Matthew 13:9

Matthew 13:9, in plain English

Jesus finishes with His familiar challenge: if you have ears to hear, then really listen! This story has a deeper meaning for those willing to receive it.

Why it's here

Jesus knows most people will hear a nice farming story and miss the point. He is inviting you to go deeper -- to be the good soil that truly receives His words.

Who's speaking

Jesus calls the crowd to listen carefully.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus issues an invitation: do not just hear a story -- hear its truth. The parable is not just about seeds and soil. It is about your heart.

The scholarly reading

Jesus again uses the formula 'he who has ears, let him hear' (ho echon ota akoueto), challenging the audience to move beyond surface hearing to genuine spiritual comprehension of the parable.

Language and setting

This formula bookends the parable, signaling that the story requires deeper interpretation. It separates casual hearers from genuine seekers, anticipating the disciples' question that follows.

Voice

Jesus calls for spiritual discernment from His audience.

Significance

Jesus closes the parable with His signature call to deeper listening, aware that most of His audience will hear the story without grasping its spiritual significance.

7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings.

8Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.

9He who has ears, let him hear.”

10Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”

11He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Read all of Matthew 13 — A farmer scatters seed, a woman hides yeast, a merchant finds a pearl. Jesus teaches in parables — and not everyone is meant to understand.