Matthew 13:35
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That
G3704
ὅπως
That
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 19
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
2 of 19
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
7 of 19
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λέγοντος
saying
G3004
λέγοντος
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀνοίξω
I will open
G455
Ἀνοίξω
I will open
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
9 of 19
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
παραβολαῖς
parables
G3850
παραβολαῖς
parables
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
11 of 19
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόμα
mouth
G4750
στόμα
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
13 of 19
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
κεκρυμμένα
things which have been kept secret
G2928
κεκρυμμένα
things which have been kept secret
Strong's:
G2928
Word #:
16 of 19
to conceal (properly, by covering)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Psalms 78:2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:1 Corinthians 2:7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Amos 3:7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.Matthew 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:Ephesians 3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;Isaiah 42:9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Matthew 13:14And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Historical Context
Psalm 78 was written by Asaph during Israel's monarchy, recounting God's acts from the Exodus through David's reign. Matthew, writing around AD 60-70 to a Jewish-Christian audience, consistently demonstrates Jesus as fulfilling Old Testament patterns—even the teaching method was prophesied.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'hidden things' about God's kingdom surprised you when first revealed through Scripture?
- How does recognizing that parables both reveal and conceal affect your approach to teaching Scripture?
- Why would God hide mysteries 'from the foundation of the world' only to reveal them in Christ's earthly ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet—Matthew quotes Psalm 78:2 (attributed to Asaph, called a prophet here though technically a psalmist). I will open my mouth in parables (παραβολαῖς, parabolais); I will utter things which have been kept secret (κεκρυμμένα, kekrymmena—perfect passive participle, meaning 'having been hidden') from the foundation of the world (ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου, apo katabolēs kosmou).
The kingdom mysteries were not unknowable, but unrevealed until Christ's coming. God's redemptive plan, hidden in ages past, is now disclosed through Jesus's teaching (cf. Romans 16:25-26, Ephesians 3:5-6, Colossians 1:26). The parabolic method reveals these secrets to those with ears to hear while fulfilling the prophetic pattern of concealment from the proud.