Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

MATTHEW 13:9KJV
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Matthew 13:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:9 mean?

Matthew 13:9 is a call from Jesus for people to truly pay attention and understand what he is saying: “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Jesus is inviting anyone who is able and willing to listen to take his words seriously and think deeply about their meaning.

In this moment, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after telling the parable of the sower. He uses this phrase to challenge his listeners to go beyond just hearing the story with their ears and to seek the deeper message behind it. The saying highlights that not everyone will grasp the full meaning unless they are open and attentive.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:9

  • ὦτα (ōta, “ears”): This word refers to physical ears, but in this context, it often points to the ability or willingness to understand, not just the act of hearing sounds.
  • ἀκούειν (akouein, “to hear”): The Greek here carries the sense of truly listening or taking in what is being said, not just hearing words but understanding and responding to them.

Why Matthew 13:9 matters

  • Matthew 13:9 makes it clear that Jesus’s teachings are not just surface-level stories; they require careful attention and a readiness to understand something deeper.
  • This verse sets up the reason why Jesus often speaks in parables, as explained in the following verses—some people will understand, while others will not, depending on their openness.
  • The phrase shows that spiritual understanding is not automatic; it takes a willing heart and mind to truly “hear” what Jesus is teaching.

Where else these words appear

“ears” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.