Matthew 13:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:15 mean?

Matthew 13:15 describes how the people's hearts have become insensitive, their ears unable to truly listen, and their eyes deliberately closed, so they do not perceive, understand, or turn back to God for healing. Jesus is explaining why many people do not respond to his message—they have chosen not to see or hear, which keeps them from being changed and healed by God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, explaining why he teaches in parables. He quotes from the prophet Isaiah to show that many in the crowd have become spiritually unresponsive by their own choice. The verse highlights a pattern where people resist understanding, which prevents them from experiencing the restoration God offers.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:15

• The word for "heart" is καρδία (kardia), which in Greek thinking refers not just to feelings but to the center of understanding and decision-making. This shows that the problem is deeper than just emotions—it is about the whole inner life.
• The phrase "waxed gross" comes from ἐπαχύνθη (epachynthē), which means "to become thick or calloused." This suggests a gradual hardening or dulling, not a sudden change, emphasizing how people can slowly become less sensitive to spiritual truth.
• The word for "converted" is ἐπιστρέψωσιν (epistrepsōsin), meaning "to turn back" or "to return." This highlights the idea of repentance or changing direction, which leads to healing.
• The word for "heal" is ἰάσομαι (iasomai), which means "to heal" or "to restore." This underlines that God's desire is to bring wholeness, but it is blocked by people's unwillingness to listen and turn.

Why Matthew 13:15 matters

• Matthew 13:15 clarifies that spiritual blindness and deafness are not just accidental but can result from a person's repeated choices to ignore or resist what God is saying.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why Jesus uses parables—he is addressing people who have already chosen not to listen, so the stories both reveal and conceal truth.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see that God’s offer of healing and understanding is always present, but it requires a willing heart and openness to receive it.