Matthew 13:34
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
παραβολῆς
a parable
G3850
παραβολῆς
a parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
7 of 15
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοις
unto the multitude
G3793
ὄχλοις
unto the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
9 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
11 of 15
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
παραβολῆς
a parable
G3850
παραβολῆς
a parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
12 of 15
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
Cross References
John 16:25These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.Matthew 13:13Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Historical Context
This statement concludes the public portion of Jesus's parable discourse in Matthew 13, delivered from a boat near Capernaum around AD 30. After this, Jesus privately explained the parables to His disciples indoors (v. 36), showing a distinction between public and private teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would God intentionally veil truth in parabolic form rather than speak with complete transparency?
- How does Jesus's parable method challenge modern expectations for 'seeker-sensitive' communication?
- What spiritual preparation is necessary to 'hear' parables rightly rather than merely hearing words?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables (παραβολαῖς, parabolais)—from para (beside) and ballō (to throw), meaning a comparison or illustration placed alongside truth. Jesus's exclusive use of parables (without a parable spake he not unto them) fulfilled prophetic purpose (v. 35) but also served dual function: revealing truth to disciples while concealing it from hardened hearts (v. 11-13).
Parables were not simplifications but sophisticated theological teaching requiring spiritual discernment. The form was common in rabbinic Judaism, but Jesus's kingdom parables were revolutionary—depicting not political restoration but spiritual realities accessible through faith. This methodology demonstrated sovereignty: God gives understanding to whom He wills (v. 11).