Matthew 13:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#3
ἀποκριθεὶς
G611
He answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#4
εἶπεν
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#5
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
ὅτι
G3754
Because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#8
δέδοται
G1325
given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#9
γνῶναι
G1097
to know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#10
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
μυστήρια
G3466
the mysteries
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
#12
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
βασιλείας
G932
of the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#14
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#16
ἐκείνοις
G1565
to them
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#17
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#18
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#19
δέδοται
G1325
given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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