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.

MATTHEW 13:17KJV
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Matthew 13:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:17 mean?

Matthew 13:17 says that many prophets and righteous people in the past longed to see and hear the things Jesus’ followers were experiencing, but they did not get to witness them. Jesus is telling his listeners that they are seeing and hearing things that even the most faithful people of earlier times only hoped for.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after explaining why he teaches in parables. He emphasizes how privileged they are to witness his ministry and hear his teachings firsthand. The verse highlights the unique moment in history the disciples are living through, compared to generations before them who looked forward to the coming of the Messiah but never saw it fulfilled.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:17

  • The word "verily" (ἀμὴν, amēn) is a strong affirmation, often understood as "truly" or "I assure you." Here, it adds weight to Jesus’ statement, stressing its importance.
  • The word "desired" (ἐπιθυμέω, epithymeō) means to long for or deeply wish for something. This shows that the prophets and righteous people were not just curious, but earnestly hoping to experience what the disciples now see and hear.
  • The words for "see" (ἰδεῖν, idein and βλέπετε, blepete) and "hear" (ἀκούειν, akouein) are repeated to emphasize both the visual and auditory experiences that were longed for, underlining how complete the disciples’ privilege is.

Why Matthew 13:17 matters

  • Matthew 13:17 helps readers understand the sense of fulfillment and privilege the disciples had, as they were witnessing the arrival of the Messiah that previous generations only anticipated.
  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ teachings and miracles are the realization of long-held hopes among God’s people, connecting the disciples’ experience to the larger story of Israel.
  • It also highlights the continuity between the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament disciples, showing that God’s plan unfolds over time and reaches a high point in Jesus’ ministry.

Where else these words appear

“desired” Greek G1937 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
  • 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“see” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“verily” Greek G281 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
  • Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.