Matthew 13:34 - I will Open My Mouth in Parables

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables.
In this passage, Jesus employs parables as a teaching method. Parables are simple, metaphorical stories used to convey deeper spiritual truths. This approach was common in Jewish teaching, allowing listeners to engage with the message on multiple levels. The use of parables fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 78:2, which speaks of opening the mouth in parables to utter hidden things. Jesus' choice to speak in parables also reflects the fulfillment of Isaiah 6:9-10, where the people's spiritual blindness and deafness are highlighted. By using parables, Jesus could reveal truths to those open to understanding while concealing them from those who were not receptive.

He did not tell them anything without using a parable.
This phrase emphasizes the consistent use of parables in Jesus' public ministry. It highlights the distinction between the crowds and His disciples, to whom He explained the meanings privately (Matthew 13:36). This method served to sift the genuine seekers from the merely curious. The parables were a form of divine revelation, requiring spiritual insight to comprehend fully. This approach aligns with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where understanding is granted to those who seek it earnestly (Proverbs 2:3-5). Jesus' use of parables also underscores His role as the ultimate teacher, one who reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to those with ears to hear.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who uses parables as a teaching method to convey spiritual truths.

2. The Crowds
The large groups of people who followed Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles.

3. Parables
Short, allegorical accounts used by Jesus to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons, often drawn from everyday life.

Teaching Points

The Purpose of Parables
Parables are designed to reveal and conceal truth. They invite listeners to engage deeply and reflect on their meanings.

Spiritual Discernment
Understanding parables requires spiritual insight and a heart open to God's truth. This discernment is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Engagement with Scripture
Like the crowds, we are called to actively engage with Scripture, seeking to understand the deeper meanings behind Jesus' teachings.

The Role of the Teacher
Jesus exemplifies the role of a teacher who uses relatable accounts to communicate profound truths, encouraging us to find ways to share the Gospel effectively.

Commitment to Learning
Just as Jesus explained parables to His disciples, we should seek deeper understanding through study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

(34) Without a parable spake he not unto them.--The words are, of course, limited by the context to this occasion, but it is noticeable from this time forward that parables are the dominant element in His teaching to the multitude, and that the mysteries of the kingdom are reserved for the more esoteric instruction of the disciples.

Verses 34, 35. - The parallel passage in Mark 4:33, 34 is as follows: "And with many such parables spoke he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it; and without a parable spoke he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things." The same general idea underlies our present verses, but although each evangelist appears to have used the same words as a basis, he has worked them out in his own characteristic way. For while both writers contrast our Lord's treatment of the multitudes and his treatment of the disciples in the matter of parables, St. Mark barely alludes to his using them as a judicial punishment upon the people, and St. Matthew merely hints here at the fact that Christ explained them to his disciples (see further, ver. 35b, note). It will be noticed that our verses have much in common with the thought of ver. 10, sqq. It seems just possible that both paragraphs had one common nucleus from which they were each developed. But according to existing evidence, ver. 10, sqq., and the parallel passages in Mark and Luke serve to introduce explanatory matter to the disciples, and our present verses with the parallel in Mark to close a series of parables. Verse 34 - All these things (ταῦτα πάντα). All seems to imply that the four preceding parables are but a few typical ones taken from a larger collection (cf. Mark, "with many such parables;" also vers. 3, 51). Spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; in parables unto the multitudes (Revised Version); for the order of the Greek is the same as in the next clause. Observe the "parallelism" of the two clauses (contrast Mark). Is it due to the influence of Hebrew Christians? And without a parable spake he not (nothing, Revised Version, ebony) unto them, As happens often in Semitic writers (cf. St. John's Gospel), the thought of the preceding clause is now expressed negatively, and yet a fresh thought is added, namely, that he spake in parables alone. Nothing (Revised Version); i.e. under these circumstances, when large crowds of Galilaeans were listening to him. Spake (ἐλάλει: contrast ἐλάλησεν before); i.e. during this period. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

spoke
ἐλάλησεν (elalēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

all
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

these things
Ταῦτα (Tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative 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.

crowds
ὄχλοις (ochlois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

in
ἐν (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.

He did not tell them anything
ἐλάλει (elalei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

without using
χωρὶς (chōris)
Preposition
Strong's 5565: Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.

a parable.
παραβολῆς (parabolēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3850: From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.

Links

Matthew 13:34 NIV
Matthew 13:34 NLT
Matthew 13:34 ESV
Matthew 13:34 NASB
Matthew 13:34 KJVMatthew 13:34 BibleApps.com
Matthew 13:34 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 13:34 Chinese Bible
Matthew 13:34 French Bible
Matthew 13:34 Catholic BibleNT Gospels: Matthew 13:34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables (Matt. Mat Mt)