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].

For {G1063} verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} many {G4183} prophets {G4396} and {G2532} righteous {G1342} men have desired {G1937} to see {G1492} those things which {G3739} ye see {G991}, and {G2532} have {G1492} not {G3756} seen {G1492} them; and {G2532} to hear {G191} those things which {G3739} ye hear {G191}, and {G2532} have {G191} not {G3756} heard {G191} them.

Yes indeed! I tell you that many a prophet and many a tzaddik longed to see the things you are seeing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

Commentary

Context of Matthew 13:17

This powerful statement by Jesus comes immediately after His explanation to the disciples about why He speaks in parables (Matthew 13:10-15). The preceding verses highlight the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to believe and the spiritual insight graciously granted to His followers. In Matthew 13:16, Jesus declares His disciples blessed because their eyes see and their ears hear. Verse 17 then elaborates on the profound significance of this blessing, emphasizing the unique privilege they possess in witnessing the unfolding of God's Kingdom.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unprecedented Privilege: Jesus highlights that His disciples are witnessing and participating in something that generations of devout individuals, including revered prophets and righteous people from the Old Testament, longed for intensely. They are living in the very time of Messiah's manifest presence and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The "things which ye see" and "hear" refer to the person, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ, which were the subject of numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and His reign. The disciples are experiencing the long-awaited reality that the prophets only foresaw in part. This echoes the sentiment found in 1 Peter 1:10-12, where it's stated that prophets searched diligently concerning the grace that would come to them.
  • Divine Revelation and Spiritual Understanding: Not everyone could "see" or "hear" these things, despite their physical presence. This emphasizes that true understanding of God's work requires divine revelation and spiritual insight, which is graciously given to those who believe and follow Christ. It's a spiritual discerning of God's truth, not merely intellectual apprehension.

Linguistic Insights

The word "verily" translates the Greek word amen (ἀμὴν), which Jesus frequently uses to introduce a solemn or weighty truth. It signifies absolute certainty and authority, underscoring the profound importance of what He is about to say. The contrast between "desired to see" and "have not seen," and "desired to hear" and "have not heard," powerfully conveys the unique position of the disciples in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The emphasis is on the actual presence and tangible reality of God's Kingdom through Jesus, a reality that was previously only a promise or a longing.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:17 invites us to reflect on the immense spiritual blessings we have in Christ. If prophets and righteous men of old earnestly desired to see and hear what the disciples experienced, how much more should we, who live after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, cherish the full revelation of God's love and plan? This verse encourages:

  • Gratitude: To be profoundly thankful for the access we have to the truth of God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ. We live in the era of the New Covenant, a reality long anticipated and now fully revealed in Christ.
  • Appreciation: To not take for granted the clarity of the Gospel message and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to understand spiritual truths (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:10).
  • Responsibility: With great privilege comes great responsibility. Having seen and heard these profound truths, we are called to live in light of them and to faithfully share the good news of the Kingdom with others.
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Cross-References

  • John 8:56

    Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.

  • Hebrews 11:13

    These 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 10:24

    For 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].

  • 1 Peter 1:10

    ΒΆ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

  • 1 Peter 1:12

    Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

  • Ephesians 3:5

    Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

  • Ephesians 3:6

    That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
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