Therefore ( διὰ τοῦτο ). To carry out the principle of the whole preceding verse, but with special reference to the second half of it. Because, in this case, they "have not," therefore I speak to them thus. Speak I to them in parables because. In the parallel passages Christ says that he speaks in parables " in order that seeing," etc.; but here, " because seeing,'' etc. The difference of the thought, which is more formal than real, is that read more
The responsibility of the hearer. The "parable of the sower" might with equal appropriateness be called the "parable of the soil. " The point of it is not so much what the sower did, as what the soil did, and what the soil was. In each case good seed was scattered. In each case we are set thinking of the capacity of the soil, and of the manner in which it dealt with the seed. And this fact comes out forcibly to view: only when the soil was deep and soft and clean—well ploughed,... read more
Christ, in these verses, gives a “reason” why he used this manner of instruction. See also Mark 4:10-12; Luke 8:9-10.Matthew 13:11The mysteries of the kingdom - The word “mystery,” in the Bible, properly means a thing that is “concealed,” or that “has been concealed.” It does not mean that the thing was “incomprehensible,” or even difficult to be understood.The thing might be “plain” enough if revealed, but it means simply that it “had” not been before made known. Thus the “mysteries of the... read more
Matthew 13:13-15. Therefore speak I to them in parables, because they seeing, see not In pursuance of this general rule, I do not give more knowledge to this people, because they use not that which they have already: having all the means of seeing, hearing, and understanding, they use none of them; they do not effectually see, or hear, or understand any thing. For instance, seeing my miracles, which are incontestable proofs of my divine mission, they are not convinced thereby that I am... read more
PARABLES54. The sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-29; Luke 8:1-18)To visit all the towns of Galilee was a huge task. Jesus and his disciples were helped in this work by a group of women who went with them to look after their daily needs (Luke 8:1-3). Crowds of people came to see Jesus wherever he went, and were often a hindrance to the progress of the gospel. It seems that one reason Jesus began to teach extensively in parables was to separate those who were genuinely interested from those who... read more
Therefore = On this account. Greek. dia touto. See App-104 .Matthew 13:2 . seeing see . . . hearing . . . hear. Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6 . read more
Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.How wonderfully were the parables designed to accomplish Christ's purpose! They were marvelous devices for the separation of his hearers and polarizing them with reference to the approaching kingdom. Those who desired and expected some worldly conqueror who would break the back of Roman tyranny and restore secular power to the Jews were repelled by the innocent and innocuous... read more
Matthew 13:10-13. And the disciples came, &c.— See the note on Mark 4:10. The answer which our Lord here returns to his disciples is remarkable: "You, my disciples, says he, who are of a humble, docile, temper, and are content to use means, and to resort to me for the understanding of such things as I deliver, to you it shall be no disadvantage that they are clothed in parables; for, besides that I am ready to interpret every thing to you, my discourses are so ordered, as to become plain... read more
13. Therefore speak I to them in parables—which our Lord, be it observed, did not begin to do till His miracles were malignantly ascribed to Satan. because they seeing, see not—They "saw," for the light shone on them as never light shone before; but they "saw not," for they closed their eyes. and hearing, they hear not; neither do they understand—They "heard," for He taught them who "spake as never man spake"; but they "heard not," for they took nothing in, apprehending not the... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:10-17
The reason of the parable. After our Lord had discoursed in parables to the multitude assembled on the seashore, his disciples inquired of him why he used that mode of teaching, for hitherto he had spoken in simple and explicit language. The reply shows that the design was— I. TO EVINCE THE SPIRITUALITY OF SAVING TRUTH . 1 . It is a mystery to be revealed. 2 . It is still mystery when revealed. 3 . The revelation is blessed. II. TO LIMIT THE ... read more