Matthew 13:17
For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
verily
G281
ἀμὴν
verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
προφῆται
prophets
G4396
προφῆται
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
7 of 23
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δίκαιοι
righteous
G1342
δίκαιοι
righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
9 of 23
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἐπεθύμησαν
men have desired
G1937
ἐπεθύμησαν
men have desired
Strong's:
G1937
Word #:
10 of 23
to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)
εἶδον·
have
G1492
εἶδον·
have
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἃ
those things which
G3739
ἃ
those things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον·
have
G1492
εἶδον·
have
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἃ
those things which
G3739
ἃ
those things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 8:56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.Hebrews 11:13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.Luke 10:24For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Historical Context
Written around AD 60-70, Matthew's Gospel addresses Jewish Christians who needed to see Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The 'prophets and righteous men' includes figures like Abraham (John 8:56), Moses (Hebrews 11:26), David (Acts 2:30-31), Isaiah, Daniel—all who foresaw Messiah from afar without experiencing His earthly ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual privileges do you take for granted that previous generations longed to experience?
- How should knowing the prophets 'desired to see' what you have in Scripture change how you read the Bible?
- What does it mean to truly 'see' and 'hear' Christ—beyond physical presence to spiritual understanding?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see (ἐπεθύμησαν ἰδεῖν ἃ βλέπετε)—epithumeō expresses intense longing, earnest desire. The Old Testament saints yearned to witness the Messiah's coming (1 Peter 1:10-12; Hebrews 11:13), but died in faith without seeing fulfillment. The disciples, however, see the incarnate Word, hear His parables, witness miracles—experiencing what patriarchs and prophets only glimpsed in shadows and types.
This beatitude (unique to Matthew) heightens the privilege and responsibility of those who receive Jesus's teaching. To whom much revelation is given, much understanding is required (Luke 12:48). The disciples' 'seeing' and 'hearing' isn't merely physical but spiritual perception—the blessing of illuminated understanding that parables both reveal and conceal (13:10-16).