Bible Strands
Matthew 13:35
So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus has been speaking parables to the crowds (v.34); this verse frames that act as the fulfillment of a prophetic word. The disciples, excluded from the crowds, will immediately ask for private explanation (v.36).
The words — πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, "may be fulfilled") is an aorist passive subjunctive, marking the parable-teaching as the completion of something previously spoken. ῥηθὲν (rhēthen, "having been spoken") is an aorist passive participle, anchoring the fulfillment to a prior prophetic utterance rather than to Jesus' own initiative.
The thread — The quotation is Psalm 78:2. The "hidden since the foundation of the world" motif recurs in Ephesians 3:9 (mystery kept hidden in God) and Romans 16:25 (revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages).
Why it lands — The parables are not a failure of clarity but the intended vehicle of disclosure; what was hidden is now being opened, and the reader is on the receiving end of that opening.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
- Ephesians 3:9 and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
- Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past
- 1 Peter 1:20 He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.
- John 17:24 Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
- Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.
- Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
- Colossians 1:25 I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,
- Ephesians 3:5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.