Matthew 13:15

Authorized King James Version

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐπαχύνθη

G3975

is waxed gross

to thicken, i.e., (by implication) to fatten (figuratively, stupefy or render callous)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίᾳ

G2588

heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαοῦ

G2992

people's

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

τούτου

G5127

this

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ὠσὶν

G3775

their ears

the ear (physically or mentally)

#11

βαρέως

G917

are dull

heavily (figuratively)

#12

ἀκούσωσιν

G191

hear

to hear (in various senses)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

ὀφθαλμοῖς

G3788

eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

#16

αὐτούς

G846

them

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

#17

ἐκάμμυσαν

G2576

they have closed

to shut down, i.e., close the eyes

#18

μήποτε

G3379

lest at any time

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

#19

ἴδωσιν

G1492

they should see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#20

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ὀφθαλμοῖς

G3788

eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ὠσὶν

G3775

their ears

the ear (physically or mentally)

#25

ἀκούσωσιν

G191

hear

to hear (in various senses)

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#27

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

καρδίᾳ

G2588

heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#29

συνῶσιν

G4920

should understand

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#31

ἐπιστρέψωσιν

G1994

should be converted

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

#32

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#33

ἰάσωμαι

G2390

I should heal

to cure (literally or figuratively)

#34

αὐτούς

G846

them

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 13:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources