Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 13:51

"Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea." — Matthew 13:51 (ASV)

Jesus’ question picks up the disciples’ request for an explanation (v.36) but goes beyond it, since the question is introduced after three additional parables. “All these things” refers to the meaning of parables in general, to the meaning of unexplained parables, and to the “secrets of the kingdom” (v.11).

This is the only place in this chapter where the disciples themselves are explicitly said to understand, and they say it by themselves. Matthew portrays the disciples realistically. They certainly understood more than the crowds; on the other hand, they are shortly to be rebuked for their dullness (15:16).