Matthew 13:9

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Who {G3588} hath {G2192} ears {G3775} to hear {G191}, let him hear {G191}.

Those who have ears, let them hear!"

He who has ears, let him hear.”

He that hath ears, let him hear.

Commentary

Matthew 13:9 concludes Jesus's Parable of the Sower, serving as a profound call to spiritual attentiveness and discernment. This short, impactful statement emphasizes that merely hearing the words of God is insufficient; true understanding requires an active, receptive heart.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus's telling of the Parable of the Sower, where He describes different types of soil representing various responses to the Word of God. The seed falls on wayside, stony ground, thorny ground, and good ground. The phrase "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear" acts as a concluding challenge, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual condition and how they receive divine truth. It sets the stage for the disciples' later question about why Jesus speaks in parables, which He answers by explaining the purpose of parables as revealing truth to some while concealing it from others (Matthew 13:10-17).

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Discernment: The verse highlights the distinction between physical hearing and spiritual understanding. Not everyone who hears the message truly grasps its significance or allows it to transform their life. It's a call for deeper insight beyond superficial listening.
  • Responsibility of the Hearer: Jesus places the onus on the individual to listen with an open and receptive heart. The capacity to "hear" in this context implies a willingness to understand, believe, and obey.
  • Call to Action: This isn't just a descriptive statement but an imperative. It challenges each listener to engage deeply with the message, recognizing its eternal implications and personal relevance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Greek: Ho echōn ōta akouein akouetō) is a common biblical idiom found throughout the Gospels and Revelation. It signifies more than just physical hearing; it refers to the spiritual capacity and willingness to perceive divine truth. The repetition of the verb "to hear" (akouein) emphasizes the importance of not just hearing sounds, but truly comprehending and responding to the message. It implies a readiness to receive God's revelation and act upon it, contrasting with those who hear but do not understand or obey, as described in Isaiah 6:9-10.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 13:9 serves as a timeless reminder to approach God's Word with humility and a desire for genuine understanding. It encourages us to:

  • Listen Intently: Not just passively read or hear sermons, but actively engage our minds and spirits with the Scriptures.
  • Seek Understanding: Pray for wisdom and spiritual insight to grasp the deeper truths God wishes to reveal.
  • Be Receptive: Cultivate a heart that is open to conviction, correction, and transformation by the Holy Spirit, allowing the "seed" of God's Word to take root and produce fruit in our lives, as explained in Jesus's explanation of the Parable of the Sower.

This verse continues to challenge us to assess the quality of our spiritual "soil" and ensure we are among those who truly hear and respond to the divine message.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 2:11 (6 votes)

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  • Matthew 11:15 (6 votes)

    He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  • Revelation 2:17 (5 votes)

    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 hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

  • Revelation 2:7 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 2:29 (4 votes)

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

  • Revelation 3:6 (4 votes)

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

  • Revelation 13:8 (4 votes)

    And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.