Matthew 13:51-52 Meaning: Have You Understood All These Things?
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.”
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.
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.
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.'
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.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus asks if the disciples understood the parables, then compares a kingdom scribe to a householder bringing out treasures new and old.
Context
Jesus has just finished telling seven parables about the kingdom of heaven, the sower, the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, and others. He spoke most of these to a large crowd, but now he is alone with his disciples, explaining what the parables mean. After the private explanation, he asks them directly if they have understood all these things. They say yes. Then he gives them this picture: a scribe who has been made a disciple in the kingdom is like a householder who brings out of his treasure both new and old things. This moment closes the parable discourse and sends the disciples out with a clear charge. Understanding is not the finish line. It is the starting point for generosity.
Key Words
Three Greek words give this verse its weight. First, the participle translated as 'who has been made a disciple' or 'instructed' is mathēteutheis, from the verb 'to disciple.' It is passive, the scribe did not train himself. God made him a learner through patient teaching. This is someone who has been shaped over time, not someone who simply memorized facts.
Second, the word for 'treasure' is thēsauros. It means a storehouse or treasury, not just a coin chest. It is a place where valuable things are kept for later use, grain, wine, heirlooms, provisions. Everything you will need is stored here, but it is not meant to sit untouched.
Third, the verb 'brings forth' is ekballei, which literally means to 'throw out' or 'fling out.' Commentators point out that this suggests eagerness and fullness. The householder does not grudgingly hand out scraps. He casts his treasures abroad, generously, as the need arises. All three words together paint a picture of someone humbly taught by God, richly supplied, and freely giving.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this verse as a description of the faithful teacher or witness. Many commentators identify the 'scribe' as a Christian teacher trained in the mysteries of the kingdom. The phrase 'new and old' has been read in two main ways. Some see the Old and New Testaments, the old covenant and the new covenant, both treasured by one who understands God's unfolding plan. Others read it as a call to bring out both timeless truths and fresh insights, old scriptures applied in new situations. Both views agree on the central point: a disciple who understands the kingdom is equipped to share a rich variety of wisdom, suited to the moment. The householder draws on a full store, not a narrow one.
A common misunderstanding
A common reading is that 'new and old things' means any mix of old traditions and new ideas, as if Jesus is endorsing a scrapbook approach. In fact, the key is in the phrase 'instructed unto the kingdom' or 'made a disciple.' The treasures come from someone whose life has been reshaped by the kingdom. They are not random, they are the fruit of being taught by Christ himself. The order and use of what is brought forth depends on the Lord's timing and the neighbor's need.
Living This Out
This week, take time to name one old truth from Scripture that has held you steady, and one new insight God has recently shown you, perhaps through a sermon, a conversation, or your own reading. The old truth might be something like 'God is faithful' that you have known for years. The new insight might be a fresh angle on patience or forgiveness. Then look for a natural moment to share both. You might tell a friend how a familiar verse came alive to you in a new way. The householder did not wait for a formal occasion. He brought out what was needed as the day required. You can do the same.
Main takeaway: Understanding the kingdom prepares you to share its treasures, both familiar and fresh, with those around you.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus told stories about God’s kingdom. He asked his friends, “Do you understand?” They said yes. Then he said, “Now share what you know, like a dad who brings out special toys from a box, some old favorites and some new ones.”
For ages 9, 12
Jesus compared a disciple to a homeowner with a storage room full of valuable things. When guests come, the homeowner brings out both old treasures that have been in the family for years and new things he just found. That is what we do when we share what we have learned about God. We tell the old stories from the Bible and also the new things God is teaching us every day. Both are needed, and both are gifts.
Questions People Ask
What does 'scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven' mean?
In Jesus' day, a scribe was a teacher of the law. But here Jesus redefines the word: a scribe who has been made a disciple of the kingdom. This means someone who has personally been taught by God through Christ, not just someone with book learning. The emphasis is on being shaped by the kingdom from the inside.
What are the 'new and old things' from the treasure?
Christians have understood this in different ways. Many see the old as the truths of the Old Testament or long-held Christian teaching, and the new as the fresh insights and mercies that come from following Christ. Others think it refers to presenting timeless truths in ways that fit new situations. All agree that the disciple's store contains both, nothing is wasted.
Why does Jesus test the disciples' understanding before giving this parable?
Jesus wants to confirm that they have truly grasped what he taught them privately. Understanding is the foundation for the next step, sharing. Without understanding, you cannot bring out the right treasure at the right time. So he asks gently, and when they affirm their understanding, he gives them the charge to become generous householders of the truth.
Is this verse only for pastors and church teachers?
The immediate context speaks to the Twelve, who would go on to lead the church. But the principle extends to every disciple. Anyone who has been taught by Christ has a treasure to share. You may not stand in a pulpit, but you can bring out new and old things for the people in your life, a word of encouragement, a story of God's faithfulness, a verse that helped you.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study