At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

MATTHEW 11:25KJV
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Matthew 11:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:25 mean?

Matthew 11:25 describes Jesus thanking God the Father for hiding spiritual truths from those considered wise and learned, while revealing them to those who are humble and childlike. Jesus is expressing gratitude that understanding of God's ways is not based on human intellect or status, but on a simple, open-hearted attitude.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking out loud, likely in the presence of his disciples and others who are listening. The setting follows a time when many people, especially religious leaders, have rejected Jesus' message, while ordinary people and those with humble hearts have received it. Jesus highlights that God's wisdom is accessible to those who approach with trust and humility, not just to those with worldly knowledge or power.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:25

  • "σοφῶν" (sophōn, "wise"): This word points to people seen as clever or educated, often the religious leaders or scholars of the time. Jesus contrasts their approach with that of the humble.
  • "συνέτων" (synetōn, "prudent" or "understanding"): This term refers to those who are considered insightful or discerning by worldly standards. Jesus notes that spiritual truths are not always grasped by those who rely on their own understanding.
  • "νηπίοις" (nēpiois, "babes" or "infants"): This word means little children or infants, symbolizing those who are humble, teachable, and dependent. Jesus uses it to show that God reveals deep truths to those who are open and trusting, not self-reliant.

Why Matthew 11:25 matters

  • Matthew 11:25 clears up the idea that spiritual understanding comes from education or intelligence alone; Jesus says it is about humility and openness.
  • This verse emphasizes that God values a childlike trust and willingness to receive, rather than pride or self-sufficiency.
  • Matthew 11:25 connects to the wider passage by showing why some people respond to Jesus while others do not—it depends on the posture of the heart, not social or intellectual standing.

Where else these words appear

“prudent” Greek G4908 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

“hid” Greek G613 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

“babes” Greek G3516 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
  • 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
  • Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

“thank” Greek G1843 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
  • Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.