Matthew 11:15

15 Listen, every one who has ears!

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 taught until John.
14 And (if you are willing to receive it) he is the Elijah who was to come.
15 Listen, every one who has ears!
16 "But to what shall I compare the present generation? It is like children sitting in the open places, who call to their playmates.
17 "`We have played the flute to you,' they say, `and you have not danced: we have sung dirges, and you have not beaten your breasts.'
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