He who has ears, let him hear.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This seemingly simple statement is more than just an invitation to listen; it's a challenge to hear with understanding. Jesus isn't just asking for attention; he's calling for receptivity and discernment, hinting that not all who hear will truly grasp the profound truths of the Kingdom being revealed.
He who has ears, let him hear.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, describing how seeds of truth fall on different types of soil with varying results. He then utters this phrase, which functions as a call to attention and discernment for all who are listening. Immediately following this, the disciples ask him why he speaks in parables, prompting Jesus to explain the purpose and effect of his teaching, especially to those who are not ready to truly hear.
Jesus often ended His teachings with a simple yet profound call: “He who has ears, let him hear.” But what kind of hearing did He mean?
This phrase, "He who has ears, let him hear," was more than just an invitation to listen; it was a challenge to truly understand and respond. In Jesus' time, like today, people could hear words without truly grasping their meaning or internalizing their message.
Active Engagement Required
The commentators highlight that this wasn't passive listening. It was a call for active, intentional engagement with the truth being spoken. It implied a need for spiritual discernment – an ability to perceive the deeper significance of Jesus' words, especially when spoken in parables.
The Heart of the Matter
Ultimately,
Why did Jesus speak in parables, and why did He end with such a pointed call to hear? The answer reveals a crucial distinction in how people respond to divine truth.
Matthew 13 presents a fascinating dynamic: Jesus spoke in parables not only to reveal truth but also, in a sense, to obscure it from those unwilling to truly seek.
Revealing Mysteries to Some
To His disciples, Jesus explained the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." For them, the parables were keys unlocking deeper understanding. Their ears were open, and their hearts were ready.
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Concealing Truth from Others
For the crowds, however, the parables served a different purpose. Because many were hardened in their hearts and unwilling to change, Jesus spoke in ways that would allow them to hear without fully comprehending. This wasn't to be malicious, but to underscore their own resistance to God’s message. As Isaiah prophesied, they would see but not perceive, and hear but not understand.
A Call to Discernment
This highlights that hearing God's truth isn't neutral. It calls for a response. The phrase "He who has ears, let him hear" was a final invitation for the crowd to choose: to engage with the truth and risk understanding, or to remain passive and miss the profound implications.
Understand the original words
ous · Greek Noun
A metaphorical call to spiritual perception. It signifies that true understanding of divine truth requires not just physical hearing, but a heart willing to respond and act upon the revelation of God.
This phrase is used earlier in Matthew's Gospel, establishing it as a recurring call to pay attention to spiritual truths and recognize the significance of Jesus' words.
Mark 4:9This is the parallel account in Mark's Gospel, highlighting that this is not a one-time utterance but a standard way Jesus engaged with those listening to his parables, emphasizing the need for discernment.
Luke 8:8Luke's Gospel also records this phrase, underscoring its importance and the consistent theme throughout Jesus' ministry that true understanding requires a receptive heart and mind.
Isaiah 6:9-10Jesus quotes this Old Testament passage when explaining why he speaks in parables, showing that the call to 'hear' can also be a judgment on those who refuse to understand, fulfilling ancient prophecy.
1 Corinthians 2:14This passage explains that the 'natural' person cannot understand the things of God, reinforcing the idea that 'having ears to hear' is not just about physical ability but a spiritual receptiveness granted by God.
barnesMatthew 13:9: "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Who hath ears ... - This is a proverbial expression, implying that it was every man's duty to pay attention to what was spoken, Matthew 11:15 .
clarkeMatthew 13:9: "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Who hath ears to hear, etc. - Let every person who feels the necessity of being instructed in the things which concern his soul's welfare pay attention to what is spoken, and he shall become wise unto salvation.
This seemingly simple statement is more than just an invitation to listen; it's a challenge to hear with understanding. Jesus isn't just asking for attention; he's calling for receptivity and discernment, hinting that not all who hear will truly grasp the profound truths of the Kingdom being revealed.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, describing how seeds of truth fall on different types of soil with varying results. He then utters this phrase, which functions as a call to attention and discernment for all who are listening. Immediately following this, the disciples ask him why he speaks in parables, prompting Jesus to explain the purpose and effect of his teaching, especially to those who are not ready to truly hear.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, describing how seeds of truth fall on different types of soil with varying results. He then utters this phrase, which functions as a call to attention and discernment for all who are listening. Immediately following this, the disciples ask him why he speaks in parables, prompting Jesus to explain the purpose and effect of his teaching, especially to those who are not ready to truly hear.
"He who has ears, let him hear.”" — This seemingly simple statement is more than just an invitation to listen; it's a challenge to hear with understanding. Jesus isn't just asking for attention; he's calling for receptivity and disce…
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Last reviewed October 2026