Matthew 13:9
ESV
He who has ears, let him hear."
NIV
Whoever has ears, let them hear."
NASB
The one who has ears, let him hear.'
CSB
Let anyone who has ears listen."
NLT
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.'
KJV
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
NKJV
He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
What does Matthew 13:9 mean?
After concluding His first of several parables to the crowd gathered on the beach (Matthew 13:1–8), Jesus proclaims from His spot in the boat, "He who has ears, let him hear." This phrase is used as a clue for listeners to carefully review what He has just said and to work to understand it.In the following verses, Jesus' disciples will ask Him why He teaches in parables. His answer will reveal that not everyone "has ears," in a spiritual sense. Not all people want to listen, or understand, and Jesus does not intend for everyone who hears His parables to fully understand them.
