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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/40_Mat_13_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 13:15 - The Purpose of Jesus' Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For this people's heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/13-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/13-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/13-14.htm" title="Matthew 13:14">◄</a> Matthew 13:15 <a href="/matthew/13-16.htm" title="Matthew 13:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/13.htm">New International Version</a> For this people&#8217s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ <a href="/esv/matthew/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the heart of this people has grown dull, and they barely hear with the ears, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and they should hear with the ears, and they should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.' <a href="/kjv/matthew/13.htm">King James Bible</a> For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/13.htm">New King James Version</a> For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM.’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, LEST THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.’ <a href="/amp/matthew/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> FOR THIS NATION’S HEART HAS GROWN HARD, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE [tightly] CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND TURN [to Me] AND I WOULD HEAL THEM [spiritually].’ <a href="/csb/matthew/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For this people’s heart has grown callous; their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn back — and I would heal them. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For this people&#8217s heart has grown callous; their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn back— and I would cure them. <a href="/asv/matthew/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. <a href="/cev/matthew/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> All of them have stubborn minds! They refuse to listen; they cover their eyes. They cannot see or hear or understand. If they could, they would turn to me, and I would heal them." <a href="/erv/matthew/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. <a href="/gwt/matthew/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> These people have become close-minded and hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. And they never return to me for healing!' <a href="/gnt/matthew/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> because their minds are dull, and they have stopped up their ears and have closed their eyes. Otherwise, their eyes would see, their ears would hear, their minds would understand, and they would turn to me, says God, and I would heal them.' <a href="/isv/matthew/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> for this people's heart has become dull, and their ears are hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that they might not see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' <a href="/msb/matthew/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/net/matthew/13.htm">NET Bible</a> For the heart of this people has become dull; they are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, so that they would not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' <a href="/nheb/matthew/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For the heart of this people has grown dull, and their ears are sluggish in hearing, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn back, and I would heal them.' <a href="/wbt/matthew/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For this people's heart is become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For this people's mind is stupefied, their hearing has become dull, and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes, or hearing with their ears, or understanding with their minds, and turning back, so that I might heal them.' <a href="/web/matthew/13.htm">World English Bible</a> for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for the heart of this people was made obtuse, and with the ears they barely heard, and they closed their eyes, lest they might see with the eyes, and might hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and turn back, and I might heal them. <a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For the heart of this people has grown dull, and they barely hear with the ears, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and they should hear with the ears, and they should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.' <a href="/ylt/matthew/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for made gross was the heart of this people, and with the ears they heard heavily, and their eyes they did close, lest they might see with the eyes, and with the ears might hear, and with the heart understand, and turn back, and I might heal them. <a href="/slt/matthew/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For the heart of this people has been thickened, and with their ears have they heard heavily, and their eyes have they closed; lest perhaps they should see with the eyes, and hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and turn back, and I should heal them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears they have been dull of hearing, and their eyes they have shut: lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the heart of this people has grown fat, and with their ears they hear heavily, and they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and then I would heal them.’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the heart of this people has become hardened, and their ears hear heavily, and their eyes are dull; so that they cannot see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts; let them return, and I will heal them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For the heart of this people has become dense, and they have hardly heard with their ears and their eyes they have shut, lest they would see with their eyes and they would hear with their ears and they would understand in their hearts and they would be converted and I would heal them.'<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For the heart of this people has become fat; and with their ears they hear heavily; and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn to me, and I should give them health. <a href="/godbey/matthew/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Because the heart of this people is waxed gross, and they heard heavily with their ears, and closed their eyes; lest they may see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I shall heal them.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and with their ears they have heard heavily, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with the eves, and hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/mace/matthew/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." <a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For this people's mind is stupefied, their hearing has become dull, and their eyes they have closed; to prevent their ever seeing with their eyes, or hearing with their ears, or understanding with their minds, and turning back, so that I might heal them.' <a href="/worrell/matthew/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>for the heart of this people was made gross, and with their ears they heard heavily, and their eyes they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I should heal them.'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; least they should see at all with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/13-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3554" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">The Purpose of Jesus' Parables</a> …14In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutou (DPro-GMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laou (N-GMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people’s</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-NFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart</a> <a href="/greek/3975.htm" title="3975: Epachynthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To fatten, thicken; pass. fig: I become stupid, dull, unfeeling. From a derivative of pegnumi; to thicken, i.e. to fatten.">has grown callous;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousan (V-AIA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">they hardly hear</a> <a href="/greek/917.htm" title="917: bareōs (Adv) -- Heavily, with difficulty. Adverb from barus; heavily."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3775.htm" title="3775: ōsin (N-DNP) -- (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.">ears,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2576.htm" title="2576: ekammysan (V-AIA-3P) -- To close, shut the eyes. From a compound of kata and the base of musterion; to shut down, i.e. Close the eyes.">they have closed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmous (N-AMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes.</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Otherwise</a> <a href="/greek/4219.htm" title="4219: pote (Conj) -- When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time."></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">they might see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmois (N-DMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">hear</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3775.htm" title="3775: ōsin (N-DNP) -- (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.">ears,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: synōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">understand</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-DFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epistrepsōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">turn,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2390.htm" title="2390: iasomai (V-FIM-1S) -- To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure.">I would heal</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them.’</a> 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a> ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” <a href="/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12</a> so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’” <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a> He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a> as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” <a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a> Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a> “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ... <a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a> The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-15</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a> We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. <a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a> For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a> They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.heart.<a href="/psalms/119-70.htm">Psalm 119:70</a> Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.ears.<a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11</a> But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.<a href="/john/8-43.htm">John 8:43,44</a> Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word… <a href="/acts/7-57.htm">Acts 7:57</a> Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,their eyes.<a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10-12</a> For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered… <a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm">Isaiah 44:20</a> He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:10,11</a> And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved… and should be.<a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;<a href="/2_timothy/2-25.htm">2 Timothy 2:25,26</a> In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; … <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a> For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, … and I.<a href="/isaiah/57-18.htm">Isaiah 57:18</a> I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.<a href="/jeremiah/3-22.htm">Jeremiah 3:22</a> Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.<a href="/jeremiah/17-14.htm">Jeremiah 17:14</a> Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/119-70.htm">Callous</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Calloused</a> <a href="/jonah/2-6.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-5.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-1.htm">Dull</a> <a href="/matthew/13-9.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/matthew/11-26.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/daniel/10-17.htm">Hardly</a> <a href="/matthew/12-10.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/matthew/12-7.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">People's</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/matthew/3-14.htm">Prevent</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-24.htm">Scarcely</a> <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/9-22.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Waxed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/12-40.htm">Callous</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Calloused</a> <a href="/luke/4-20.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/matthew/15-16.htm">Dull</a> <a href="/matthew/13-16.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/matthew/13-16.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Hardly</a> <a href="/matthew/14-14.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/matthew/13-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/13-20.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/16-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/mark/2-8.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">People's</a> <a href="/matthew/15-17.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/matthew/13-29.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/mark/3-9.htm">Prevent</a> <a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Scarcely</a> <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/15-36.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/matthew/15-16.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/luke/1-80.htm">Waxed</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 13</div>1. <a href="/matthew/13-1.htm">The parable of the sower and the seed;</a> 18. <a href="/matthew/13-18.htm">the explanation of it.</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">The parable of the weeds;</a> 31. <a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">of the mustard seed;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">of the leaven;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">explanation of the parable of the weeds.</a> 44. <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">The parable of the hidden treasure;</a> 45. <a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">of the pearl;</a> 47. <a href="/matthew/13-47.htm">of the drag net cast into the sea.</a> 53. <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/13.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>For this people’s heart has grown callous The phrase "heart has grown callous" is a vivid depiction of spiritual insensitivity. In the Greek, the word for "callous" (παχύνω, pachynō) suggests a thickening or hardening, akin to the calluses that form on skin through repeated friction. This metaphor indicates a spiritual dullness or insensitivity that has developed over time. Historically, the Israelites had a pattern of turning away from God, despite His continuous revelations and miracles. This hardening of the heart is a warning against the dangers of becoming desensitized to God's voice through persistent disobedience and neglect of spiritual disciplines.they hardly hear with their ears The phrase "hardly hear" implies a deliberate neglect or refusal to listen. The Greek word for "hear" (ἀκούω, akouō) is not just about the physical act of hearing but involves understanding and responding. In the biblical context, hearing is often linked with obedience. The Israelites, despite having the Law and the Prophets, often chose to ignore God's commands. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers today to remain attentive and responsive to God's Word, lest they fall into spiritual deafness.and they have closed their eyes Closing one's eyes is a conscious action, symbolizing a willful rejection of truth. The Greek word for "closed" (καμμύω, kammýō) suggests a deliberate shutting out of light. In the scriptural context, light often represents truth and revelation. By closing their eyes, the people are choosing ignorance over enlightenment. This reflects a broader theme in Scripture where individuals or nations turn away from divine truth, leading to spiritual darkness. It is a call for believers to remain vigilant and open to God's revelations.Otherwise they might see with their eyes The potential to "see with their eyes" indicates that understanding and enlightenment are possible if one chooses to be receptive. The act of seeing in the biblical sense often involves perceiving spiritual truths and realities. The historical context of Jesus' ministry shows that many witnessed His miracles yet failed to recognize Him as the Messiah. This phrase encourages believers to seek spiritual sight, to perceive God's work in the world, and to recognize His presence in their lives.hear with their ears Reiterating the importance of hearing, this phrase emphasizes the need for active listening to God's Word. In the Hebrew tradition, hearing is closely tied to obedience, as seen in the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>). The call to hear is a call to action, urging believers to not only listen but to live out the teachings of Christ. It is a reminder that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (<a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>).understand with their hearts Understanding with the heart goes beyond intellectual comprehension; it involves a deep, spiritual insight. The heart (καρδία, kardia) in biblical terms is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This understanding leads to transformation and aligns one's desires with God's will. Historically, the failure to understand with the heart led to Israel's repeated disobedience. For contemporary believers, it is a call to seek a heart-level understanding of God's truth, leading to genuine transformation.and turn The word "turn" (ἐπιστρέφω, epistrephō) signifies repentance, a fundamental concept in Christian theology. It involves a change of mind and direction, turning away from sin and towards God. This turning is essential for spiritual renewal and healing. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to repentance, promising restoration and blessing. It is a reminder of the grace available to all who choose to turn back to God.and I would heal them The promise of healing is both physical and spiritual. In the biblical narrative, healing often accompanies forgiveness and restoration. The Greek word for "heal" (ἰάομαι, iaomai) encompasses wholeness and salvation. This promise reflects God's desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him. For believers, it is an assurance of God's willingness to heal and restore those who seek Him with a repentant heart. It is a call to trust in God's redemptive power and to experience the fullness of His grace.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Lest at any time they should see.--The words point to the obstinate, wilful ignorance which refuses to look on the truth, lest the look should lead to conviction, and conviction to conversion--the ignorance of those who love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (<a href="/john/3-19.htm" title="And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.">John 3:19</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - For this people's heart is waxed gross. There are two ways of understanding this verse as it comes here. (1) It states the reason why God pronounced the judgment of ver. 14. The people's heart had already become fat, lest (μή ποτε will then express the effect from the Divine point of view) they should see, etc. (2) It merely enlarges the statement of ver. 14, expanding its meaning (for this force of γάρ, cf. <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15</a>; <a href="/luke/18-32.htm">Luke 18:32</a>): their heart is waxed fat (by God's judgment for preceding sins), lest they should see, etc. This second explanation is preferable, for it alone suits the imperative found in the Hebrew (cf. the transitive verbs in <a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a>), and is strictly parallel to the introductory vers. 11-13, which do not dwell upon the causes of God's judgment. And their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest at any time (<a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Matthew 4:6</a>, note) they should see; perceive (Revised Version) - to recall the same word in ver. 14. With their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart. Bengel calls attention to the order; first came heart, ears, eyes; here, eyes, ears, heart. "A corde corruptio manat in aures et oculos: per oculos et aures sanitas pervenit ad cor." And should be converted; and should turn again (Revised Version, ἐπιστρέψωσι); for "to be converted" has acquired too technical a meaning. And I should heal them (καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς). The verb is still dependent on the lest (cf. <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25</a>; <a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a>), but the future brings out the certainty of God's healing them on their turning, etc. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/13-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. this τούτου (toutou) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. people’s λαοῦ (laou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. heart καρδία (kardia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. has grown callous; Ἐπαχύνθη (Epachynthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3975.htm">Strong's 3975: </a> To fatten, thicken; pass. fig: I become stupid, dull, unfeeling. From a derivative of pegnumi; to thicken, i.e. to fatten. they hardly hear ἤκουσαν (ēkousan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ears, ὠσὶν (ōsin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3775.htm">Strong's 3775: </a> (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear. and Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they have closed ἐκάμμυσαν (ekammysan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2576.htm">Strong's 2576: </a> To close, shut the eyes. From a compound of kata and the base of musterion; to shut down, i.e. Close the eyes. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. eyes. ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. Otherwise Μή‿ (Mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. they might see ἴδωσιν (idōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. eyes, ὀφθαλμοῖς (ophthalmois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. hear ἀκούσωσιν (akousōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ears, ὠσὶν (ōsin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3775.htm">Strong's 3775: </a> (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear. understand συνῶσιν (synōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. with [their] τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. hearts, καρδίᾳ (kardia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. and Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. turn, ἐπιστρέψωσιν (epistrepsōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. and Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I would heal ἰάσομαι (iasomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2390.htm">Strong's 2390: </a> To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure. them.’ αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart has grown callous (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/13-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 13:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/13-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 13:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>