Matthew 11:15

15 Let anyone with ears listen!

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 law prophesied until John came;
14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
15 Let anyone with ears listen!
16 "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.'

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Other ancient authorities add [to hear]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.