He who has earsThis phrase is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of spiritual perception over mere physical hearing. In biblical times, having "ears" symbolized the ability to understand and discern spiritual truths. This expression is used throughout Scripture to highlight the necessity of being receptive to God's message (e.g.,
Deuteronomy 29:4,
Isaiah 6:10). It underscores the idea that not everyone who hears the words of Jesus will comprehend their deeper meaning, as spiritual insight is required.
let him hear.”
The command to "hear" goes beyond auditory reception; it implies obedience and action based on understanding. In the cultural context of the time, hearing was closely linked to obeying, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which calls Israel to hear and love God with all their heart. This phrase is a challenge to the listener to engage with the parables of Jesus, which often required contemplation and a willingness to seek further understanding. It also connects to the prophetic tradition, where hearing God's word was essential for the people of Israel to follow His covenant (Jeremiah 7:23-24). In the New Testament, this call to hear is a recurring theme, urging believers to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is teaching the crowds using parables. He is the central figure in the Gospels, whose teachings form the foundation of Christian doctrine.
2.
The DisciplesPresent during Jesus' teaching, they are His closest followers and are often given deeper explanations of His parables.
3.
The CrowdsThe general audience to whom Jesus is speaking. They represent a diverse group of people with varying levels of understanding and openness to Jesus' message.
4.
ParablesA method of teaching used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths through simple, everyday accounts. This verse concludes the Parable of the Sower.
5.
The Kingdom of HeavenA central theme in Jesus' teachings, often explained through parables to illustrate its nature and the response it requires from individuals.
Teaching Points
Spiritual DiscernmentThe call to "hear" is not just about physical hearing but understanding and accepting spiritual truths. Believers are encouraged to seek discernment through prayer and study of the Word.
Openness to God's WordHaving "ears to hear" implies a readiness and willingness to receive and act upon God's message. This requires humility and a teachable spirit.
The Role of ParablesParables serve to reveal truths to those who are open and conceal them from those who are not. This challenges believers to examine their hearts and openness to God's teachings.
Active ListeningTrue hearing involves active engagement with the Word, leading to transformation and obedience. Believers should strive to apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Responsibility of the HearerEach person is responsible for how they respond to God's Word. The call to hear is an invitation to deeper relationship and understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 13:9?
2.How can we ensure we have "ears to hear" God's message today?
3.What steps can we take to better understand Matthew 13:9's call to listen?
4.How does Matthew 13:9 connect with James 1:22 about being doers of the word?
5.In what ways can we apply the principle of listening in our daily lives?
6.How can we encourage others to heed the message of Matthew 13:9?
7.What does "He who has ears, let him hear" mean in Matthew 13:9?
8.How does Matthew 13:9 challenge our understanding of spiritual receptiveness?
9.Why is listening emphasized in Matthew 13:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?
11.What miracles did Jesus perform according to the Bible?
12.In Matthew 13:10-11, Jesus says He speaks in parables so only certain people will understand; what does this imply about God's fairness and inclusivity?
13.In Matthew 8:5-13, why would a Roman centurion, an officer of an occupying force, seek help from a Jewish teacher, and is there any historical record supporting such an encounter?
14.Is salvation available to all or only the elect? (John 3:16 vs. Matthew 22:14)What Does Matthew 13:9 Mean
HeJesus, the divine Teacher, has just finished telling the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-8). By beginning His closing remark with “He,” He turns the spotlight onto Himself as the One speaking with absolute authority.
• Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prefaces weighty truths with phrases like “Truly, truly, I tell you” (John 5:24), reminding listeners that His words come straight from God.
• Matthew later records the Father’s command, “This is My beloved Son… Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). The same authoritative voice is at work here.
• Because Scripture is God-breathed and completely trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16-17), every statement of Christ demands our attention and obedience.
who has earsThe phrase narrows the audience from the general crowd to individuals who are physically able—but spiritually willing—to listen.
• Virtually everyone has physical ears, yet the Bible warns of people who “will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3).
• Jesus echoes Isaiah’s indictment of dull hearts and closed ears (Isaiah 6:9-10; quoted inMatthew 13:14-15).
• In Revelation’s letters to the churches, the risen Christ repeats, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says” (Revelation 2:7), showing that merely possessing ears isn’t enough; openness is required.
• True disciples, like the Bereans, “received the word with eagerness” (Acts 17:11), demonstrating the kind of responsive hearing Jesus seeks.
let him hearHere is the invitation—and command—to internalize and obey what has been spoken.
• “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17); hearing sparks faith that takes root.
• James urges, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22), clarifying that biblical hearing involves action.
• In Proverbs wisdom cries, “Blessed is the man who listens to me” (Proverbs 8:34); blessing follows obedience.
• The Sower’s parable itself illustrates four soil conditions. Only the good soil—those who “hear the word and understand it” (Matthew 13:23)—produces a harvest. Jesus’ command pushes each listener to become that fruitful soil.
summaryMatthew 13:9 is Jesus’ concise call for every individual to receive His word with receptive hearts and responsive obedience. The authoritative “He” speaks; those with “ears” must consciously choose to “hear,” letting the seed of truth bear abundant fruit in their lives.
(9)
Who hath ears to hear.--The formula had been used, as we have seen before (comp. Note on
Matthew 11:15). It was probably familiar in the schools of the Rabbis, when they were testing the ingenuity or progress of their scholars.
Verse 9. -
Who hath ears to hear (Revised Version omits
to hear)
,let him hear. So in all the accounts. Observe that it is not only a call to understand the parable, but is in itself a summary of the chief lesson of the parable. (On the phrase, see
Matthew 11:15, note.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
He whoὉ(Ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hasἔχων(echōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.ears,ὦτα(ōta)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3775:(a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.let him hear.”ἀκουέτω(akouetō)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 13:9 He who has ears to hear let (Matt. Mat Mt) 
