Matthew 13:9
What does Matthew 13:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:9 means
“He that hath ears, let him hear” is a call to attentive, obedient listening. It’s not merely about hearing sound; it demands perception, understanding, and responsive action. Jesus uses this summons throughout the Gospels to challenge hearers to evaluate their receptivity to his message. It implicitly warns against being like the unresponsive soils; possessing ears but not using them spiritually renders one culpable. It invites self-examination and intentional readiness to receive the kingdom’s truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that hath ears, let him hear.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that hath ears, let him hear.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who has ears, let him give ear.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is having ears to hear--let him hear.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that has ears, let him hear.
Context
This brief imperative follows the Sower’s outcomes and serves as a general exhortation to the crowd. It bridges public teaching to the private explanation that follows: the disciples will ask about parables, and this line foreshadows the need to discern what has been heard and to cultivate receptive hearts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
- Mark 4:9
And he said, Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
- Revelation 3:13
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
- Mark 4:23
If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear.
- Mark 7:14
And he called to him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear me all of you, and understand:
- Revelation 2:11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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