Matthew 13:17

17 Forsooth I say [truly] to you, that many prophets and just men coveted to see those things that ye see, and they saw not, and to hear those things that ye hear, and they heard not.

Matthew 13:17 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 13:17

For verily I say unto you
This is added for the further confirmation of what is before said, concerning the happiness of the disciples, in seeing and hearing what they did:

that many prophets, and righteous men;
Luke says, ( Luke 10:24 ) "kings"

have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen
them, and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard
them.
To see Christ in the flesh, and have a clearer insight into the knowledge of the mysteries of grace, were things very desirable to men of the highest class in church and state, and of the best characters, such as Abraham, ( John 8:56 ) . Jacob, ( Genesis 49:18 ) . David, ( Psalms 14:7 ) . Solomon, and the church in his time, ( Song of Solomon 8:1 ) . Isaiah, and the saints with him, ( Isaiah 25:9 ) with many others. These indeed had a sight of Christ, but a very distant one; they saw him afar off in the promises and prophecies of him; and not very clearly, but through dark types and cloudy sacrifices; whereas the disciples saw him in person, heard him preach, took in the evidence of his miracles, and felt the power of his doctrines, and spiritually and savingly understood them. A way of speaking, somewhat like this, stands in the Talmud ^F16;

``Many have watched to expound in Mercavah (the beginning of Ezekiel's prophecy), (Mhymym htwa war alw) , "and have not seen it all their days".''

---

FOOTNOTES:

F16 T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 24. 2.

Matthew 13:17 In-Context

15 for the heart of this people is greatly fatted [+for the heart of this people is enfatted/is greatly made fat], and they heard heavily with ears, and they have closed their eyes, lest sometime they see with eyes, and with ears hear, and understand in heart, and they be converted, and I heal them.

16 But your eyes that see be blessed, and your ears that hear.

17 Forsooth I say [truly] to you, that many prophets and just men coveted to see those things that ye see, and they saw not, and to hear those things that ye hear, and they heard not.

18 Therefore hear ye the parable of the sower.

19 Each that heareth the word of the realm, and understandeth not, the evil spirit cometh, and snatcheth (up) that that is sown in his heart; this it is [this is he], that is sown beside the way.