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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 13:17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/40_Mat_13_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 13:17 - The Purpose of Jesus' Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/13-17.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/13-17.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 17</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="/ad17.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/13-16.htm" title="Matthew 13:16">◄</a> Matthew 13:17 <a href="/matthew/13-18.htm" title="Matthew 13:18">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </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 truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. <a href="/nlt/matthew/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. <a href="/esv/matthew/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. <a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear. <a href="/kjv/matthew/13.htm">King James Bible</a> For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/13.htm">New King James Version</a> for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/nasb/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For truly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/lsb/matthew/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/amp/matthew/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/csb/matthew/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see but didn’t see them, to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I assure you: Many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see yet didn&#8217t see them; to hear the things you hear yet didn&#8217t hear them. <a href="/asv/matthew/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not. <a href="/cev/matthew/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Many prophets and good people were eager to see what you see and to hear what you hear. But I tell you they did not see or hear. <a href="/erv/matthew/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not. <a href="/gwt/matthew/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can guarantee this truth: Many prophets and many of God's people longed to see what you see but didn't see it, to hear what you hear but didn't hear it. <a href="/gnt/matthew/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> I assure you that many prophets and many of God's people wanted very much to see what you see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not. <a href="/isv/matthew/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> I tell all of you with certainty, many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see but did not see them, and to hear the things you hear but did not hear them." <a href="/msb/matthew/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. <a href="/net/matthew/13.htm">NET Bible</a> For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. <a href="/nheb/matthew/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For truly I tell you that many prophets and righteous people desired to see the things which you see, and did not see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them. <a href="/wbt/matthew/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For verily I say to you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see the things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which ye hear, and have not heard them. <a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I solemnly tell you that many Prophets and holy men have longed to see the sights you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the words you hear, and have not heard them. <a href="/web/matthew/13.htm">World English Bible</a> For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see that which you look on, and they did not see, and to hear that which you hear, and they did not hear. <a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear. <a href="/ylt/matthew/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for verily I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men did desire to see that which ye look on, and they did not see, and to hear that which ye hear, and they did not hear. <a href="/slt/matthew/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For verily I say to you, that many prophets and just desired eagerly to see what ye see, and saw not; and to hear what ye hear, and heard not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For, amen, I say to you, many prophets and just men have desired to see the things that you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the things that you hear and have not heard them. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Amen I say to you, certainly, that many of the prophets and the just desired to see what you see, and yet they did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and yet they did not hear it. <a href="/nabre/matthew/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For truly I say to you, a great many prophets and righteous men have longed to see what you see, and did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For I say to you that many Prophets and righteous ones have yearned to see the things that you are seeing and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you are hearing, and they did not hear them.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For verily I say to you, Many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Truly I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see those things which you see, and saw them not; and to hear those things which you hear, and heard them not.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For verily I tell you, That many prophets and righteous men have greatly desired to see the things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which ye hear, and have not heard them. <a href="/mace/matthew/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. <a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I solemnly tell you that many Prophets and holy men have longed to see the sights you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the words you hear, and have not heard them. <a href="/worrell/matthew/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For verily I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what ye are seeing, and did not see them; and to hear what ye are hearing, and did not hear them.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>for indeed I tell you, that many prophets and righteous <Fr>men<FR> have desired to see <Fr>the things<FR> which ye see, and have not seen <Fr>them;<FR> and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard <Fr>them. <a href="/parallel/matthew/13-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3579" 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> …16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">truly</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētai (N-NMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophets</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaioi (Adj-NMP) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">righteous men</a> <a href="/greek/1937.htm" title="1937: epethymēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- To long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, i.e. Long for.">longed</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idein (V-ANA) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">to see</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepete (V-PIA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">you see</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eidan (V-AIA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">did not see it,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousai (V-ANA) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">to hear</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouete (V-PIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">you hear</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></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.">did not hear it.</a> 18Consider, then, the parable of the sower:…<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="/luke/10-23.htm">Luke 10:23-24</a> Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. / For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a> Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13</a> All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. <a href="/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56</a> Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Hebrews 11:39-40</a> These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. / God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect. <a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Isaiah 52:15</a> so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard. <a href="/isaiah/64-4.htm">Isaiah 64:4</a> From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">1 Corinthians 2:9-10</a> Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” / But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a> Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith— <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5</a> which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15</a> The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a> The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. <a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Isaiah 29:18</a> On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. <a href="/isaiah/32-3.htm">Isaiah 32:3-4</a> Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. / The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will speak clearly and fluently.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For truly I say to you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.That many.<a href="/luke/10-24.htm">Luke 10:24</a> For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.<a href="/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56</a> Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.<a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5,6</a> Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/12-47.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/haggai/2-7.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/matthew/13-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-16.htm">Longed</a> <a href="/matthew/11-13.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/matthew/12-37.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Sights</a> <a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/10-41.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/15-28.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/matthew/13-18.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/14-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/23-17.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Longed</a> <a href="/matthew/16-14.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/matthew/13-43.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/luke/21-11.htm">Sights</a> <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/matthew/14-33.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/13-43.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/matthew/15-10.htm">Words</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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For truly I tell you This phrase emphasizes the authority and truthfulness of Jesus' statement. In the Gospels, Jesus often uses "truly" or "verily" to underscore the importance of His teachings. It reflects His role as a divine teacher and prophet, whose words carry the weight of divine truth.many prophets and righteous men This refers to the faithful individuals in the Old Testament who were devoted to God and His promises. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, as well as righteous figures such as Abraham and Moses, anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Their lives were marked by a deep longing for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.longed to see what you see The prophets and righteous men yearned for the arrival of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. They foresaw glimpses of this future through prophecies and visions but did not experience it firsthand. This longing is evident in passages like <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a> and <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a>, which speak of the coming of a divine ruler.but did not see it Despite their anticipation, these figures did not witness the fulfillment of their prophecies. <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13-16</a> highlights that many died in faith, not having received the promises but seeing them from afar. This underscores the privilege of those in Jesus' time who witnessed His ministry and the unfolding of God's plan.and to hear what you hear The teachings and parables of Jesus, as well as His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, were revelations that the prophets and righteous men longed to hear. Jesus' words were the culmination of God's communication to humanity, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a>, where God speaks through His Son in these last days.but did not hear it The prophets and righteous men did not have the opportunity to hear Jesus' teachings directly. This highlights the unique blessing and responsibility of those who were present during Jesus' earthly ministry. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and heeding the words of Christ, as emphasized in passages like <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, revealing the privilege they have in witnessing His ministry and teachings firsthand. 2. <a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a> Refers to the Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah and longed to see the fulfillment of their prophecies. 3. <a href="/topical/r/righteous_men.htm">Righteous Men</a> These are individuals from the Old Testament who lived by faith and desired to witness the coming of God's kingdom. 4. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who are blessed to see and hear the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">The Kingdom of Heaven</a> The central theme of Jesus' teachings, representing God's reign and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_privilege_of_revelation.htm">The Privilege of Revelation</a> Recognize the immense privilege we have in having access to the full revelation of God's plan through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. <a href="/topical/l/longing_for_fulfillment.htm">Longing for Fulfillment</a> Understand the deep longing of the prophets and righteous men for the Messiah, and cultivate a similar longing for Christ's return and the full realization of His kingdom. <a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_spiritual_insight.htm">Gratitude for Spiritual Insight</a> Be grateful for the spiritual insight and understanding we have through the Holy Spirit, which even the prophets did not fully possess. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_witness.htm">Responsibility of Witness</a> With the privilege of revelation comes the responsibility to share the gospel and live out its truths in our daily lives. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_patience.htm">Faith and Patience</a> Emulate the faith and patience of the prophets and righteous men, trusting in God's promises even when fulfillment seems distant.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'overcome_by_the_blood'_mean.htm">What were the teachings of Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_god's_mystery.htm">What is the meaning of God's mystery?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_david's_vengeance_fit_biblical_ethics.htm">2 Samuel 4:12 - How does David's brutal display of vengeance align with the moral and ethical teachings later associated with biblical leadership?</a> <a href="/q/main_themes_in_matthew.htm">What are the main themes in the Book of Matthew?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Many prophets and righteous men.--The prophets of Israel were emphatically "men of desires." They saw afar off the glory of the kingdom of the latter days. Each stood, as it were, on a Pisgah height, and looked on the vision of a land which he was not to enter. The words "have not seen them" seem to stand in verbal contradiction with those of <a href="/john/8-56.htm" title="Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.">John 8:56</a>, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day," but it is clear that the difference is simply verbal. There is a joy in looking on the distant prospect which does not exclude, yea, rather implies the desire to reach that which even from afar appears so glorious. The feeling thus described is identical with the "searching diligently" of <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm" title="Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you:">1Peter 1:10</a>, and with the "desire for a better country" of <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm" title="But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: why God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.">Hebrews 11:16</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - For verily (<a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Matthew 5:18</a>, note). Not in the parallel passage; it is much more common in Matthew than Luke. Our Lord contrasts his disciples' "blessedness" not only with the state of their contemporaries, but with that of their predecessors in faith. I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men. Those who were specially favoured with insight into God's methods, and those who approached most closely to his standard of righteousness. Righteous men; "kings" in Luke. St. Luke's readers would probably not appreciate the force of the term, "righteous men." to the same degree that St. Matthew's would. Have desired (ἐπεθύμησαν). By reading ἐπεθύμησα, this saying has been attributed to Christ (see Bishop Westcott, 'Introd.,' App. C.; Resch, 'Agrapha,' p. 397). To see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them (cf. <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/13-17.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. truly ἀμὴν (amēn) Hebrew Word <a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. many πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. prophets προφῆται (prophētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. righteous [men] δίκαιοι (dikaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy. longed ἐπεθύμησαν (epethymēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1937.htm">Strong's 1937: </a> To long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, i.e. Long for. to see ἰδεῖν (idein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <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. what ἃ (ha) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. you see βλέπετε (blepete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. did not see [it], εἶδαν (eidan) Verb - Aorist Indicative 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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to hear ἀκοῦσαι (akousai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <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. what ἃ (ha) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. you hear ἀκούετε (akouete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd 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. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. did not hear [it]. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/13-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 13:17 For most certainly I tell you that (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/13-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 13:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/13-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 13:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:18" /></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>