Bible Strands
Matthew 13:9
He who has ears, let him hear.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the crowds gathered to hear his parables immediately after describing how seed on good soil yields a multiplied harvest. He speaks these words at the conclusion of the Parable of the Sower to mark the end of that teaching segment.
The words — The verse hinges on ἔχων (echōn), meaning "having," and ἀκούετω (akouetō), meaning "he should hear." Combined with ὦτα (ōta) for "ears," the Greek constructs a literal imperative for the listener to possess the capacity for understanding.
The thread — The text places this exact formula in Matthew 11:15 and repeats it in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 2:11. In each location, the text precedes a specific spiritual instruction or warning with a command to listen.
Why it lands — The verse demands active auditory and mental engagement rather than passive reception. It requires the reader to apply the preceding teaching to their own condition before proceeding.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Cross-references
- Matthew 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear.
- Revelation 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
- Revelation 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.
- Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.
- Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.
- Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
- Mark 4:23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
- Mark 7:14 Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand:
- Revelation 2:29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
- Revelation 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.