Matthew 13:9
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
Who
G3588
ὁ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
hath
G2192
ἔχων
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 5
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Revelation 2:11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.Matthew 11:15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.Revelation 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.Revelation 2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.Revelation 2:29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.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.Mark 4:9And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.Mark 4:23If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Historical Context
Jesus taught multitudes by the Sea of Galilee, using parables drawn from agricultural life familiar to His audience. Yet these simple stories contained profound kingdom mysteries accessible only to faith.
This phrase's repetition in Revelation (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22) shows its enduring importance. The risen Christ still calls churches to hear with spiritual understanding, not just physical ears. Throughout church history, this call has separated nominal professors from genuine believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we cultivate 'ears to hear'—what spiritual disciplines and heart attitudes enable us to truly grasp God's word rather than merely hear it?
- Why does Jesus use this phrase particularly after parables—what does this teach about the nature of spiritual truth and who can understand it?
- In what ways might we be guilty of hearing God's word physically without truly hearing it spiritually, and how can we guard against such hardness of heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. This phrase appears repeatedly in Jesus's teaching (Matthew 11:15, 13:43, Mark 4:9, 23, Revelation 2-3). The Greek ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν ἀκουέτω (ho echōn ōta akouein akouetō) is a call to spiritual discernment beyond mere physical hearing.
Everyone present had physical ears, yet Jesus distinguishes between hearing sounds and truly comprehending spiritual truth. This echoes Isaiah 6:9-10, which Jesus later quotes (Matthew 13:14-15): 'Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand.' Physical hearing doesn't guarantee spiritual perception; that requires divine illumination and receptive hearts.
The phrase serves as both invitation and warning. It invites those whom God has given spiritual ears to pay careful attention, to meditate deeply, to seek understanding. It warns that spiritual truth is not automatically grasped by all; there are those who hear the words but remain spiritually deaf, understanding nothing.
This relates to Jesus's use of parables. He spoke in parables partly to reveal truth to His disciples while concealing it from hard-hearted opponents (Matthew 13:10-17). Parables separate true seekers from casual listeners. Those with 'ears to hear'—regenerate hearts, Spirit-given faith—will understand; others will hear stories but miss their meaning.