Matthew 13:14

Matthew 13:14 Meaning and Explanation

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

King James Version (KJV)

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Jesus says the people's dullness fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of hearing without understanding.

What Does Matthew 13:14 Mean?

Jesus reaches back to Isaiah, who spoke these words long before. Esaias is the Greek form of Isaiah's name. The prophet foresaw a people who would hear with their ears and watch with their eyes and yet not grasp the truth before them, and Jesus sees that ancient word coming true again.

This connection assures the reader that nothing has slipped from God's hand. The same Spirit who spoke through Isaiah is at work in Christ, and the long resistance of the human heart was already known and foretold. The verse is a sober reminder that familiarity with sacred words is no guarantee of understanding them; only a softened heart truly perceives.

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What does Matthew 13:14 mean?

Jesus says the people's dullness fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of hearing without understanding.

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