For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about the disciples being lucky; it's about a profound shift in God's interaction with humanity. The "things" the disciples see and hear are not just Jesus' miracles, but the unfolding of God's kingdom in a way that was hidden and only dimly perceived by Old Testament prophets. Their longing highlights the incredible privilege and responsibility that comes with living in the "now" of God's redemptive plan.
For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just explained to his disciples why he speaks to the crowds in parables, revealing that his disciples are specially chosen to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, while others are kept in ignorance. This verse serves to emphasize the incredible privilege and divine favor the disciples possess, highlighting that even the most righteous figures of the past longed for the spiritual insight they now have.
Imagine a deep hunger, a yearning for something precious and life-changing. Many of God's most devoted servants felt this, but never fully experienced it.
Jesus tells His disciples that figures like Abraham, Isaiah, and David—prophets and righteous people—longed to witness the events and hear the teachings they were experiencing. They saw glimpses through prophecy and divine revelation, but they didn't see Jesus in the flesh, hear His direct words, or witness the unfolding of the Kingdom in the way the disciples did. Their anticipation was immense, as they peered forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. Their desire highlights the profound significance of the disciples' present moment.
Why were the disciples uniquely blessed? It wasn't just about seeing Jesus; it was about understanding the profound truths He revealed.
Jesus distinguishes between what was 'given' to His disciples and what was not given to others. The 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' were being revealed to the disciples in a way that was not accessible to the crowds listening to the parables. While the prophets saw in part and through types, the disciples were hearing and seeing the reality. This wasn't necessarily because the disciples were inherently better, but because it was God's timing and sovereign choice to reveal these truths to them at that moment. Their spiritual sight and hearing were uniquely attuned to the unfolding of God's plan.
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prophētēs · Greek Noun
Those who speak or act under divine inspiration to convey God's messages, often predicting future events or declaring God's will to the present generation.
dikaios · Greek Adjective
Individuals who are in right standing with God, often characterized by obedience to His law, moral integrity, and faith in His promises.
This verse highlights the immense privilege of Jesus' disciples. They are living in the very era that prophets and righteous people throughout Israel's history yearned to see, a time when God's promises began to be fulfilled in person.
~1400 BC
Exodus and the Law
Following their liberation from Egypt, the Israelites receive the Law from God through Moses. This event sets the stage for the covenant relationship and the prophetic tradition that would look forward to a future Messiah.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes a united kingdom, and Jerusalem becomes the religious and political center. Many Psalms and prophecies from this era express a longing for God's ultimate deliverance and the coming of the Messiah.
c. 700-500 BC
Prophetic Ministry Flourishes
Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel speak God's word to Israel, often calling for repentance and foretelling future judgment and restoration. They also offer glimpses of the coming Messiah and his kingdom, which they themselves longed to witness.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport many Israelites. This period of exile intensifies the longing for messianic hope and a return to God's favor.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While a significant restoration, it falls short of the full messianic kingdom promised by the prophets.
c. 20 BC - AD 15
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist prepares the way for the Messiah, calling people to repentance. He represents the culmination of the Old Testament prophetic longing, pointing directly to Jesus.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Disciples Witness
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching in parables and performing miracles. His disciples are present, hearing his words and seeing his works, experiencing the fulfillment of prophecies that many before them only dreamed of.
This passage echoes Matthew 13:17 by describing prophets who 'searched and inquired carefully' about the salvation to come, highlighting the longing of past righteous people for what believers now experience.
Luke 10:24Luke's parallel account adds 'kings' to the list of those who longed to see and hear what Jesus' disciples experienced, broadening the scope of people from past generations who desired this revelation.
Hebrews 11:13This chapter speaks of the 'elders' who 'died in faith, not having received the things promised,' but having 'seen them afar off' and confessed they were 'strangers and sojourners on earth,' directly illustrating the longing mentioned in Matthew 13:17.
John 8:56Jesus tells the Pharisees that 'Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad,' showing a specific example of a righteous person from the past who had a prophetic glimpse, yet still longed for the full reality.
barnesMatthew 13:17: "For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."
Many prophets and righteous men ... - They wished to see the times of the Messiah. They looked to it as a time when the hopes of the world would be fulfilled, and when the righteous would be happy, John 8:56. "Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad." Compare als…
clarkeMatthew 13:17: "For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."
Many prophets and righteous men - These lived by and died in the faith of the promised Messiah: the fullness of the time was not then come for his manifestation in the flesh. See also on Matthew 13:11 (note).
This verse isn't just about the disciples being lucky; it's about a profound shift in God's interaction with humanity. The "things" the disciples see and hear are not just Jesus' miracles, but the unfolding of God's kingdom in a way that was hidden and only dimly perceived by Old Testament prophets. Their longing highlights the incredible privilege and responsibility that comes with living in the "now" of God's redemptive plan.
Jesus has just explained to his disciples why he speaks to the crowds in parables, revealing that his disciples are specially chosen to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, while others are kept in ignorance. This verse serves to emphasize the incredible privilege and divine favor the disciples possess, highlighting that even the most righteous figures of the past longed for the spiritual insight they now have.
Jesus has just explained to his disciples why he speaks to the crowds in parables, revealing that his disciples are specially chosen to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, while others are kept in ignorance. This verse serves to emphasize the incredible privilege and divine favor the disciples possess, highlighting that even the most righteous figures of the past longed for the spiritual insight they now have.
"For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." — This verse isn't just about the disciples being lucky; it's about a profound shift in God's interaction with humanity. The "things" the disciples see and hear are not just Jesus' miracles, but the un…
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Last reviewed October 2026