Matthew 13:18

KJV

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

Consider, then, the parable of the sower:

American Standard Version

Hear then ye the parable of the sower.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:18 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' teaching, serving as the explicit command to His disciples to give attentive consideration to the just-narrated Parable of the Sower. This verse transitions from the public proclamation of the parable to its private, detailed interpretation, underscoring the necessity of spiritual receptivity and understanding for those granted insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13 opens with Jesus teaching a large crowd by the sea, specifically introducing His method of teaching through parables with the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:3-9"). After concluding the parable, the narrative shifts to a private setting where His disciples approach Him, inquiring why He speaks in parables ([Matthew 13:10](/matthew/13-10 "Disciples Ask Why Jesus Speaks in Parables")). Jesus explains that understanding the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" is granted to them, but not to others, citing the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy regarding spiritual blindness ([Matthew 13:11-17](/matthew/13-11-17 "Jesus Explains Why He Speaks in Parables")). Verse 18 then functions as a direct, imperative bridge, signaling the commencement of the much-anticipated interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, which immediately follows in [Matthew 13:19-23](/matthew/13-19-23 "The Explanation of the Parable of the Sower"). It is a call to profound, spiritual listening before the unveiling of divine truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' use of parables was a common pedagogical method in ancient Jewish culture, often employed by rabbis to convey complex truths in memorable, relatable stories. However, Jesus' parables often carried a dual purpose: to reveal truth to those with receptive hearts and to obscure it from those who were spiritually hardened, fulfilling prophetic declarations about Israel's spiritual dullness (e.g., [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah's Prophecy of Spiritual Blindness")). The setting by the sea, with Jesus teaching from a boat to a crowd on the shore, was typical for large public gatherings, allowing His voice to carry across the water. The shift to a private explanation for His disciples highlights the distinction between the general audience and the inner circle, who were being prepared for deeper understanding and future ministry.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **nature of spiritual reception**, distinguishing between mere auditory hearing and genuine, transformative understanding. This theme is central to the entire [Parable of the Sower and its explanation](/matthew/13-3-23 "The Parable of the Sower and its Explanation"), which illustrates various responses to God's word. Secondly, it highlights **divine revelation and interpretation**, demonstrating Jesus' role as the ultimate revealer of God's kingdom mysteries. While parables initially veiled truth for some, Jesus graciously provided private interpretation to His followers, underscoring the [privilege of discipleship](/matthew/13-11 "The Privilege of Understanding Kingdom Mysteries"). Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **discipleship and understanding**, as only the disciples are given the command to "hear" in this profound sense, indicating their unique calling to grasp and propagate the truths of the Kingdom, as seen in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Greek, _akoúō_):** This primary verb (G191) signifies more than just physical perception of sound. In this context, it carries the imperative sense of listening with attention, understanding, and often, the implication of heeding or obeying. Jesus is not merely asking them to register the words, but to actively engage their minds and spirits to grasp the profound spiritual truths about to be revealed. It implies a call to spiritual discernment and a readiness to respond.
* **therefore (Greek, _oûn_):** This adverbial conjunction (G3767) serves as a logical connector, indicating a conclusion or consequence drawn from what precedes. In this verse, "therefore" links the preceding explanation of why Jesus speaks in parables (the distinction between those who understand and those who do not) to the immediate command to listen to the interpretation. It underscores the significance and necessity of the upcoming explanation for those who have been granted the privilege of understanding.
* **parable (Greek, _parabolḗ_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to throw alongside" (G3850), a parable is a similitude or a fictitious narrative (often drawn from common life) used to convey a moral or spiritual truth. Here, it specifically refers to the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "The Parable of the Sower"), which Jesus has just narrated. The term highlights Jesus' chosen method of teaching, which simultaneously reveals and conceals, requiring spiritual insight to fully comprehend its deeper meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear ye therefore":** This is a direct, emphatic command from Jesus to His disciples. The "ye" (G5210, _hymeîs_) specifically addresses them, distinguishing them from the general crowd. The imperative "Hear" (G191, _akoúō_) is not a casual suggestion but a profound call to attentive, spiritual listening and comprehension, especially in light of the preceding discussion about the purpose of parables and the privilege of understanding Kingdom mysteries. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) logically connects this command to the preceding discourse, emphasizing the critical importance of what is about to be revealed.
* **"the parable of the sower.":** This phrase identifies the specific subject of their attentive hearing: the parable that Jesus has just finished telling. It cues the disciples that Jesus is now going to provide the authoritative interpretation of this particular narrative, which is crucial for understanding the various responses to the Kingdom message. The "sower" (G4687, _speírō_, related to the act of sowing) points to the central figure and action within the parable, setting the stage for the explanation of the seed, the sower, and the different types of soil.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:18 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Command**, as Jesus issues a direct imperative ("Hear ye") to His disciples, signaling a shift from general teaching to specific instruction. This command functions as a **Transitional Marker**, clearly delineating the move from the public telling of the parable to its private, authoritative interpretation. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Didacticism**, as it is fundamentally a teaching moment where Jesus prepares His listeners for deeper understanding. The phrase "the parable of the sower" also serves as a **Recapitulation**, reminding the audience of the preceding narrative and setting the stage for its detailed exposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:18 is profoundly theological, underscoring the critical importance of spiritual receptivity to divine truth. It teaches that true hearing is not merely auditory but involves a deep, internal engagement with God's word, leading to comprehension and transformation. This concept of "having ears to hear" is a recurring biblical theme, distinguishing those who genuinely embrace God's message from those who remain hardened or indifferent. The verse sets the stage for the understanding that the Kingdom of God operates on principles of spiritual insight, where truth is unveiled to those prepared to receive it, and veiled from those who are not. It highlights the divine initiative in revelation, but also the human responsibility to listen and respond.

* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "God Has Not Given a Heart to Understand")
* [Mark 4:23](/mark/4-23 "If Any Man Have Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear")
* [Luke 8:18](/luke/8-18 "Take Heed How Ye Hear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:18 serves as a timeless call to cultivate a posture of profound spiritual attentiveness when engaging with God's Word. In an age of information overload and superficial engagement, Jesus' command to "Hear ye therefore" challenges us to move beyond passive listening or casual reading. It invites us to approach Scripture with intentionality, seeking not just to gather information, but to grasp transformative truth. Just as Jesus provided private interpretation to His disciples, the Holy Spirit illuminates the Word for us today, but this illumination requires a receptive heart—a "good soil" that is prepared to receive, understand, and bear fruit. This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual growth stems from an active, discerning engagement with divine revelation, leading to a deeper understanding of God's Kingdom and a more fruitful life of discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically approach the reading or hearing of God's Word? Is it with active, spiritual attentiveness or more passively?**
* **What "soil conditions" might be present in my heart that hinder me from truly "hearing" and understanding biblical truths?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate a more receptive heart and mind to better comprehend and apply the teachings of Jesus?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "Hear ye therefore"?**

Answer: When Jesus says "Hear ye therefore," He is issuing a direct and emphatic command to His disciples, urging them to listen with deep spiritual attention and understanding. It's not just about hearing sounds with their ears, but about comprehending the profound spiritual truths embedded in the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "The Parable of the Sower"). The word "therefore" connects this command to the preceding explanation of why He speaks in parables—to reveal truth to those with receptive hearts and conceal it from those who are spiritually hardened. Thus, it's a call to active, discerning engagement with divine revelation, distinguishing those who are truly His disciples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:18, as a command to "hear" the parable of the sower, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the divine Sower and the living Word. He is not merely the one who *tells* the parable, but the very embodiment of the "seed" of the Kingdom, which is the message of God's reign and salvation ([Luke 8:11](/luke/8-11 "The Seed is the Word of God")). The call to "hear" is fundamentally a call to hear and receive Christ, for in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The varying responses to the seed in the parable foreshadow the diverse ways people would respond to Christ's own ministry, His teachings, and ultimately, His atoning work on the cross. Those with "ears to hear" are those who, by God's grace, recognize Jesus as the Son of God and Savior, embracing His message and bearing fruit for the Kingdom, a spiritual harvest made possible only through His life, death, and resurrection ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing")). Thus, the spiritual receptivity commanded in [Matthew 13:18](/matthew/13-18 "Hear Ye Therefore the Parable of the Sower") is ultimately a receptivity to the person and work of Christ, through whom alone true understanding and spiritual fruitfulness are possible ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")).

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

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.