And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

MATTHEW 13:14KJV
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Matthew 13:14 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:14 mean?

Matthew 13:14 says that the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled among the people Jesus is speaking to: they will hear and see what is happening, but they will not truly understand or grasp its meaning. This verse highlights a spiritual blindness or lack of understanding, even when the truth is right in front of them.

In this scene, Jesus is talking to His disciples about why He teaches in parables. He quotes Isaiah to explain that many people will listen to His words and witness His works, but their hearts remain closed, so they do not comprehend what God is doing. The verse points to a pattern where people can be exposed to spiritual truth yet remain unchanged because they do not truly perceive or accept it.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:14

  • The word "fulfilled" (πληρόω, plēroō) means something is being completed or brought to its intended purpose. Here, Jesus is saying that Isaiah’s prophecy is not just a distant warning but is happening right then among His listeners.
  • The phrase "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand" uses the Greek words ἀκούω (akouō, "hear") and συνίημι (syniēmi, "understand"). The sense is not just hearing sounds, but failing to grasp or put together the meaning.
  • "Seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive" uses βλέπω (blepō, "see") and εἴδω (eidō, "perceive" or "know"). The Greek here suggests more than physical sight—it’s about recognizing or truly knowing what is being shown.

Why Matthew 13:14 matters

  • Matthew 13:14 clarifies that spiritual understanding is not automatic; people can be surrounded by truth and still miss it if their hearts are closed.
  • This verse connects Jesus’ teaching style (parables) to a long-standing pattern in Israel’s history, showing that resistance to God’s message is not new.
  • It helps explain why some people in the crowds around Jesus did not respond to His message, even though they witnessed miracles and heard His words directly.

Where else these words appear

“fulfilled” Greek G378 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
  • 1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

“prophecy” Greek G4394 · used in 19 verses

  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“Esaias” Greek G2268 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

“hearing” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • John 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?