Matthew 11:15
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This formula echoes Old Testament prophetic calls: 'Hear, O Israel' (Deuteronomy 6:4), Isaiah's lament over those with ears but don't hear (Isaiah 6:9-10), Ezekiel's contrast between those who hear and refuse versus those who hear and obey (Ezekiel 3:27). Jesus employs prophetic pattern: after delivering significant teaching, He issues this summons, distinguishing receptive from resistant hearers. The original audience heard the same words but with vastly different results: disciples believed and followed; religious leaders rejected and plotted murder. This pattern continued through church history. The same sermons that ignited Protestant Reformation hardened others against it. The same gospel message that transforms some repels others. Jesus's formula thus proves prophetically accurate across two millennia: spiritual hearing depends not on message clarity, preacher eloquence, or intellectual capacity, but on God's sovereign gift of regeneration opening ears and hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate spiritual hearing—sensitivity to God's Word beyond mere intellectual comprehension?
- What evidence demonstrates you have 'ears to hear'—how does understanding translate to obedience?
- What does this repeated formula teach about the nature of faith and the necessity of divine grace for belief?
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Analysis & Commentary
'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.' This refrain (repeated in Matthew 13:9, 13:43, Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8, Revelation 2-3) distinguishes physical hearing from spiritual comprehension. Everyone has physical ears, but 'ears to hear' spiritually is God's gift (Matthew 13:11). The phrase is both invitation and warning: invitation to those with spiritual capacity to understand and act on Jesus's words; warning that many will hear audibly without comprehending spiritually (Matthew 13:13-15). Jesus thus divides His audience: those with regenerated hearts hear and obey; those with hardened hearts hear and resist. Reformed theology sees this demonstrating the necessity of divine illumination—natural human capacity cannot grasp spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Holy Spirit must open ears and hearts. This provides both humility (if you understand, it's God's gift) and urgency (respond to what you hear lest hardness increase). The verse also implies accountability: hearing brings responsibility. Those who hear clearly will give account for their response (Luke 12:48).