Matthew 13:43
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)
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This verse highlights that the righteous will "shine forth," not just shine. This implies bursting out from obscurity or a veiled state, like the sun breaking through clouds, revealing a glory that was hidden by present circumstances. The promise is that this radiant display will happen "then," specifically after the separation of the wicked, and within the intimate setting of "their Father's kingdom."
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds, illustrating how God will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of time. He then follows this with two brief parables about the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to hidden treasure and a precious pearl. This verse, therefore, offers a glorious glimpse of the ultimate destiny of believers after the final judgment and separation.
Ever feel like your true self, your faith, or your good deeds get lost in the shuffle of everyday life? There's a divine promise about overcoming that obscurity.
Jesus uses the powerful image of "shining forth" (eklampousin) to describe the future state of the righteous. This isn't just about glowing; it's about breaking out from a state of being hidden or obscured.
Emerging from Clouds
Think of a sun that's been hidden behind clouds. When those clouds finally break, the sun doesn't just appear – it bursts forth with radiant glory. This imagery suggests that the current mix of good and evil in the world can obscure the true brilliance of righteous character and faith.
A Splendid Display
The word choice emphasizes a grand, majestic display of splendor. It's a glorious unveiling, a vindication after a period of potential misunderstanding or devaluation.
Where will this incredible shining take place? The answer isn't just 'heaven,' but a specific, intimate relationship within God's rule.
The destination for the righteous isn't just a place, but a relational reality – "in the kingdom of their Father."
A Father's Embrace
Jesus shifts the focus from 'the kingdom of the Son of Man' (mentioned earlier in the chapter) to 'the kingdom of their Father.' This is a profound assurance. It highlights that this glorious future is secured by God, who is our righteous and loving Father.
Ultimate Inheritance
This kingdom represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, where His children will experience perfect holiness and felicity. It’s a state of ultimate prosperity and belonging, directly related to God the Father, who is the source of all righteousness and glory. This emphasizes their secure interest and certain enjoyment of eternal glory.
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 describes the righteous shining like the sun and stars, echoing the glorious transformation promised in Matthew 13:43 and highlighting the future vindication of God's people.
Proverbs 4:18This verse speaks of the path of the righteous shining brighter and brighter, a concept that resonates with the eschatological 'shining forth' of the righteous, suggesting a progressive growth in God's favor that culminates in eternal glory.
1 Corinthians 15:41-42This passage contrasts different kinds of glory in the resurrection, comparing the bodies of the resurrected to the sun, moon, and stars, which directly parallels and expands upon the imagery of the righteous shining like the sun in Matthew 13:43.
Romans 8:18-19This text speaks of the future glory that will be revealed in us, comparing it to the creation eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God, which connects to the triumphant and radiant appearance of the righteous in God's kingdom.
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…
This verse highlights that the righteous will "shine forth," not just shine. This implies bursting out from obscurity or a veiled state, like the sun breaking through clouds, revealing a glory that was hidden by present circumstances. The promise is that this radiant display will happen "then," specifically after the separation of the wicked, and within the intimate setting of "their Father's kingdom."
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds, illustrating how God will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of time. He then follows this with two brief parables about the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to hidden treasure and a precious pearl. This verse, therefore, offers a glorious glimpse of the ultimate destiny of believers after the final judgment and separation.
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds, illustrating how God will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of time. He then follows this with two brief parables about the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to hidden treasure and a precious pearl. This verse, therefore, offers a glorious glimpse of the ultimate destiny of believers after the final judgment and separation.
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After painting such a breathtaking picture of future glory, Jesus issues a direct command. What's the urgency behind it?
The verse concludes with a familiar, yet critical, refrain: "He who has ears, let him hear."
More Than a Parable
This isn't just a closing remark; it's an urgent plea for attentive, responsive hearing. Jesus had just concluded a series of parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, illustrating the reality of judgment, the separation of the righteous and the wicked, and the glorious future awaiting believers.
Matters of Utmost Importance
This formula signals that the teachings just delivered are of the highest significance. They are not casual anecdotes but profound truths about eternal destiny. The call to 'hear' implies a need for deep consideration, belief, and action based on these revelations.
"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." — This verse highlights that the righteous will "shine forth," not just shine. This implies bursting out from obscurity or a veiled state, like the sun breaking through clouds, revealing a glory that w…
