Matthew 13:51-52 · Bible study
Matthew 13:51-52 Commentary: The Scribes of the Kingdom
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus tests the disciples' understanding of the parables and calls them scribes of the kingdom, ready to bring forth new and old treasures from God's truth.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jesus confirms the disciples' understanding of the parables and calls them to be faithful stewards of kingdom truths, bringing forth both fresh and established teaching.
- Key words: γραμματεύς (scribe), μαθητευθεὶς (discipled), βασιλεία (kingdom), θησαυρός (treasure), καινὰ and παλαιά (new and old).
- Main debate: Whether the "scribe" refers exclusively to Christian teachers or to all believers, and whether "new and old" points to the two testaments or to variety of instruction.
- Theological theme: The kingdom of heaven demands understanding that leads to generous sharing; every disciple is a steward of God's revelation.
- Best use: A commissioning text for those who teach, and a call for all believers to grow in understanding and share what they learn.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
51Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered.
52Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
51Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They answered him, “Yes, Lord.”
52He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out of his treasure new and old things.”
KJV King James Version 1769
51Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
51Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.
52And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
51Jesus saith to them, `Did ye understand all these?' They say to him, `Yes, sir.'
52And he said to them, `Because of this every scribe having been discipled in regard to the reign of the heavens, is like to a man, a householder, who doth bring forth out of his treasure things new and old.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
51Jesus says to them, Have ye understood all these things? They say to him, Yea, [Lord].
52And he said to them, For this reason every scribe discipled to the kingdom of the heavens is like a man [that is] a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
51Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes.
52He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Matthew 13:51
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that these two verses form a transitional conclusion to Jesus' parable discourse. Having asked "Have you understood all these things?" (v. 51) and received a positive answer, Jesus issues a commission shaped as a final parable. Adam Clarke notes that the question reveals the "utmost weight and importance" of the parables, requiring repeated consideration. Barnes adds that Jesus "kindly asked" to confirm their grasp of the truth. The answer "Yes, Lord" demonstrates, according to Gill, their "close and strict attention" and special illumination.
The image of the scribe who has been made a disciple (μαθητευθεὶς) is central. Calvin sees this as a charge to teachers, who must be like householders with a store of varied instruction. Barnes widens it: every Christian instructed in the gospel must bring forth truth as needed. The "new and old" treasures, says Vincent, refer to the abundance of divine truth, both freshly learned and long held. The Cambridge Bible notes that the old law and new gospel of Christ together supply the Christian teacher's treasury.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Scribes as official teachers: The term γραμματεύς echoes Jewish legal experts, and Calvin interprets the householder as a teacher of the church who must be prepared by long study.
- Scribes as all disciples: The participle μαθητευθεὶς (having been discipled) suggests that the scribe is one who has been taught; Barnes extends the application to every believer acquainted with the gospel.
What is clear: The passage links understanding the kingdom's truths with the responsibility to share them generously, whether in formal teaching or everyday witness.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the 'scribe'? | The scribe is a disciple of the kingdom whose teaching role flows from being discipled by Jesus. | Calvin and others see the scribe as specifically a teacher of the church, while Barnes and Gill apply the term to every believer instructed in the gospel. |
| What are 'new and old'? | The treasures are divine truths stored up for the benefit of others. | Some ancient interpreters read them as the Old and New Testaments; Calvin rejects this as forced and prefers a varied and manifold distribution of instruction suited to each person's capacity. |
| The role of understanding | Understanding the parables is essential before one can teach or share them. | Clarke emphasizes repeated consideration for full understanding, while Barnes sees the disciples' confession as sufficient for the immediate commission. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Jewish scribe (γραμματεύς) was a professional interpreter of the Mosaic law, often a legal expert and teacher. In Matthew's Gospel, scribes frequently appear as opponents of Jesus (ch. 23). Here Jesus redefines the office: a scribe of the kingdom is not a learned guardian of tradition but one who has himself been made a disciple (μαθητευθεὶς) of the kingdom. The passive participle implies divine agency, this scribe is taught by God.
The setting is the conclusion of Matthew 13, a discourse of seven parables spoken to a mixed audience. Mark 4:34 reports that Jesus explained everything privately to his own disciples. The disciples have just received the explanation of the parables of the sower, weeds, mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure, pearl, and dragnet. These parables describe the nature and spread of the kingdom, from its small beginnings to its final judgment (the net).
By asking "Have you understood all these things?" Jesus tests not their memory but their spiritual perception. The phrase "all these things" echoes the "mysteries of the kingdom" given to them (Matthew 13:11). Understanding here is more than intellectual, it is the capacity to steward the kingdom's truths. The phrase "treasure" (θησαυρός) connotes a storehouse of precious goods. The householder (οἰκοδεσπότης) would routinely draw from his storeroom both newly harvested produce and reserves from previous years, a familiar image for abundance and readiness.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note that some Greek and versional manuscripts (including the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic) omit the opening "Jesus said to them" in verse 51, but the majority of manuscripts include it. Gill observes that the phrase is necessary to the connection. This variant does not alter the meaning of the passage.
Reception History
In the early church, this passage was often read as a call for Christian teachers to be well-versed in both the Old and New Testaments (the new and old treasures). During the Reformation, Calvin applied it to teachers who must draw from a store of varied instruction. John Wesley, in his Explanatory Notes, saw the scribe as a duly prepared preacher of the Gospel with a treasure of divine knowledge. The passage has thus served as a foundational text for the training and commissioning of Christian teachers across traditions.
Preaching This Verse
This short passage concludes the parable discourse and turns the disciples' understanding into a commission. It reminds every disciple that insight into the kingdom carries a responsibility to share generously.
Three-point outline
- Understanding tested. Jesus does not assume the disciples grasped the parables. He asks directly (v. 51). Their affirmative answer sets the stage for the commission.
- A new kind of scribe. The one "instructed unto the kingdom of heaven" is not a legal expert but a disciple of the kingdom, taught by the King himself.
- Treasures for the household. The householder brings out both new and old. So must every disciple share both fresh insights and enduring truths for the church's nurture.
Five-point outline
- Jesus' pastoral check. He asks about understanding, not just hearing. The question is both gracious and demanding.
- The disciples' humble confession. They answer "Yes, Lord," a title that acknowledges his authority and their readiness.
- The redefined scribe. Not a rabbi of the law, but one discipled in the kingdom. The passive participle underscores that God made them what they are.
- The householder's practice. A master of a house gives out of his treasury. The verb ἐκβάλλει ("puts forth") suggests eagerness and generosity.
- New and old together. Both fresh revelation and inherited truth are equally valuable. The wise teacher knows when to draw from each.
Illustration hooks
- A grandparent who keeps both family heirlooms and recent photos, sharing stories from each generation with the grandchildren.
- A chef who masters both traditional recipes and new techniques, drawing from a full kitchen to feed a large family.
- A librarian who can recommend both classic literature and the latest bestsellers, able to meet the needs of any reader.
Questions your congregation is asking
- "If I'm not a teacher or pastor, am I still called to be this kind of scribe?"
- "What does 'new and old' mean for my personal Bible study and sharing with others?"
- "How can I know that I really 'understand' the kingdom the way Jesus expects?"
Leading a Discussion
In Matthew 13:51-52, Jesus concludes his parable discourse by checking the disciples' understanding and then describing them as scribes of the kingdom. This passage invites us to consider our own grasp of the kingdom's truths and our responsibility to share them with others.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Jesus asked "Have you understood all these things?" What does that reveal about his priorities?
- How did the disciples' response ("Yes, Lord") reflect their confidence in Jesus' teaching?
- What does it mean to be "made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven"? How is this different from just learning more about God?
- The image of the householder brings out "new and old" things. What might the "new" and "old" represent for you personally?
- In what ways is every Christian called to be a scribe, not just pastors or teachers?
- Are there "old" truths from Scripture that you have neglected? Are there "new" insights God is teaching you that you haven't shared?
- How can this passage shape the way you read, understand, and pass on the Bible to others?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Matthew 13:11 | He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. |
| Matthew 13:19 | When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. |
| Matthew 15:17 | Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly and then out of the body? |
| Matthew 16:11 | How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” |
| Matthew 24:15 | “When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), |
| Mark 4:34 | Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything. |
| Mark 7:18 | He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Don’t you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can’t defile him, |
| Mark 8:17 | Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, “Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Don’t you perceive yet or understand? Is your heart still hardened? |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke emphasizes that a Gospel minister must be richly stocked with Scripture, not just human learning, and must distribute that knowledge generously and wisely. He compares the preacher to a bountiful householder, not a miser hoarding truth or a merchant trading on it. The old and new treasures may represent the Old and New Testaments, which must be understood together.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes stresses that understanding the truth carries an obligation to use it. A disciple instructed in the kingdom must be like a householder who brings out both old and new treasures as the need arises, not keeping them hidden. The point is active and timely distribution of knowledge to benefit others, especially for those who preach.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses that Jesus took great pains to instruct his disciples privately so they would then pass that knowledge on to others, not keep it to themselves. He calls teachers householders who stock provisions for many, and rejects the idea that "things new and old" mean Law and Gospel. For Calvin, the phrase simply describes teaching that is richly varied and suited to each listener's need.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary introduces a new order of scribes for the new covenant, trained in the kingdom's mysteries as Jewish scribes were trained in the law. The Christian teacher, like a wise householder, draws from both old and new treasures, combining the true meaning of the old law with the fresh lessons of Christianity. An alternative view sees this as being ready with the right lesson for any occasion, like offering from either last year's grain or this year's harvest.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill emphasizes that the disciples' quick grasp of Jesus' parables proved their attentive listening and divinely opened understanding. This prompted Jesus to encourage them to freely share their knowledge, comparing a well-taught minister to a householder who draws from his rich store both new and old truths, supplying varied spiritual nourishment suited to every need.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that Jesus reserved his last three parables for the disciples alone, not the mixed crowd. He then defines a Christian teacher as a householder who draws from his store of divine truth, presenting old truths in constantly new forms, aspects, and applications.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry draws a contrast: earlier parables highlighted the kingdom's small start, but these two stress its overwhelming value. The treasure and the pearl point to Christ himself, in whom all spiritual riches are stored. Those who truly find this treasure joyfully give up everything to possess it.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent notes that "instructed unto the kingdom" means being made a disciple to a personified kingdom of heaven. The householder belongs to a class, marked by the pronoun "hostis," whose characteristic is zealously flinging forth (ekballo) instruction from the fullness within.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley identifies the scribe instructed for the kingdom as a fully prepared Gospel preacher. Such a minister possesses a treasure of divine knowledge, a well-stored collection from which he can draw every kind of teaching and instruction.