Matthew 13:18

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Hear {G191} ye {G5210} therefore {G3767} the parable {G3850} of the sower {G4687}.

"So listen to what the parable of the sower means.

Consider, then, the parable of the sower:

Hear then ye the parable of the sower.

Matthew 13:18 serves as a pivotal transition point in Jesus' teaching, marking the shift from the public telling of the Parable of the Sower to its private explanation for His disciples. This verse underscores the importance of attentive spiritual reception to divine truth.

Context

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus begins to teach extensively in parables, a method that both revealed truth to those with ears to hear and concealed it from those hardened against it. After narrating the Parable of the Sower to the multitudes (Matthew 13:3-9), His disciples later ask Him why He speaks in parables (Matthew 13:10). Jesus explains that understanding the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" is granted to them, but not to others (Matthew 13:11). Verse 18 then introduces the much-anticipated interpretation, directly preceding the detailed explanation of the parable that follows in Matthew 13:19-23. It is a direct command to the disciples to pay close attention.

Key Themes

  • The Call to Understanding: The phrase "Hear ye therefore" is not merely an instruction to listen audibly, but a profound call to spiritual comprehension and discernment. Jesus demands an active engagement with His words, especially in light of the profound truths He is about to reveal.
  • The Nature of Spiritual Reception: This verse sets the stage for the explanation of why some hear and understand, while others do not. It emphasizes that true hearing involves more than just physical ears; it requires a receptive heart, much like the "good soil" in the parable.
  • Divine Revelation and Interpretation: While parables initially obscured truth for some, Jesus graciously provided private interpretation to His followers. This highlights His role as the ultimate revealer of God's kingdom mysteries.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "hear" is akouete (ἀκούετε), which means more than just to perceive sound. It carries the connotation of listening with attention, understanding, and often, obeying. In this context, it implies a call to heed, to grasp the meaning, and to act upon the truth being presented. It’s a command for deep, thoughtful engagement with the spiritual message.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 13:18 serves as a timeless reminder of how we should approach God's word. It encourages us to:

  • Listen Actively: Don't just let the words wash over you. Engage your mind and heart, seeking to understand the deeper spiritual truths.
  • Seek Understanding: If a passage is unclear, pray for wisdom, study the context, and consult reliable resources. Just as Jesus explained the parable to His disciples, God desires for us to comprehend His truth.
  • Be Receptive "Good Soil": Just as the parable describes, true hearing leads to fruitfulness (Matthew 13:23). This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that is ready to receive, understand, and apply God's word, bearing spiritual fruit in our lives. As James 1:22 says, we are called to "be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only."
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 8:11

    Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

  • Luke 8:15

    But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

  • Matthew 13:11

    He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

  • Matthew 13:12

    For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

  • Mark 4:13

    And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

  • Mark 4:20

    And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

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