Taught in Parables
Psalm 78:2 foretold a teacher who would open His mouth in parables — Christ.
Asaph's psalm declared, 'I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.' Matthew cites the verse as fulfilled when Jesus taught the multitudes only in parables.
The Prophecy
"I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old."
The Fulfillment
"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables..."
A prophesied method
Even Christ's teaching style was prophesied. The parables both revealed truth to disciples and concealed it from the hardened — fulfilling Isaiah 6 as well as Psalm 78.
Dark sayings of old
The 'dark sayings' point to mysteries of the kingdom hidden from foundation of the world, now disclosed in Christ's parables to those given ears to hear.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jesus speaking in parables fulfill prophecy?
Yes — Matthew 13:35 explicitly cites Psalm 78:2 as fulfilled by Christ's parabolic teaching.
Why did Jesus teach in parables?
To reveal the kingdom to disciples and conceal it from the hardened (Matthew 13:10-15) — fulfilling Psalm 78:2 and Isaiah 6:9-10.
Are parables just nice stories?
No — they are divinely loaded dark sayings, requiring spiritual ears to receive their meaning.
Related Bible Prophecies
Great Light in Galilee
Isaiah foretold that despised Galilee would see a great light — fulfilled in Christ.
Declared the Son of God
Psalm 2:7 foretold the Father's declaration; fulfilled at the baptism, transfiguration, and resurrection.
A Kingdom That Shall Never Be Destroyed
Daniel's stone becomes a mountain that fills the whole earth.
The Messiah Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 foretold a virgin would bear Immanuel — fulfilled in Mary.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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Isaiah 61:1 Commentary
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Biblical Meaning of a Tree in a Dream (KJV)
The righteous life, generations, or judgment on fruitlessness.