He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Ver. 11. Because it is given to you] Plutarch thinks that life is given to men merely for the getting of knowledge. And the Greeks call man Φωτα, for the inbred desire of light and knowledge that is naturally in all. a But desire we never so much, none can attain to sound and saving knowledge, but those only to whom it is given from above, into whose hearts Christ lets in a ray of heavenly light. Hence Proverbs 30:3,4, to know heavenly things is to ascend into heaven. And Luke 12:48, to know the Master's will, is the great talent of all other: there is a "much" set upon it.
But to them it is not given] By a secret but most just judgment of God, who hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth. The reason of many things now hidden from us we shall see at the last day. Have patience, and be content in the mean while with a learned ignorance.
a τον βιον εις γνωσιν απο θεου δοθηναι .