Matthew 13:51
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Original Language Analysis
λέγουσιν
They say
G3004
λέγουσιν
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 11
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Συνήκατε
Have ye understood
G4920
Συνήκατε
Have ye understood
Strong's:
G4920
Word #:
5 of 11
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
λέγουσιν
They say
G3004
λέγουσιν
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Mark 4:34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.Matthew 13:19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.Matthew 13:11He 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.
Historical Context
This interaction likely occurred privately after Jesus dismissed the crowds (13:36). Matthew presents Jesus's teaching ministry in three phases: public parables to crowds (13:1-35), private explanations to disciples (13:36-50), and this assessment of their understanding (vv. 51-52). Rabbinic tradition emphasized the master's responsibility to ensure students comprehended teaching, making Jesus's question culturally appropriate.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you possess mere intellectual understanding of biblical truth or Spirit-given spiritual comprehension (1 Corinthians 2:14)?
- How does Jesus's question challenge modern assumptions that understanding Scripture is optional for discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Have ye understood all these things? (Συνήκατε ταῦτα πάντα;)—The verb συνίημι (syniēmi) means 'to bring together, to comprehend,' implying more than intellectual assent—it suggests spiritual insight. 'All these things' refers to the seven parables of Matthew 13: sower (vv. 3-9), wheat and tares (24-30), mustard seed (31-32), leaven (33), hidden treasure (44), pearl of great price (45-46), and dragnet (47-50). Jesus's question tests whether the disciples grasped the mystery of the kingdom (v. 11) given exclusively to them.
They say unto him, Yea, Lord (λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, Ναί)—Their affirmative response marks them as insiders who receive revelation (13:11, 16). The simplicity of 'Yea' (Ναί) contrasts with the parables' complexity, but Christ accepts their confession. This understanding distinguishes disciples from the crowds whose hearing produces no fruit (13:13-15). Jesus then commissions them as scribes trained for the kingdom (v. 52).