What does Matthew 13:9 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Matthew 13:9, says: "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." This is a direct command from Jesus, typically found at the culmination of a parable or significant teaching.

The literal meaning is straightforward: it's an appeal to those who are able to understand or interpret what has been said to pay attention and to heed the message.

On a deeper level, the phrase implies that the message being conveyed is not immediately clear to everyone; it requires discernment and a willingness to engage with its deeper meaning.

Within the broader context of the Bible, it suggests that spiritual truths are not always obvious and may require a certain openness of heart and mind to comprehend fully.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

The book was authored by Matthew, also known as Levi, a former tax collector and one of Jesus's twelve apostles. It's generally dated to have been written between A.D. 70 and A.D. 110.

The context of Matthew 13 is a series of parables that Jesus taught to a large crowd beside the sea.

In biblical times, hearing was considered a primary sense for receiving wisdom and divine guidance, hence the repeated urging to listen carefully could be seen as an invitation to engage with the deeper, sometimes hidden, spiritual truths that Jesus was imparting through his parables.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has been understood to emphasize divine grace in the giving and receiving of spiritual understanding.

Some theologians believe that the ability to "hear" in this context is a gift from God, meaning that true comprehension of spiritual truths requires divine enlightenment.

The Calvinist viewpoint might interpret this as pertaining to the doctrine of "irresistible grace," suggesting that those who are predestined to understand will inevitably do so.

Meanwhile, from an Arminian perspective, it could be viewed as a call to human responsibility in responding to the divine invitation to understand and act upon the word of God.

Practical Applications

In practice, the teaching "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear" can serve as a reminder to be attentive and responsive to spiritual teachings and wisdom.

It suggests that individuals should not only listen physically but engage intellectually and spiritually with what is being taught.

This can be interpreted as a call to active discernment, encouraging people to not passively consume teachings, but to critically and thoughtfully consider their meaning and implications in their own lives.

Cross-References

• Revelation 2:7 - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;"
• Mark 4:9 - "And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
• Luke 8:8 - "And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold.

And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

• Jeremiah 5:21 - "Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, see not; which have ears, hear not:"

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of the New Testament is "ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω." Here are some key terms analyzed:

• ὁ ἔχων (ho echon): "The one who has," implying possession or ability.
• ὦτα (ota): "Ears," quite literally the physical organs but also a metaphor for the ability to understand or comprehend.
• ἀκούειν (akouein): Infinitive form of "to hear," indicating the action of hearing.
• ἀκουέτω (akoueto): Present imperative form of "to hear," giving the word a command or directive force.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including those contemporary to Jesus, the concept of having "ears to hear" had symbolic importance.

It commonly referred to the wisdom and understanding possessed by a select few, priests, sages, and oracles, who were believed to have the capacity to discern gods' messages.

In the context of other religious systems like Hinduism or Buddhism, a similar principle might be discussed in terms of having the correct level of spiritual development or enlightenment necessary to grasp deeper truths.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse from Matthew does not directly touch upon scientific perspectives, it does intersect with modern understandings of communication and cognition.

Studies in psychology and neuroscience explore how individuals perceive and process information, emphasizing that not all information is absorbed in the same way by every individual.

Factors that influence this include cognitive biases, educational background, and emotional state.

From a scientific point of view, "having ears to hear" could be translated into being cognitively open and able to integrate new, complex information.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have examined this verse:

• John Calvin highlighted the need for God to illuminate the mind to understand spiritual truths.
• Matthew Henry's commentary suggested that the phrase calls for attention and seriousness in receiving the message of the Gospel.
• William Barclay noted the distinction Jesus makes between hearing and understanding, suggesting that Jesus is aware of the varying levels of perception among his listeners.
• More contemporary scholars, like N.T.

Wright, often point to the parabolic teachings of Jesus as a call to a more profound spiritual awakening that is not easily attained without reflective engagement with the text.