Matthew 11:15

15 he who is having ears to hear -- let him 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 law till John did prophesy,
14 and if ye are willing to receive [it], he is Elijah who was about to come;
15 he who is having ears to hear -- let him hear.
16 `And to what shall I liken this generation? it is like little children in market-places, sitting and calling to their comrades,
17 and saying, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance, we lamented to you, and ye did not smite the breast.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.