New Testament
Matthew 13:52
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He said to them, "Therefore every scribe who is instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his treasure both new and old things."
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Then 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.
What Matthew 13:52 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus compares a scribe who understands the teachings of the kingdom of heaven to a homeowner who has a treasure of valuable items. Just as a homeowner can bring out both new and old treasures, a scribe can share both new insights and traditional teachings about God's kingdom. This highlights the importance of being knowledgeable and versatile in sharing wisdom. The 'new' represents fresh revelations and understandings of faith, while the 'old' signifies the established teachings and traditions that have been passed down. Together, they enrich the understanding of the kingdom, showing that both aspects are valuable and necessary for a complete picture of spiritual truth.
How to apply Matthew 13:52 to your life
As believers, we should strive to learn from both new insights and traditional teachings of our faith. This balance helps us grow spiritually and enables us to share a richer understanding of God's kingdom with others, fostering deeper conversations about faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:52 mean?
Matthew 13:52 means that a scribe who understands the kingdom of heaven can share both new insights and traditional teachings, similar to a homeowner who brings out valuable treasures.
What is the meaning of 'scribe' in Matthew 13:52?
In Matthew 13:52, a 'scribe' refers to someone knowledgeable in the Scriptures and teachings of the faith, responsible for interpreting and sharing wisdom about the kingdom of heaven.
How does Matthew 13:52 relate to teaching?
Matthew 13:52 highlights that effective teaching involves drawing from both new insights and established teachings, encouraging a balanced approach to sharing knowledge about God's kingdom.
What does 'new and old things' mean in Matthew 13:52?
In Matthew 13:52, 'new and old things' refers to fresh revelations and traditional teachings, indicating that both are valuable for a comprehensive understanding of the kingdom of heaven.
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