And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying "listen up"; he's highlighting that true hearing is an active choice, a willingness to let the message penetrate beyond just the ears to the heart and life. It's a subtle but crucial distinction, suggesting that some people have ears but aren't truly hearing the profound spiritual truths being offered.
And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just begun telling the parable of the sower, explaining how different types of soil represent how people receive God's word. After describing the seed falling on the path, rocky ground, and among thorns, he pauses and declares, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" This invites everyone listening to consider their own reception of the message, as he is about to explain the parable's meaning and the implications for their lives.
Jesus tells people to listen, but what kind of listening is he really asking for? It's more than just physical hearing.
When Jesus says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" he's not just talking about the ability to physically hear sound. He's calling for a deeper, more attentive kind of listening. It's about opening your heart and mind to understand and respond to God's message.
Think about it:
This phrase appears multiple times in the Gospels and even in Revelation, often signaling that something crucial and perhaps difficult to understand is about to be explained. It's an invitation to listen with the intent to obey.
Jesus uses a parable about a sower. What does the seed represent, and why is the soil so important?
The parable of the sower is a powerful illustration of how God's Word impacts different people. The seed itself is the divine message – the very Word of God.
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But the soil represents the human heart and its receptivity:
Jesus isn't predetermining who will be what kind of soil. He's calling us to examine our own hearts and ensure we are cultivating fertile ground for God's Word to take root and flourish.
Why does Jesus emphasize fruit-bearing? Is it about earning salvation, or something else?
The ultimate goal of hearing and accepting God's Word, according to Jesus, is not just internal change but outward fruitfulness. This fruit isn't about earning favor with God; it's the natural, inevitable evidence of a life truly transformed by His message.
This fruitfulness testifies to the reality of faith and the power of the Word working within a person.
This recurring phrase, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear,' is used by Jesus in various contexts, urging listeners to truly grasp His message, not just hear it superficially.
Luke 8:8This passage presents the same parable and the same concluding phrase, emphasizing that the ability to understand and respond to Jesus' teaching is a gift that requires attentive and willing hearts.
Revelation 2:7The book of Revelation echoes this phrase, applying it to the churches, highlighting that true spiritual understanding and victory come from heeding the Spirit's words.
Ezekiel 33:32This Old Testament passage shows a similar sentiment where people listen to the prophet with enjoyment, but do not act on his words, underscoring the importance of obedience beyond mere hearing.
Hebrews 1:7The author of Hebrews, referencing the created order, speaks of the wind as messengers and flames of fire as servants, illustrating how even creation responds to God's will, contrasting with those who refuse to 'hear' and obey spiritual truths.
expositorsMark 4:3-9: "Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:"
CHAPTER 4:3-9, 14-20 (Mark 4:3-9; Mark 4:14-20)THE SOWER "Hearken: Behold the sower went forth to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it. And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And other…
gillMark 4:9: "And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
And he said unto them,.... To the multitude of hearers that were on the sea shore attending to the word preached, and among whom, doubtless, there were all those sorts of hearers mentioned in this parable: he that hath ears to hear, let him hear: observe, and take notice of what has been said, as being of the greatest moment and importance: for a larger explanation and illustration of this parable, see the notes on Matt…
Jesus isn't just saying "listen up"; he's highlighting that true hearing is an active choice, a willingness to let the message penetrate beyond just the ears to the heart and life. It's a subtle but crucial distinction, suggesting that some people have ears but aren't truly hearing the profound spiritual truths being offered.
Jesus has just begun telling the parable of the sower, explaining how different types of soil represent how people receive God's word. After describing the seed falling on the path, rocky ground, and among thorns, he pauses and declares, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" This invites everyone listening to consider their own reception of the message, as he is about to explain the parable's meaning and the implications for their lives.
Jesus has just begun telling the parable of the sower, explaining how different types of soil represent how people receive God's word. After describing the seed falling on the path, rocky ground, and among thorns, he pauses and declares, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" This invites everyone listening to consider their own reception of the message, as he is about to explain the parable's meaning and the implications for their lives.
"And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”" — Jesus isn't just saying "listen up"; he's highlighting that true hearing is an active choice, a willingness to let the message penetrate beyond just the ears to the heart and life. It's a subtle but…
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Last reviewed October 2026