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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 13:10 Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Why do You speak to the people in parables?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/40_Mat_13_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 13:10 - The Purpose of Jesus' Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Why do You speak to the people in parables?" /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/13-9.htm" title="Matthew 13:9">◄</a> Matthew 13:10 <a href="/matthew/13-11.htm" title="Matthew 13:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The disciples came to him and asked, &#8220Why do you speak to the people in parables?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples having approached, said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And the disciples came and said to Him, &#8220Why do You speak to them in parables?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the crowds in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came up and asked him, “Why are you speaking to them in parables? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came up and asked Him, &#8220Why do You speak to them in parables?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus' disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you use stories to speak to the people?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The disciples asked him, "Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came and asked Jesus, "Why do you speak to people in parables?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to him and said, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples came, and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the disciples came, and said to him, Why speakest thou to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />(And His disciples came and asked Him, "Why do you speak to them in figurative language?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The disciples came, and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the disciples having come near, said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in allegories?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples having approached, said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the disciples having come near, said to him, 'Wherefore in similes dost thou speak to them?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the disciples having come near, said to him, Why speakest thou to them in parables?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And his disciples came and said to him: Why speakest thou to them in parables? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And his disciples drew near to him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then his disciples drew near to him and said, Why do you speak to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And his disciples approached and they were saying to him, “Why are you speaking with them in parables?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples came and said to him: "Why dost thou speak to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And His disciples coming, said to Him; Wherefore do you speak to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And when his disciples came, they said to him, Why speakest thou to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />(And His disciples came and asked Him, "Why do you speak to them in figurative language?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples, having come near, said to Him, "Wherefore dost Thou speak to them in parables?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples came to Him and said, Why dost thou speak to them in parables?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/13-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3507" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">The Purpose of Jesus' Parables</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9</span>He who has ears, let him hear.” <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthontes (V-APA-NMP) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came to Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: Dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: laleis (V-PIA-2S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">do You speak</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to the people</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3850.htm" title="3850: parabolais (N-DFP) -- From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.">parables?”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">11</span>He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-10.htm">Mark 4:10-12</a></span><br />As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable. / He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, / so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-9.htm">Luke 8:9-10</a></span><br />Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant. / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-41</a></span><br />Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-10</a></span><br />What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a></span><br />Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a></span><br />“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Acts 28:25-27</a></span><br />They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: / ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-16</a></span><br />But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5-6</a></span><br />let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel / by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a></span><br />“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the disciples came, and said to him, Why speak you to them in parables?</p><p class="hdg">Why.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/4-10.htm">Mark 4:10,33,34</a></b></br> And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/12-49.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Figurative</a> <a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Form</a> <a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Language</a> <a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Similes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-47.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-3.htm">Speakest</a> <a href="/amos/9-6.htm">Stories</a> <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Figurative</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Form</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Language</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Similes</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/luke/12-41.htm">Speakest</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Stories</a> <a href="/matthew/14-31.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-1.htm">The parable of the sower and the seed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-18.htm">the explanation of it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">The parable of the weeds;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">of the mustard seed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">of the leaven;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">explanation of the parable of the weeds.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">The parable of the hidden treasure;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">45. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">of the pearl;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-47.htm">of the drag net cast into the sea.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">53. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/13.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Then the disciples came to Jesus</b><br />This phrase indicates a moment of transition and intimacy. The disciples, those who have chosen to follow Jesus closely, approach Him directly. The Greek word for "disciples" is "μαθηταί" (mathētai), meaning learners or students. This highlights their role as seekers of deeper understanding. In the historical context, discipleship involved a close, personal relationship with a teacher, emphasizing the importance of direct communication and inquiry in the learning process.<p><b>and asked</b><br />The act of asking signifies a desire for knowledge and clarity. The Greek word "ἐπηρώτησαν" (epērōtēsan) implies a questioning that seeks to uncover deeper truths. This reflects the disciples' recognition of Jesus as a source of wisdom and their willingness to engage with Him to gain insight. It also underscores the importance of questioning in the pursuit of spiritual growth.<p><b>Why do You speak to the people in parables?</b><br />This question addresses the method of Jesus' teaching. The Greek word for "parables" is "παραβολαῖς" (parabolais), which means a comparison or analogy. Parables are a distinctive feature of Jesus' teaching, using everyday situations to convey profound spiritual truths. Historically, parables were a common teaching tool in Jewish tradition, designed to provoke thought and self-reflection. The disciples' question reveals their curiosity about the purpose and effectiveness of this method. It invites readers to consider the layers of meaning in Jesus' teachings and the ways in which parables can reveal truths to those who are open to understanding.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">The disciples came, and said unto him.</span>--They, it would seem, were with our Lord in the boat. The parable was ended, and then followed a pause, during which, unheard by the multitude on the shore, came their question and our Lord's answer.<p><span class= "bld">Why speakest thou unto them in parables?</span>--The wonder of the disciples probably included many elements of surprise. Why in parables instead of, as before, the direct announcement of the kingdom of heaven, and the call to prepare for it by repentance? And why to <span class= "ital">them,</span> when they were not students with intellect sharpened in Rabbinic schools, but plain peasants and fishermen, slow and dull of heart?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 10-17.</span> - <span class="accented">The reason</span> w<span class="accented">hy Christ spoke to the multitudes in parables.</span> The question of the disciples (ver. 10). Christ's antithesis - You are the recipients of God's gift; they are not (ver. 11). This is not arbitrary, but in accordance with a universal law (ver. 12). They have not been using their faculties, and therefore they are thus judged, in accordance with the words of Isaiah (vers. 13-15). The privilege of the disciples further insisted upon (vers. 16, 17). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - Matthew alone in this form. In Luke the disciples asked our Lord what the parable was; in Mark, more generally, they "asked of him the parables." Whether the question as given by St. Matthew was actually spoken by the disciples or not, the Lord's answer, the substance of which is the same in all three accounts, suggests that it at least represents their thoughts. St. Matthew probably wishes to bring out with special clearness, by his version of their words, the point of our Lord's reply. <span class="cmt_word">And the disciples.</span> Including more than the twelve; so Mark, "They that were about him with the twelve" (cf. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Matthew 5:1</a>, note) <span class="cmt_word">Came</span>. Presumably some little time afterwards, for he must have left the boat (ver. 2). <span class="cmt_word">And said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?</span> <span class="accented">Them</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> those outside the circle of Christ's followers (<span class="greek">οἱ</span> <span class="greek">ἔξω</span>, Mark). For the general meaning of our Lord's reply to this question, see the remarks at the beginning of this chapter. Other questions about our Lord's reasons for what he did are to be found in <a href="/matthew/9-11.htm">Matthew 9:11, 14</a>; <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2</a>; <a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19</a>; <a href="/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8</a> (cf. also <a href="/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2</a> with <a href="/luke/6-2.htm">Luke 6:2</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/13-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="grk">Καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mathētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came to [Jesus]</span><br /><span class="grk">προσελθόντες</span> <span class="translit">(proselthontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] asked,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπαν</span> <span class="translit">(eipan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="grk">Διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(Dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do You speak</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(laleis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [the people]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">parables?”</span><br /><span class="grk">παραβολαῖς</span> <span class="translit">(parabolais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3850.htm">Strong's 3850: </a> </span><span class="str2">From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/13-10.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 13:10 The disciples came and said to him (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/13-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 13:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/13-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 13:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>