Matthew 13:18

Hear then ye the parable (umei oun akousate thn parabolhn). Jesus has given in Matthew 13:13 one reason for his use of parables, the condemnation which the Pharisees have brought on themselves by their spiritual dulness: "Therefore I speak to them in parables" (dia touto en parabwlai antoi lalw). He can go on preaching the mysteries of the kingdom without their comprehending what he is saying, but he is anxious that the disciples really get personal knowledge (gnwnai, verse Matthew 11 ) of these same mysteries. So he explains in detail what he means to teach by the Parable of the Sower. He appeals to them (note position of mei) to listen as he explains.