Matthew 15:10

KJV

¶ And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he called {G4341} the multitude {G3793}, and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Hear {G191}, and {G2532} understand {G4920}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand this!

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “Listen and understand.

American Standard Version

And he called to him the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After a sharp confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes regarding their man-made traditions, Jesus turns from the religious elite to the common people, issuing a direct and urgent summons. This pivotal verse marks a transition in His teaching, inviting the multitude to engage deeply with a profound spiritual truth that will fundamentally challenge their understanding of purity and defilement, shifting the focus from external observances to the internal condition of the heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 15:10 immediately follows a heated theological debate between Jesus and the Jerusalem-based Pharisees and scribes, who had challenged His disciples for not adhering to the traditional ritual of hand-washing before eating. Jesus vehemently rebukes them, exposing their hypocrisy by demonstrating how their traditions nullified God's commandments, specifically citing their disregard for honoring parents in favor of their "Corban" vow system ([Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Jesus Confronts the Pharisees' Hypocrisy")). He quotes [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah's Prophecy of Lip Service") to underscore their superficial worship. Having silenced His critics, Jesus now shifts His address from the antagonistic religious leaders to the broader crowd, preparing them for a revolutionary teaching that directly contradicts the legalistic and external focus of the Pharisees. This verse acts as a crucial bridge, setting the stage for the radical redefinition of defilement presented in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 15:11-20](/matthew/15-11-20 "What Truly Defiles a Person")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly under the influence of Pharisaic teaching, placed immense emphasis on ritual purity and adherence to oral traditions (the "tradition of the elders") alongside the written Torah. These traditions, though intended to safeguard the Law, often became burdensome and externalized religious practice. Hand-washing before meals, for instance, was a rabbinic ordinance, not a Mosaic command, but it held significant social and religious weight. The common people, or "multitude" (Greek: *ochlos*), were largely uneducated in the intricacies of these traditions and often looked to the religious leaders for guidance. Jesus' call to "hear, and understand" was a direct challenge to the prevailing religious paradigm, inviting the crowd to bypass the interpretations of the religious elite and grasp a truth that transcended the external rituals and social norms of their day. This was a radical departure, as it implied that the common person could discern spiritual truth directly from God's teaching, rather than solely through the lens of established religious authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' authority as a divine teacher** who speaks with a clarity and depth that surpasses the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). His direct address to the multitude underscores His mission to all people, not just the religious elite. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **true purity versus external ritualism**, a concept central to the Sermon on the Mount's emphasis on the heart ([Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Blessed are the Pure in Heart")). Jesus is preparing the crowd to understand that genuine defilement stems from the inner person, not from outward actions or ceremonial uncleanness, a truth further elaborated in [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "What Comes From the Heart Defiles"). Finally, it emphasizes the importance of **spiritual discernment and active understanding**. Jesus does not merely ask for passive hearing but for a deep, cognitive, and spiritual comprehension, challenging His audience to move beyond superficial observance to a transformative grasp of God's will. This call for understanding echoes the parable of the sower, where different responses to the word are linked to the ability to "understand" ([Matthew 13:23](/matthew/13-23 "The Seed on Good Soil")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _proskaléomai'_):** This verb means "to call toward oneself," implying a deliberate summons or invitation. Jesus is not merely speaking to those who happen to be nearby; He is actively drawing the multitude to Himself, indicating the importance and urgency of the message He is about to deliver. It suggests a personal and intentional outreach, distinguishing His address to the crowd from His previous, more confrontational exchange with the religious leaders.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a large crowd, a throng of people, often implying the common people or the masses, as opposed to a select group or the religious elite. By calling the "multitude," Jesus signals that the truth He is about to reveal is for everyone, not just for the disciples or the learned, democratizing spiritual understanding and bypassing the exclusive claims of the Pharisees.
* **understand (Greek, _syníēmi'_):** Derived from "to put together," this word signifies mental comprehension, to grasp the meaning, or to act piously by understanding. It goes beyond mere intellectual assent, implying a deep, spiritual discernment that integrates truth into one's worldview and behavior. Jesus is not just asking them to hear words, but to process, synthesize, and internalize the profound implications of His teaching.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called the multitude":** This phrase signifies Jesus' deliberate action to gather and address the general public, shifting His focus from the confrontational debate with the Pharisees. It highlights His pastoral concern for the common people and His desire to communicate essential spiritual truths directly to them, bypassing the intermediaries of the religious establishment. This public summons underscores the universal applicability and revolutionary nature of His upcoming teaching.
* **"and said unto them":** This clause introduces Jesus' direct instruction to the assembled crowd. It emphasizes His role as a teacher and prophet, speaking with divine authority. The shift from addressing the Pharisees to addressing "them" (the multitude) marks a significant change in audience and tone, indicating a new, foundational teaching is about to be imparted.
* **"Hear, and understand:"**: This is an imperative command, demanding active engagement from the listeners. "Hear" (ἀκούω, *akoúō*) implies not just perceiving sound, but paying attention, listening intently, and being receptive to the message. "Understand" (συνίημι, *syníēmi*) goes deeper, requiring cognitive processing, spiritual discernment, and a grasp of the profound implications of what is being said. It's a call for spiritual insight that transforms one's perspective, rather than mere passive reception of information.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:10 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Jesus explicitly "called the multitude, and said unto them," drawing immediate attention to His words and emphasizing His authority as a teacher. This direct address creates a sense of urgency and intimacy, inviting the listeners into a personal encounter with truth. The verse also functions as a **Transitional Statement**, marking a clear shift from the preceding conflict with the Pharisees to a general teaching for the crowd. This transition highlights the universal applicability of the truth Jesus is about to reveal, moving beyond a specific dispute to a foundational principle. Furthermore, the imperative "Hear, and understand" serves as a **Rhetorical Call to Attention**, demanding active engagement from the audience. It is an invitation to **Spiritual Discernment**, urging listeners to move beyond superficial hearing to a deeper, transformative comprehension of His message, setting the stage for the radical redefinition of purity that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:10 serves as a crucial theological pivot, redirecting the discussion from external religious performance to the internal state of the heart. Jesus' call for the multitude to "hear, and understand" underscores the New Covenant emphasis on spiritual truth being written on the heart rather than merely on stone tablets or in human traditions. It highlights the profound difference between superficial adherence to rules and genuine transformation that flows from an understanding of God's will. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' teaching that true defilement comes from within, challenging the prevailing legalistic mindset and paving the way for a more profound understanding of righteousness rooted in the heart's condition.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "The Primacy of Understanding")
* [Mark 4:9](/mark/4-9 "He Who Has Ears to Hear")
* [Luke 8:8](/luke/8-8 "Let Him Hear Who Has Ears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' direct command to "Hear, and understand" in Matthew 15:10 resonates deeply with believers today, urging us beyond passive reception of spiritual truths to active, diligent engagement with God's Word. In a world saturated with information and competing narratives, this verse calls us to cultivate a posture of intentional listening and profound discernment. It challenges us to not merely consume religious content but to truly process, internalize, and allow the Word to transform our hearts and minds. This involves a willingness to critically examine our own traditions, assumptions, and cultural norms in light of biblical truth, just as Jesus challenged the Pharisees. It reminds us that genuine spiritual growth is not about external conformity or ritualistic performance, but about the purity of the heart and the understanding that leads to righteous living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "hear" God's Word, going beyond mere listening to deep understanding and application?**
* **What traditions or cultural norms in my life might be hindering my ability to grasp and live out the deeper truths of God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways do I tend to focus on external appearances or actions rather than cultivating the inner purity of heart that Jesus emphasizes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more discerning and understanding heart as I engage with Scripture and spiritual teaching?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus call the multitude to hear this particular teaching?**

Answer: Jesus called the multitude to hear this teaching because it was a revolutionary truth that directly challenged the prevailing religious understanding of His day, particularly the emphasis on external purity rituals promoted by the Pharisees. Unlike the complex, often inaccessible debates with the religious elite, this message was for everyone. By addressing the common people, Jesus democratized spiritual truth, making it clear that true defilement comes from the heart, not from external practices. This was a universal principle applicable to all, designed to liberate people from burdensome man-made traditions and redirect their focus to genuine inner righteousness, as further explained in [Matthew 15:11-20](/matthew/15-11-20 "What Truly Defiles a Person").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:10, with its imperative "Hear, and understand," points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate source and embodiment of truth. Jesus is not merely delivering a new teaching; He is revealing the very heart of God's law and the nature of true righteousness, which is perfectly fulfilled in His own life and ministry. His call for understanding is a call to understand Him, for He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). The shift from external defilement to internal defilement, which Jesus is about to articulate, foreshadows the New Covenant established through His sacrifice, where the law is written on hearts, not stone tablets ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant")). Ultimately, Christ Himself is the one who purifies the heart, for by His blood, He cleanses us from all sin, making us truly pure before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). To "understand" Jesus' teaching is to grasp the profound truth that salvation and true purity come not through human effort or ritual, but through faith in Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Mark 7:14

And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand:

Mark 7:15

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

Luke 20:45

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Luke 20:47

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Colossians 1:9

¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Luke 24:45

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

1 Kings 22:28

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.