Mark 4:9
And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγεν
he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς,
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς,
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 8
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ὃ
G3588
Ὃ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 8
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Matthew 11:15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.Revelation 3:6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.Revelation 3:22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.Revelation 3:13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.Luke 8:18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.Matthew 15:10And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:Matthew 13:9Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.Mark 4:3Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
Historical Context
Rabbis commonly ended parables with proverbial sayings inviting reflection. Jesus' formula invites deeper engagement with the parable's meaning. The disciples later ask for explanation (Mark 4:10), demonstrating that even they needed help understanding. This pattern continues—Jesus teaches in parables that simultaneously reveal truth to receptive hearts while concealing it from hard hearts (Mark 4:11-12). Early church emphasized hearing and doing God's word (James 1:22-25), not mere intellectual knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your hearing of Scripture translate into obedient action, not merely intellectual understanding?
- What prevents you from truly 'hearing' God's word with responsive, transforming faith?
- How can you cultivate spiritual ears that perceive and respond to God's voice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus concludes the parable: 'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.' This isn't merely physical hearing but spiritual comprehension and obedient response. The phrase 'hath ears' (ἔχει ὦτα) assumes everyone has physical ears, but spiritual hearing requires God-given capacity. The command 'let him hear' (ἀκουέτω, imperative) calls for active, attentive listening that leads to transformation. This formula appears repeatedly in Scripture (Mark 4:23; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22), emphasizing responsibility to respond rightly to revealed truth. The call distinguishes genuine disciples from curious crowds—disciples hear and obey.