Matthew 13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because. Omit because, with the Revised Version. The ὅτι is merely recitative. In this verse our Lord does not directly reply to their question, but only states God's ways of dealing with the two different classes of people (cf. Matthew 11:25 , note). It is given unto you ( unto you it is given, Revised Version); which better represents the sharpness of the antithesis in the Greek. It is given ; already ( δέδοται ) , i.e. in the counsel of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:12

Matthew only in this context, but found in the parallel passages shortly after the explanation of this parable— Mark 4:25 ; Luke 8:18 . The same saying is found in Matthew 25:29 (the talents) and Luke 19:26 (the pounds). For . The reason of God's action spoken of in the preceding verse. It is based on the following principle. Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. The last phrase (Matthew only) is probably dub to a reminiscence of the form in which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:13

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:13

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:14

And in them; and unto them (Revised Version); i.e. with reference to them (cf. Jude 1:14 ). Is fulfilled. Completely ( ἀναπληροῦται ; cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:16 ). The present, because the process is still going on. The prophecy of Esaias, which saith ( Isaiah 6:9 , Isaiah 6:10 ). Not quoted in this form in the parallel passages; for Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10 are really nearer our Luke 8:13 . The quotation is taken verbally from the LXX ., and so in Acts 28:26 , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross. There are two ways of understanding this verse as it comes here. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:16

But blessed ( Matthew 5:3 , note) are your eyes . Christ now returns to emphasize Matthew 13:11 . For they see ( ὅτι βλέπουσιν ) . This may refer to the disciples being able to see spiritual truths before God's special grace given them by way of reward to this effect, but this hardly suits the context from the phrase, "it is given" ( Matthew 13:12 ). It is, therefore, better to understand the verse to refer to their seeing and hearing things by virtue of grace given in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:16-17

Parallel passage: Luke 10:23 , Luke 10:24 , after the return of the seventy, and immediately following our Matthew 11:25 , Matthew 11:27 . The verses stand there, that is to say, in close connexion with the other great utterance contrasting God's revelation of spiritual things to some and his hiding them from others. Possibly he spoke the verses only once (cf. the repetitions in the Prophets), but, in view of the frequency with which Christ's utterances are placed out of their original... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:17

For verily ( Matthew 5:18 , note). Not in the parallel passage; it is much more common in Matthew than Luke. Our Lord contrasts his disciples' "blessedness" not only with the state of their contemporaries, but with that of their predecessors in faith. I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men. Those who were specially favoured with insight into God's methods, and those who approached most closely to his standard of righteousness. Righteous men ; "kings" in Luke. St.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:17

Christians enjoying what prophets desired. They who truly receive the teaching of Christ and profit by it enjoy privileges which prophets and righteous men longed for in vain. I. THE PROPHETS ' DESIRES . The saints and seers of antiquity were not satisfied with the revelations made to them and the favour bestowed upon them. They looked forward to a glorious future when fuller light should appear, and when greater works of heavenly power should be accomplished. Let us consider the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:16-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:17

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