Matthew 11:15

KJV

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hath {G2192} ears {G3775} to hear {G191}, let him hear {G191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you have ears, then hear!

Berean Standard Bible

He who has ears, let him hear.

American Standard Version

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:15, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," serves as a profound and urgent call from Jesus, inviting His listeners to move beyond mere auditory perception to a deeper, spiritual comprehension and acceptance of His divine revelation. This imperative functions as a solemn invitation to spiritual discernment, signaling that the truths He imparts are not for casual reception but demand an open heart, an active mind, and a willingness to respond in faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent declaration concludes Jesus' significant discourse concerning John the Baptist, found in the preceding verses of [Matthew 11:7-14](/matthew/11-7-14 "Matthew 11:7-14 - Jesus' Discourse on John the Baptist"). Jesus has just delivered a series of weighty statements, first praising John as more than a prophet, then identifying him as the divinely appointed messenger foretold in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant") who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Most strikingly, Jesus explicitly states that John is the Elijah who was to come, a profound fulfillment of prophecy that would have resonated deeply with His Jewish audience ([Matthew 11:14](/matthew/11-14 "Matthew 11:14 - John as Elijah")). Given the immense theological and eschatological implications of these revelations—concerning the identity of key figures in God's redemptive plan and the unfolding of prophetic history—Jesus issues this solemn imperative. It acts as a spiritual filter, separating those who merely hear His words from those who truly grasp their profound significance and eternal implications.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, "hearing" was often synonymous with "obeying" or "understanding with a view to action." It was not merely a physical act but a comprehensive engagement of the mind, will, and spirit. The phrase "ears to hear" draws upon a rich biblical tradition where spiritual receptivity is paramount. Prophets frequently lamented the people's "uncircumcised ears" or their refusal to hear God's word ([Jeremiah 6:10](/jeremiah/6-10 "Jeremiah 6:10 - Uncircumcised Ears")). The concept also relates to the prophetic tradition where God reveals truth, but its understanding is often veiled to those who are spiritually hardened ([Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened, Ears Dull")). Jesus' use of this phrase, therefore, taps into a deeply ingrained cultural understanding that divine truth requires more than just physical proximity; it demands an internal disposition of openness and humility. His audience, steeped in the Old Testament, would have immediately recognized the call to spiritual accountability implicit in such a statement.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Spiritual Discernment**, emphasizing that true understanding of spiritual truths transcends mere intellectual assent; it requires an active, receptive heart and mind, willing to perceive the deeper meaning behind Jesus' teachings and parables. This is a recurring theme, particularly evident in [the Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-1-23 "Matthew 13:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower") where Jesus explains that only those with "good soil" (receptive hearts) truly hear and bear fruit. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Jesus' Words**. By prefacing or concluding significant statements with this phrase, Jesus consistently signals the critical, divine nature of what He is saying. His words are not human opinions but authoritative, life-giving truth, carrying eternal implications for His listeners. Finally, the imperative "let him hear" emphasizes the **Responsibility to Hear**. It places the onus squarely on the individual. Not everyone who hears physically will hear spiritually; those who are receptive are encouraged to listen attentively and respond appropriately, recognizing that spiritual understanding is a gift that requires active engagement and a humble spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hath (Greek, _échō'_):** From G2192, a primary verb meaning "to hold" or "to possess." In this context, it refers to the inherent capacity or faculty of having ears, but more profoundly, the spiritual ability or disposition to truly receive and understand. It implies a potential that must be actualized through spiritual receptivity.
* **ears (Greek, _oûs'_):** From G3775, apparently a primary word for "the ear," referring to the physical organ of hearing. However, in this spiritual idiom, "ears" symbolize the capacity for spiritual perception, understanding, and discernment. It's not merely about having auditory organs, but about having a spiritual faculty that is open and attuned to divine truth.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses. The repetition of this verb (first as an infinitive "to hear," then as an imperative "let him hear") is crucial. The first instance refers to the potential or capacity for hearing, while the second is an urgent command to actively engage in spiritual listening, comprehension, and obedience. It moves beyond passive reception to active, transformative engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hath ears to hear":** This clause identifies a specific group of people: those who possess the capacity, both physically and spiritually, to receive and process information. The emphasis is not merely on physical hearing but on the potential for spiritual understanding. It implies a readiness or a spiritual faculty that is capable of discerning deeper truths, as opposed to those who are spiritually deaf or hardened.
* **"let him hear":** This is a strong imperative, a direct command from Jesus. It transforms the potential for hearing into an urgent call for active, intentional listening and, more importantly, for comprehension and obedience. It's a challenge to move beyond superficial listening to a profound engagement with the message, leading to a transformative response. The repetition of "hear" intensifies the command, underscoring the vital importance of the preceding discourse and the individual's responsibility to internalize and act upon it.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the reiteration of the verb "hear" (Greek _akouein_ and _akouetō_). This rhetorical device, known as polyptoton, intensifies the command and highlights the crucial distinction between mere auditory perception and genuine spiritual comprehension and obedience. It creates a powerful emphasis, drawing the listener's attention to the critical nature of Jesus' words. Another key device is **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**, where "ears" are used metaphorically to represent not just physical organs but the spiritual capacity for understanding and discernment. To "have ears to hear" is to possess a receptive heart and mind, open to divine truth. Conversely, those who "have ears but do not hear" are spiritually unresponsive. The verse also employs an **Imperative Mood** ("let him hear"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the urgency and personal responsibility involved in receiving God's word. This imperative serves as a spiritual filter, challenging listeners to examine their own receptivity and willingness to engage with the profound truths Jesus is proclaiming.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This short, potent verse encapsulates a fundamental theological truth: God's revelation requires human receptivity. It speaks to the nature of spiritual truth, which is not universally accessible merely by physical presence, but requires a divine enabling and a human willingness to receive. The call to "hear" is a call to spiritual engagement, implying that true understanding is a gift from God, often mediated by the Holy Spirit, yet it also demands a responsive heart from the individual. It highlights the tension between divine sovereignty in revealing truth and human responsibility in receiving it. This passage underscores that spiritual truths are often veiled to the unperceptive and revealed to those who genuinely seek and are open to God's voice, challenging all who encounter God's word to examine their own spiritual posture.

* [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - Call to Hear in Parable of the Sower")
* [Mark 4:23](/mark/4-23 "Mark 4:23 - Hear What Has Ears to Hear")
* [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - Hear What the Spirit Says to the Churches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:15 stands as a timeless challenge for every believer to cultivate a posture of profound spiritual receptivity. In an age saturated with information and noise, Jesus' simple yet profound call beckons us to move beyond passive consumption of religious content to active, discerning engagement with the living Word of God. It reminds us that merely attending church, reading the Bible, or listening to sermons is insufficient; true hearing involves an internal transformation, a willingness to allow God's truth to penetrate our hearts, challenge our assumptions, and reshape our lives. This requires intentionality: setting aside distractions, praying for spiritual insight, and humbly submitting our understanding to the Holy Spirit. When we genuinely "hear" what God is saying, it compels us to action, leading to repentance, faith, and obedience, transforming our character and aligning our will with His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "have ears to hear" in my daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be physically hearing God's word but failing to hear it spiritually?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart and mind to God's truth?**
* **How does my "hearing" of God's word translate into tangible actions and obedience in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus repeat this phrase "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" in various contexts?**

Answer: Jesus repeats this phrase to emphasize the critical importance and often veiled nature of the spiritual truths He is conveying. It serves as a recurring call for spiritual discernment, signaling that His teachings, especially parables or profound declarations like those concerning John the Baptist, require more than superficial understanding. By repeating it, Jesus highlights that while many may physically hear His words, only those with spiritual receptivity—those "who have ears"—will truly comprehend and respond to their deeper meaning and divine implications. It acts as a spiritual filter, distinguishing between casual listeners and those genuinely open to God's revelation. This repetition is seen in various contexts, such as after [the Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - Call to Hear in Parable of the Sower") and in His teachings on light and understanding ([Mark 4:23](/mark/4-23 "Mark 4:23 - Hear What Has Ears to Hear")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:15, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the very Word of God incarnate, the ultimate revelation of the Father ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"); [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")). To "hear" in the spiritual sense is to hear Him, to receive His message, and to believe in Him as the Messiah and Son of God. Jesus' words are not mere human philosophy; they are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")), carrying the power to transform and give eternal life. He is the one who opens the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Opening the Mind to Understand Scripture")), and who opens the hearts of individuals, like Lydia, to pay attention to His message ([Acts 16:14](/acts/16-14 "Acts 16:14 - Lydia's Heart Opened")). Therefore, the call to "hear" is ultimately a call to encounter Christ, to submit to His authority, and to allow His living word to take root in our hearts, leading to genuine faith and obedient discipleship. He is the one who gives the "ears to hear" and the grace to respond.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:9

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 8:8

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 13:43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Revelation 3:13

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 2:7

He 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.

Luke 14:35

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.