New International VersionThe disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
New Living TranslationHis disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”
English Standard VersionThen the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
Berean Standard BibleThen the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd the disciples having approached, said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"
King James BibleAnd the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
New King James VersionAnd the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
New American Standard BibleAnd the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
NASB 1995And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
NASB 1977And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
Amplified BibleThen the disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the crowds in parables?”
Christian Standard BibleThen the disciples came up and asked him, “Why are you speaking to them in parables? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen the disciples came up and asked Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
American Standard VersionAnd the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Contemporary English VersionJesus' disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you use stories to speak to the people?"
English Revised VersionAnd the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe disciples asked him, "Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?"
Good News TranslationThen the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?"
International Standard VersionThen the disciples came and asked Jesus, "Why do you speak to people in parables?"
NET BibleThen the disciples came to him and said, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
New Heart English BibleThen the disciples came, and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the disciples came, and said to him, Why speakest thou to them in parables?
Weymouth New Testament(And His disciples came and asked Him, "Why do you speak to them in figurative language?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”
World English BibleThe disciples came, and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the disciples having come near, said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in allegories?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd the disciples having approached, said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"
Young's Literal Translation And the disciples having come near, said to him, 'Wherefore in similes dost thou speak to them?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the disciples having come near, said to him, Why speakest thou to them in parables? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd his disciples came and said to him: Why speakest thou to them in parables?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd his disciples drew near to him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
New American BibleThe disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
New Revised Standard VersionThen the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen his disciples drew near to him and said, Why do you speak to them in parables?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd his disciples approached and they were saying to him, “Why are you speaking with them in parables?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd the disciples came and said to him: "Why dost thou speak to them in parables?
Godbey New TestamentAnd His disciples coming, said to Him; Wherefore do you speak to them in parables?
Haweis New TestamentAnd when his disciples came, they said to him, Why speakest thou to them in parables?
Mace New TestamentAnd the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables?
Weymouth New Testament(And His disciples came and asked Him, "Why do you speak to them in figurative language?"
Worrell New TestamentAnd the disciples, having come near, said to Him, "Wherefore dost Thou speak to them in parables?"
Worsley New TestamentAnd the disciples came to Him and said, Why dost thou speak to them in parables?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Purpose of Jesus' Parables9He who has ears, let him hear.” 10Thenthedisciplescame to Jesusand asked,“Whydo You speakto the peopleinparables?”11He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.…
Cross References Mark 4:10-12As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable. / He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, / so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’”
Luke 8:9-10Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant. / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’
Isaiah 6:9-10And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”
John 12:37-41Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: ...
Romans 11:7-10What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ...
Deuteronomy 29:4Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.
Ezekiel 12:2“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.
Acts 28:25-27They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: / ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’
1 Corinthians 2:14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
2 Corinthians 3:14-16But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Hebrews 5:11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.
Psalm 78:2I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
Proverbs 1:5-6let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel / by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Jeremiah 5:21“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Treasury of Scripture And the disciples came, and said to him, Why speak you to them in parables? Why. Mark 4:10,33,34 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable… Jump to Previous DisciplesFigurativeFormLanguageParablesSimilesSpeakSpeakestStoriesWhereforeJump to Next DisciplesFigurativeFormLanguageParablesSimilesSpeakSpeakestStoriesWhereforeMatthew 13 1.The parable of the sower and the seed;18.the explanation of it.24.The parable of the weeds;31.of the mustard seed;33.of the leaven;36.explanation of the parable of the weeds.44.The parable of the hidden treasure;45.of the pearl;47.of the drag net cast into the sea.53.Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked,This phrase indicates a private moment between Jesus and His disciples, suggesting a close relationship where they felt comfortable seeking clarification. The disciples often sought deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings, highlighting their role as learners and future leaders of the Church. This setting underscores the importance of discipleship and the transmission of Jesus' teachings to future generations. “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”
Parables were a common teaching method in Jewish culture, using everyday situations to convey spiritual truths. Jesus' use of parables fulfilled the prophecy inPsalm 78:2, which speaks of teaching in parables to reveal hidden truths. Parables served to both reveal and conceal; they revealed truths to those open to understanding and concealed them from those who were spiritually blind or resistant. This method aligns withIsaiah 6:9-10, where the prophet speaks of people who hear but do not understand. Jesus' use of parables was a strategic approach to engage listeners, provoke thought, and separate genuine seekers from those who were indifferent or hostile. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples and the crowds through parables. 2. The DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who seek to understand His teachings and ask Him questions for deeper insight. 3. The CrowdsThe larger group of people who gather to hear Jesus speak, often receiving His teachings in parables. 4. ParablesA method of teaching used by Jesus, employing simple accounts to convey deeper spiritual truths. 5. The Kingdom of HeavenA central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's reign and rule, both present and future. Teaching Points Understanding Through RevelationJesus' use of parables highlights the need for divine revelation to truly understand spiritual truths. Believers should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in interpreting Scripture. The Privilege of InsightThe disciples were privileged to receive explanations from Jesus. Today, believers have the privilege of the Holy Spirit and the complete canon of Scripture to gain insight into God's Word. Spiritual DiscernmentSpiritual truths are discerned spiritually. Believers should cultivate a heart that is open and receptive to God's Word, avoiding spiritual dullness. The Role of InquiryThe disciples' question demonstrates the importance of asking questions and seeking deeper understanding in our faith journey. The Mystery of the KingdomThe kingdom of heaven is a profound mystery that requires diligent study and a heart attuned to God's voice to comprehend its depths. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 13:10?
2.Why did Jesus speak in parables according to Matthew 13:10?
3.How can we seek deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings today?
4.What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus' use of parables?
5.How can we ensure our hearts are receptive to God's word?
6.How does Matthew 13:10 challenge us to share the Gospel effectively?
7.Why did Jesus speak in parables according to Matthew 13:10?
8.How do parables reveal or conceal truth in Matthew 13:10?
9.What is the significance of understanding parables in Matthew 13:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?
11.In Matthew 13:10–11, Jesus says He speaks in parables so only certain people will understand; what does this imply about God’s fairness and inclusivity?
12.What lessons do Jesus' parables teach us?
13.What is the history of the Christian Church?
14.What do accommodation and condescension mean?What Does Matthew 13:10 Mean Then the disciples came to Jesus• The word “Then” links this moment to Jesus’ public teaching of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9). • Instead of remaining with the crowd, the disciples move toward Jesus privately—a pattern also seen inMark 4:10 andLuke 8:9, where those closest to Him seek further clarity. • Their coming illustrates the privilege of true disciples: they are drawn to the Lord Himself, not merely to His stories. CompareJohn 6:66-68, where the Twelve cling to Jesus while others turn away.
and asked• Discipleship involves questions; sincere inquiry is welcomed by the Lord (James 1:5). • The disciples do not challenge Jesus’ authority but seek understanding, reflectingPsalm 119:34, “Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law.” • Asking in faith positions them to receive deeper revelation, much like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11).
“Why do You speak to the people in parables?”• Their question recognizes a distinction between the crowds (“the people”) and the disciples. Jesus will affirm this divide in the next verse, granting “the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom” to His followers (Matthew 13:11). • Parables both reveal and conceal truth.Isaiah 6:9-10, which Jesus cites inMatthew 13:14-15, foretold that some would hear without understanding due to hardened hearts. • For receptive listeners, parables invite reflection and commitment (Proverbs 25:2;Psalm 78:2-3). For the resistant, the same stories leave truth veiled, fulfillingJohn 12:37-40. • The question underscores the disciples’ role as future teachers; understanding Jesus’ method equips them to proclaim the gospel with wisdom (2 Timothy 2:2).
summaryMatthew 13:10 captures a pivotal moment: true disciples step away from the crowd, draw close to Jesus, and voice honest questions. Their approach models how believers gain insight—by pursuing the Lord, asking in faith, and valuing the mysteries of the kingdom. Jesus’ use of parables purposely sifts hearts, unveiling truth to those who seek Him while leaving the indifferent unchanged. (10) The disciples came, and said unto him.--They, it would seem, were with our Lord in the boat. The parable was ended, and then followed a pause, during which, unheard by the multitude on the shore, came their question and our Lord's answer. Why speakest thou unto them in parables?--The wonder of the disciples probably included many elements of surprise. Why in parables instead of, as before, the direct announcement of the kingdom of heaven, and the call to prepare for it by repentance? And why tothem, when they were not students with intellect sharpened in Rabbinic schools, but plain peasants and fishermen, slow and dull of heart? Verses 10-17. - The reason w hy Christ spoke to the multitudes in parables. The question of the disciples (ver. 10). Christ's antithesis - You are the recipients of God's gift; they are not (ver. 11). This is not arbitrary, but in accordance with a universal law (ver. 12). They have not been using their faculties, and therefore they are thus judged, in accordance with the words of Isaiah (vers. 13-15). The privilege of the disciples further insisted upon (vers. 16, 17). Verse 10. - Matthew alone in this form. In Luke the disciples asked our Lord what the parable was; in Mark, more generally, they "asked of him the parables." Whether the question as given by St. Matthew was actually spoken by the disciples or not, the Lord's answer, the substance of which is the same in all three accounts, suggests that it at least represents their thoughts. St. Matthew probably wishes to bring out with special clearness, by his version of their words, the point of our Lord's reply. And the disciples. Including more than the twelve; so Mark, "They that were about him with the twelve" (cf. Matthew 5:1, note) Came. Presumably some little time afterwards, for he must have left the boat (ver. 2). And said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?Them; i.e. those outside the circle of Christ's followers ( οἱἔξω, Mark). For the general meaning of our Lord's reply to this question, see the remarks at the beginning of this chapter. Other questions about our Lord's reasons for what he did are to be found in Matthew 9:11, 14; Matthew 15:2; Matthew 17:19; Matthew 26:8 (cf. also Matthew 12:2 with Luke 6:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek ThenΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.disciplesμαθηταὶ(mathētai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.came to [Jesus]προσελθόντες(proselthontes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4334:From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.[and] asked,εἶπαν(eipan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“WhyΔιὰ(Dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.do You speakλαλεῖς(laleis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.to [the people]αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.parables?”παραβολαῖς(parabolais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3850:From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 13:10 The disciples came and said to him (Matt. Mat Mt) |
