Matthew 11:15

15 If you have ears, then hear!

Matthew 11:15 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
] A way of speaking used by Christ, when anything serious, and of great importance, was delivered; and which required attention, and was not easily understood: and such were the several things he had mentioned in this context; as that John was more than a prophet, more excellent than all the prophets; that the law and prophets were now at an end, and that John was Elias; which things, if rightly understood, would serve greatly to settle their judgment, with respect to himself as the Messiah: but his words imply, that everyone had not spiritual ears and understandings, to hear and take in things of such an high nature, and excellent use; none but those to whom they were given; and such ought to attend to them, and, seriously weigh and consider the importance of them. The phrase is to be met with in Jewish writings, where it is thus expressed F8;

``"He that hears let him hear, and he that understandeth let him understand";''

See ( Matthew 13:43 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F8 Zohar in Num. fol. 60. 3.

Matthew 11:15 In-Context

13 For all the prophets and the Torah prophesied until Yochanan.
14 Indeed, if you are willing to accept it, he is Eliyahu, whose coming was predicted.
15 If you have ears, then hear!
16 "Oh, what can I compare this generation with? They're like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling out to each other,
17 `We made happy music, but you wouldn't dance! We made sad music, but you wouldn't cry!'
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.