Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

MATTHEW 13:43KJV
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Matthew 13:43 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:43 mean?

Matthew 13:43 describes a future time when those who are considered righteous will shine with a brightness like the sun in the kingdom of God the Father. Jesus ends this statement by urging anyone who is able to understand to pay close attention to what he is saying.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, explaining the meaning of his parables about the kingdom of heaven. The image of the righteous "shining" points to a future reward and honor for those who belong to God, contrasting with earlier warnings about judgment. The phrase "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear" is a call for listeners to truly grasp the deeper meaning of his teaching, not just hear the words.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:43

  • δίκαιοι (dikaioi, "righteous"): This word refers to those who are upright or just in God's eyes. The emphasis is on people who have been found faithful or approved by God.
  • ἐκλάμψουσιν (eklampsousin, "shine forth"): The Greek carries the sense of radiating or beaming out light, suggesting a visible, glorious transformation.
  • βασιλείᾳ (basileia, "kingdom"): This word often means a realm or reign, and here it highlights that the shining happens within the domain or rule of God the Father.
  • Ὦτα (ōta, "ears"): The use of "ears" here is symbolic, urging not just physical hearing but spiritual understanding and attentiveness.

Why Matthew 13:43 matters

  • Matthew 13:43 clarifies that the reward for the righteous is not just survival or safety, but a glorious transformation and honor in God's kingdom.
  • The verse connects directly to the parable of the weeds, contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked, and highlighting the final separation and outcome.
  • Jesus’ call to listen carefully ("Who hath ears to hear, let him hear") signals that this teaching is especially important and not everyone will grasp its full meaning without thoughtful attention.

Where else these words appear

“sun” Greek G2246 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
  • Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

“ears” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;