to the Father. This highlights our intimate relationship with God as His children. It assures us that this future glory is our rightful inheritance within His loving, eternal presence, a place prepared for us by our heavenly Father.
Jesus concludes this profound revelation with a repeated, urgent phrase. Why?
The verse ends with the familiar call, 'He who has ears, let him hear.' This isn't just a casual remark; it's a solemn invitation and a challenge. In the context of the parables preceding this verse, Jesus had been explaining complex truths about the kingdom of heaven – its growth, its composition, and its future judgment. This final line urges listeners, both the disciples and the crowds, to not just passively hear the words, but to truly understand, internalize, and respond to the profound realities of God's kingdom and the destiny of both the righteous and the wicked.
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Understand the original words
dikaios · Greek Adjective
Those justified by faith in God, whose lives are characterized by conformity to his will and holiness; they are legally declared righteous and are being made righteous.
This passage directly parallels the imagery of the righteous shining like the sun, explicitly linking it to wisdom and leading others to righteousness.
Proverbs 4:18This verse speaks of the path of the righteous shining brighter and brighter, mirroring the theme of increasing glory for the faithful, culminating in a final splendor.
1 Corinthians 15:41-42This passage discusses the resurrection bodies of believers, noting different degrees of glory, which resonates with the idea of the righteous shining with distinct radiance in God's kingdom.
Matthew 5:16Jesus encourages believers to let their light shine before others, connecting present righteous actions to future glory and the glorification of God.
pooleMatthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Ver. 40-43. As in the common practice of men, when they have a mind to pick their corn, and have it clean, when it is reaped, to set men to clean the wheat, and to pick out the tares, and, having tied them up in bundles, to burn them, so (saith he) I will do. I will send my angels at the day of judgment, and they shall take out of my church all impenitent sinners…
gillMatthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun,.... The time referred to is, when the tares shall be separated from the wheat: when they that offend and do iniquity, shall be gathered out of Christ's kingdom; when the wicked shall be cast into hell: then the "righteous", not who are so merely in their own apprehensions, and in the judgment of others; nor by thei…
The verse highlights a beautiful contrast: the wicked will be cast into a "furnace of fire," while the righteous will "shine forth as the sun." This "shining forth" isn't just about future glory; it implies bursting out from whatever has obscured their light in this life, revealing a radiant splendor that was always within, now perfected in God's kingdom.
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds, which describes how God will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of the age. He then turns to his disciples, not just to offer a comforting reward for the righteous, but to emphasize the glorious and radiant state awaiting them in God's presence. This climactic declaration serves as a powerful conclusion to the parables of the Kingdom, underscoring the ultimate triumph and splendor of God's people.
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds, which describes how God will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of the age. He then turns to his disciples, not just to offer a comforting reward for the righteous, but to emphasize the glorious and radiant state awaiting them in God's presence. This climactic declaration serves as a powerful conclusion to the parables of the Kingdom, underscoring the ultimate triumph and splendor of God's people.
"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." — The verse highlights a beautiful contrast: the wicked will be cast into a "furnace of fire," while the righteous will "shine forth as the sun." This "shining forth" isn't just about future glory; it…
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Last reviewed October 2026