Matthew 13:13

KJV

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} speak I {G2980} to them {G846} in {G1722} parables {G3850}: because {G3754} they seeing {G991} see {G991} not {G3756}; and {G2532} hearing {G191} they hear {G191} not {G3756}, neither {G3761} do they understand {G4920}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is why I speak to them in parables: they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding.

Berean Standard Bible

This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’

American Standard Version

Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:13 serves as Jesus' direct explanation for His parabolic teaching method, revealing a profound spiritual truth: parables function as a divine filter, simultaneously illuminating the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven for those with receptive hearts while obscuring them from those who are spiritually unresponsive. This verse underscores the distinction between physical perception and spiritual comprehension, highlighting a judicial aspect of Jesus' ministry where truth is unveiled to some and veiled from others based on their spiritual disposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13 marks a significant shift in Jesus' teaching methodology, moving from direct pronouncements to extensive use of parables. This verse immediately follows the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"), which Jesus has just delivered to a large crowd. His disciples, noticing this change, privately inquire in [Matthew 13:10](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"), "Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" Jesus' answer, beginning in [Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Mysteries of the Kingdom"), explains that parables are given "unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." Verse 13 then elaborates on *why* it is not given to the crowds, directly connecting their lack of spiritual perception to their inability to understand. This verse, therefore, is central to understanding the purpose and effect of the entire parable discourse in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophetic tradition often included a theme of a people who, despite hearing God's word, remained hardened and unresponsive. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophet Isaiah's commission in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's Commission and Israel's Hardness"), which Jesus explicitly quotes and applies in [Matthew 13:14-15](/matthew/13-14-15 "Matthew 13:14-15 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy"). Rabbinic teaching also sometimes employed parables (mashalim) to illustrate moral or spiritual truths, but Jesus' use here carries a unique, dual function of both revelation and concealment. The crowds, accustomed to more direct teaching, would have found the parables intriguing but potentially baffling without spiritual insight. Their lack of understanding, therefore, was not merely intellectual but a spiritual condition reflecting their resistance to Jesus' claims and the dawning of the Kingdom of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Deafness**, emphasizing that physical senses do not guarantee spiritual discernment. Many in Jesus' audience were physically present and heard His words, yet remained spiritually impervious to their profound meaning. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Revelation**, showing that God's truth, as mediated through Jesus, acts as a dividing line. For those with receptive hearts, the mysteries of the kingdom are unveiled, leading to greater understanding and blessing ([Matthew 13:12](/matthew/13-12 "Matthew 13:12 - To Whom More is Given")). For those who are resistant, the parables serve to harden their existing unbelief, fulfilling ancient prophecies of judicial blindness. Lastly, it underscores the critical importance of **Receptivity to Truth**. The ability to "see" and "hear" spiritually is presented not as an inherent intellectual capacity but as a spiritual posture of humility and openness to God's revelation, a theme echoed throughout Jesus' teachings on discipleship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Greek, _laléō'_):** This verb signifies to utter words, to talk, or to preach. In this context, it refers to Jesus' act of communicating divine truth, specifically through the medium of parables. It emphasizes the active proclamation of the message, even if the recipients are not spiritually prepared to receive it.
* **parables (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** Literally meaning "a placing alongside" or "comparison," a parable is a similitude or fictitious narrative drawn from common life, designed to convey a moral or spiritual truth. Jesus' use of parables here is not merely an illustrative teaching method but a deliberate strategy that both reveals and conceals, depending on the listener's spiritual state.
* **seeing (Greek, _blépō'_):** This verb means to look at, perceive, or behold, whether literally or figuratively. In Matthew 13:13, it refers to physical sight, but the subsequent "see not" (using the same word) immediately contrasts this physical ability with a spiritual inability to perceive or comprehend the deeper meaning of what is being presented.
* **hearing (Greek, _akoúō'_):** A primary verb meaning to hear, to give audience to, or to understand. Similar to "seeing," this refers to the physical act of listening, but the repeated "hear not" highlights a spiritual deafness—an inability or unwillingness to truly grasp and respond to the message being conveyed.
* **understand (Greek, _syníēmi'_):** This word means to put together mentally, to comprehend, or to act piously. It denotes a deeper level of cognitive and spiritual processing than mere hearing or seeing. It implies grasping the full import and significance of a message, leading to a transformative effect. The absence of this understanding indicates a profound spiritual disconnect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore speak I to them in parables:"** This clause directly answers the disciples' question from [Matthew 13:10](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"). Jesus explains that His shift to parabolic teaching is a deliberate, divinely ordained method for interacting with the crowds. The "therefore" links it to the preceding explanation of why mysteries are given to some and not others.
* **"because they seeing see not;"** This is the first reason given for the use of parables. It highlights a profound spiritual paradox: the crowds possess physical sight, yet they lack spiritual discernment. They observe Jesus' miracles and hear His words, but they fail to grasp His true identity, the nature of His kingdom, or the implications of His message. Their physical perception is not accompanied by spiritual comprehension.
* **"and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."** This clause reinforces the spiritual insensitivity. Just as they are blind despite seeing, they are deaf despite hearing. They hear the words of the parables, but the profound spiritual truths embedded within them remain inaccessible. The addition of "neither do they understand" emphasizes the complete absence of spiritual comprehension, indicating a willful rejection or deep-seated spiritual unresponsiveness that prevents them from grasping the divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Hebraism/Idiom**, specifically a **Parallelism** or **Chiasm** in the phrasing "seeing see not; and hearing they hear not." This construction, common in Hebrew prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Hardness")), emphasizes the totality of the spiritual inability. It's a powerful way to state that despite possessing the physical faculties, the spiritual faculty is entirely absent. There is also a strong sense of **Irony** at play: the very act of teaching (speaking in parables) that should bring clarity instead brings obfuscation to those who are unprepared. This reveals the **Paradox** of divine revelation: it is both a light that illuminates and a veil that conceals. Furthermore, the verse functions as a statement of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, directly referencing and applying the ancient prophecy from Isaiah, thereby validating Jesus' ministry and explaining the spiritual condition of His generation in light of God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:13 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature of spiritual receptivity and divine revelation. It underscores the biblical truth that spiritual understanding is not merely an intellectual exercise but a gift from God, contingent upon a humble and open heart. Jesus' use of parables functions as a divine sieve, separating those who genuinely seek the truth of the Kingdom from those who are indifferent or actively resistant. This judicial aspect of His teaching reveals that God's truth, while offered universally, is only truly grasped by those prepared to receive it, leading to either greater insight or deeper spiritual hardening. It highlights humanity's responsibility to respond to divine light, while also affirming God's sovereign prerogative in revealing His mysteries.

* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - The Lord Has Not Given a Heart to Understand")
* [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - A Foolish and Senseless People")
* [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "Mark 4:11-12 - The Purpose of Parables")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:13 serves as a profound challenge and a call to introspection for every believer. It compels us to honestly examine the posture of our own hearts when we encounter God's Word. Are we truly "seeing" and "hearing" with spiritual ears and eyes, or are we allowing spiritual apathy, preconceived notions, or the distractions of the world to dull our senses? This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual understanding is not automatic; it requires a humble, teachable spirit, a willingness to engage deeply with truth, and a readiness to allow God's Word to transform us. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that actively seeks to understand, to pray for divine illumination, and to respond obediently to the truths revealed. For if we are truly receptive, more will be given; if not, even what we think we have may be taken away, leaving us in spiritual darkness despite outward appearances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "seeing but not perceiving," or "hearing but not understanding" God's truth?**
* **What practices can I cultivate to foster a more receptive and open heart to the mysteries of God's Kingdom?**
* **How does my response to God's Word reflect my spiritual posture—one of genuine seeking or passive indifference?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose to speak in parables if they would cause some people not to understand?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to speak in parables was multifaceted, serving both to reveal and to conceal. For His disciples and those with receptive hearts, parables were a means to unveil the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Mysteries of the Kingdom")). They were memorable, relatable stories that, when illuminated by the Holy Spirit and explained by Jesus, provided profound spiritual insight. However, for those who were spiritually hardened, resistant, or indifferent, parables served as a form of divine judgment. They heard the stories, but their spiritual blindness and deafness prevented them from grasping the deeper meaning, thus fulfilling ancient prophecies like [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's Prophecy"). This dual purpose highlights that spiritual truth is not merely intellectual but requires a responsive heart, and God's revelation acts as a dividing line, separating those who genuinely seek from those who do not.

**Is spiritual blindness a choice or a divine judgment?**

Answer: Matthew 13:13 presents spiritual blindness as both a consequence of human choice and a divine judgment. The people "seeing see not; and hearing they hear not" because they have become hardened in their hearts. This hardening is often a result of repeated rejection of God's truth and a persistent unwillingness to respond to His call. In [Matthew 13:15](/matthew/13-15 "Matthew 13:15 - The Hardness of Their Hearts"), Jesus quotes Isaiah, stating, "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed." This implies an active, willful closing of their own spiritual senses. However, this human choice also results in a divine judicial act, where God, in His sovereignty, allows their chosen blindness to become a fixed state, fulfilling His prophetic word. Thus, while human responsibility for rejection is clear, God's righteous judgment confirms and solidifies that rejection, preventing further understanding for those who refuse to see.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:13, though describing the spiritual unresponsiveness of many in Jesus' day, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate revealer of truth and the one who overcomes spiritual blindness. Jesus is the very "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and His coming was precisely to open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf, not merely physically but spiritually ([Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - Eyes of the Blind Opened")). While many "seeing see not," Christ's ministry offers a profound contrast for those who believe. He not only speaks the parables but also provides the spiritual insight necessary to comprehend them, as He did for His disciples in [Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower"). Through His atoning work, Jesus removes the veil that covers hearts, enabling believers to truly see God's glory and hear His voice ([2 Corinthians 3:14-16](/2_corinthians/3-14-16 "2 Corinthians 3:14-16 - The Veil Removed in Christ")). He is the one who grants spiritual sight to those who were once blind, transforming them from those who "do not understand" into those who grasp the profound "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" ([Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")). Thus, Matthew 13:13 highlights the desperate need for Christ, who alone can impart the spiritual capacity to truly perceive and understand divine truth.

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

Ezekiel 12:2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

Isaiah 42:18

¶ Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

Isaiah 42:20

Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Matthew 13:16

But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.