Matthew 13:35
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Cross-reference
Matthew 13:3 records Jesus actually telling parables, which is the action fulfilling the prophecy quoted in 13:35.
Matthew 27:9 again uses the fulfillment formula, showing a consistent pattern in Matthew's gospel.
Matthew 1:22 uses the same fulfillment formula ('to fulfill what was spoken'), matching the structure in Matthew 13:35.
Matthew 12:17 also uses the fulfillment formula, another instance of Matthew's pattern of citing prophecy.
Matthew 25:34 uses the same 'foundation of the world' phrase for the kingdom prepared, linking to the hidden things from foundation in Matthew 13:35.
Romans 16:25 speaks of the mystery kept secret since the world began—almost identical language, revealing the Gospel as that hidden secret.
1 Corinthians 2:7 describes hidden wisdom ordained before the world—a clear parallel to the things kept secret from the foundation.
In Ephesians 3:5, the mystery hidden from past generations is now revealed to apostles — directly echoing the 'things hidden since foundation' uttered in parables.
Ephesians 3:9 speaks of bringing to light the mystery hidden for ages in God — parallel to Christ uttering things hidden since creation.
Colossians 1:26 explicitly mentions the mystery hidden for ages now revealed to saints — directly parallel to the hidden things uttered in Matthew 13:35.
In 2 Timothy 1:10, this grace is now manifested and brought to light through the gospel — parallel to the revealing of hidden things in Matthew 13:35.
Titus 1:3 says God manifested his word at the proper time — strongly parallel to Christ uttering hidden things from foundation.
Psalm 78:2 is the direct source of this quotation—Asaph's psalm about teaching parables and dark sayings from the past.
1 Peter 1:12 describes the revelation of things previously hidden, mirroring the 'hidden from foundation' in Matthew 13:35—both about divine mysteries now unveiled.
1 Peter 1:20 says Christ was foreknown before foundation and later revealed—directly echoing the hidden then revealed pattern of Matthew 13:35.
Revelation 13:8 names the book of life written 'before the foundation of the world,' parallel to the hidden things from foundation in Matthew 13:35.
Revelation 17:8 repeats the book of life written 'from the foundation of the world,' repeating the same phrase as Matthew 13:35.
Mark 4:33 describes Jesus speaking many parables, reinforcing the parabolic teaching theme that the fulfillment citation supports.
Numbers 12:8 contrasts God speaking clearly, not in riddles, whereas Matthew 13:35 presents parables as hidden things—a direct contrast in communication style.
Mark 4:2 parallels Matthew's account, showing Jesus teaching in parables, matching the action behind the fulfillment quote.
Proverbs 1:6 mentions understanding proverbs and parables — directly matching Jesus' mode of teaching.
Deuteronomy 29:29 contrasts hidden and revealed truths — directly echoing the 'hidden since the foundation' theme Jesus claims to utter.
Ezekiel 17:2 commands to speak a parable, directly paralleling the 'open my mouth in parables' quote.
John 16:25 notes Jesus speaks figuratively now but will speak plainly later, complementing the hidden-revealed nature of parables.
John 17:24 mentions Christ's love 'before the foundation of the world,' echoing the hidden-from-foundation theme in Matthew 13:35.
Job 15:8 asks if one hears God's council — a parallel to the hidden divine wisdom Jesus utters.
Job 11:6 speaks of 'secrets of wisdom' — a parallel to the hidden things Jesus reveals in parables.
Mark 12:1 shows Jesus continuing to teach in parables, fulfilling the pattern of revealing hidden truths.
Psalm 49:4 also mentions parables and dark sayings—a parallel OT use of similar language about hidden wisdom.