Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

MATTHEW 13:51KJV
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Matthew 13:51 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:51 mean?

Matthew 13:51 shows Jesus checking whether his disciples have grasped what he has been teaching them through stories and explanations. They answer yes and address him as Lord. Their answer marks a moment when the listeners speak for themselves about their understanding.

The question comes after Jesus has described what happens at the end of the world in verse 50. “All these things” points back to the teaching Jesus has given, rather than just to the last image he used. The disciples’ reply prepares for his next words about someone who brings out treasures old and new.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:51

  • “understood” — συνίημι (syniēmi): The Greek carries the sense of grasping or putting things together. Jesus asks about more than whether the disciples have heard his words.
  • “Lord” — κύριος (kyrios): The word can be used as a respectful form of address for a master or person in authority. In the KJV, the disciples use “Lord” as they answer Jesus.

Why Matthew 13:51 matters

  • Jesus treats understanding as distinct from listening. Earlier in the chapter, he speaks of people who hear but do not understand (Matthew 13:13); here he asks his disciples whether they have understood.
  • The disciples’ answer is their own assessment. Their “Yea, Lord” gives the reader their response at that moment.
  • The question reaches across several stories. “All these things” follows accounts involving a sower, weeds, a mustard seed, treasure, a pearl, and a net, along with Jesus’ explanations.

Where else these words appear

“understood” Greek G4920 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
  • Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

“Yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?