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.

Matthew 13:35 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 13:35 is the second half of a two-verse unit (Matthew 13:34-35) in which the evangelist explains why Jesus taught the crowds in parables: He did not speak to them without a parable.

Meaning

Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ use of parables aligns with what was previously spoken by the prophet, showing that His teaching method was not accidental but had a divine purpose. The quotation is from Psalm 78:2, attributed to Asaph, who is called a seer in 2 Chronicles 29:30 and thus is a prophet. The quotation is not a prediction of a specific event but a description of a teaching method; Jesus’ parabolic teaching fulfills the psalmist’s words in that He, like Asaph, speaks in parables and utters things hidden from the foundation of the world.

The verse states that Jesus would utter things kept secret since the foundation of the world. These “things kept secret” are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, hidden in God’s eternal purposes and now revealed in Christ’s teaching. This aligns with New Testament passages that speak of the gospel as a mystery hidden in God (Ephesians 3:9; Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 1:26). The phrase “from the foundation of the world” indicates the eternal nature of these hidden truths, part of God’s plan from the beginning.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ fulfillment of the prophet’s words indicates that He is the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. The immediate context shows that after speaking to the crowds, Jesus explains the parables privately to His disciples (Matthew 13:36), indicating that the hidden truths are made known to those who follow Him.

Application

Jesus’ parables served a dual function: they conveyed profound truths in a memorable way, but they also veiled spiritual truths from those who were not receptive. The parables sifted the hearts of the listeners, separating those with true spiritual hunger from those with hardened hearts (cf. Matthew 13:13-15).

Reflection

Matthew’s fulfillment formula ties Jesus’ actions to Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It affirms the divine origin and authority of Jesus’ teaching. As readers, we are invited to approach Jesus’ parables with open hearts, seeking the hidden truths of the kingdom that He reveals to those who follow Him.