Matthew 11:15

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Matthew 11:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He who has ears, let him hear.

King James Version KJV

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

American Standard Version ASV

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Bible in Basic English BBE

He who has ears, let him give ear.

Free Bible Version FBV

Anybody with ears should be listening!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He that hath eares to heare, let him heare.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

he who is having ears to hear — let him hear.

World English Bible WEB

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Translation for Translators T4T

If you want to understand this, you must think carefully [MTY] about what I have just said [MTY].”

Plain English Version PEV

And Jesus said, “You’ve got ears, so you have to listen to me properly, and take notice of my words.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 11:15

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 11:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο εχων ωτα ακουειν ακουετω

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

εχων echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAP-NSM

ωτα ous G3775 ear Noun-APN

ακουειν akouō G191 to hear Verb-PAN

ακουετω akouō G191 to hear Verb-PAM-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 11:15

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εχων echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAP-NSM

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

ωτα ous G3775 "ear" Noun-APN

The Greek word for ear refers to both the physical ear and the ability to hear and understand. It's used in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:16 and Luke 22:50. This word represents listening and perceiving.

Definition: οὖς genitive, ὠτός, τό, [in LXX chiefly for אֹזֶן ;] the ear: Mat.13:16, Mrk.7:33, Luk.22:50, 1Co.2:9 12:16, 1Pe.3:12; ἐν τ. ὠσί, Luk.4:21; εἰς τ. ὦτα ἀκούεσθαι, Act.7:57; γίνεσθαι, Luk.1:44; εἰσέρχεσθαι, Jas.5:4; εἰς τ. οὖς ἀκούειν, Mat.10:27; πρὸς τ. οὖς λαλεῖν, Luk.12:3; τὰ ὦ. συνέχειν (MM, xviii), Act.7:57. Metaphorical, of understanding, perceiving, knowing: Mat.13:16; ὁ ἔχων (εἴ τις ἔχει) οὖς ἀκουσάτω, Rev.2:7, 11 2:17, 29 3:6, 13 13:9; ὁ ἔχων (ὃς ἔχει, εἴ τις ἔχει) ὦτα (ἀκούειν) ἀκουέτω, Mat.11:15 13:9, 43, Mrk.4:9, 23 7:16 (R, mg.), Luk.8:8 14:35; τοῖς ὠ. βαρέως ἀκούειν, Mat.13:15 Act.28:27" (LXX) ; ὦ. ἔχοντες οὐκ ἀκούειν, Mrk.8:18; ὦ. τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν, Rom.11:8; θέσθε εἰς τὰ ὦ., Luk.9:44; ἀπερίτμητος τοῖς ὠ., Act.7:51.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 35 NT verses. KJV: ear See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Mark 7:16; 1 Peter 3:12.

ακουειν akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-PAN

To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.

Definition: ἀκούω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁמע ] to hear, listen, attend, perceive by hearing, comprehend by hearing. __1. Intrans.: Mrk.4:3 7:37, Jas.2:5, Rev.2:7, al.; τ. ὠσίν, Mat.13:15 (LXX); with cogn. dative, ακοῇ ἀ. (see: ἀκοή), Mat.13:14, Act.28:26" (LXX) ; ὁ ἔχων ὦτα (οὖς) ἀκούειν, ἀκουσάτω, Mat.11:15, Mrk.4:23, Rev.2:7, al. __2. Trans., prop. with accusative of thing(s), of thing heard, genitive of person(s), from whom heard (LS, see word): Act.1:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:19, Jhn.3:8 (Abbott, JG, 76), Act.22:9, al.; with dupl. accusative, Jhn.12:18, 1Co.11:18; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.7:40 (Abbott, JV, 116); τ. φωνῆς (cf. Heb. שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, Exo.18:19), Jhn.5:25, 28 Act.9:7 (on the distinction bet. this and ἀ. φωνήν, ib. 4, see M, Pr., 66; Field, Notes, 117; Abbott, Essays, 93f.); of God answering prayer, Jhn.9:31, 1Jn.5:14, 15; with accusative of thing(s), before παρά, Jhn.8:26, 40 Act.10:22, 2Ti.2:2; id. before ἀπό, 1Jn.1:5; with genitive pars. before ptcp., Mrk.14:58, Luk.18:36, al. (On NT usage generally, see Bl., §36, 5; Cremer, 82.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 401 NT verses. KJV: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 23:16; Hebrews 2:1.

ακουετω akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-PAM-3S

To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.

Study Notes — Matthew 11:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 11:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 11:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 11:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 11:15
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 11:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 11:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 11:15
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 11:15
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 11:15
Sermons on Matthew 11:15

Context — Jesus Testifies about John

13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

15He who has ears, let him hear.

16To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 8:8	Still other seed fell on good soil, where it sprang up and produced a crop—a hundredfold.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
2	Matthew 13:9	He who has ears, let him hear.”
3	Mark 4:23	If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
4	Matthew 13:43	Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
5	Mark 4:9	Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
6	Revelation 3:13	He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
7	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.
8	Luke 14:35	It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile, and it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
9	Revelation 2:29	He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
10	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 11:15 Summary

Jesus says, 'He who has ears, let him hear,' which means He wants us to really listen to and understand His message. This is not just about physical hearing, but about paying attention to and responding to God's truth in our lives (as seen in Matthew 13:9). To hear God's voice, we need to be willing to listen and apply His Word, as encouraged in James 1:22. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with Him and bear fruit for His kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'He who has ears, let him hear' in Matthew 11:15?

Jesus is calling His listeners to pay attention and understand the importance of His message, as He says in Matthew 13:9 and Mark 4:23, emphasizing the need for spiritual ears to hear God's truth.

Is this verse related to the idea of spiritual hearing in the Bible?

Yes, the concept of spiritual hearing is found throughout the Bible, such as in Ezekiel 12:2 and Revelation 2:7, where God's people are called to listen and respond to His voice.

How does this verse fit into the context of Jesus' ministry?

This verse comes after Jesus discusses John the Baptist and the expectations of the people, as seen in Matthew 11:13-14, highlighting the need for Jesus' listeners to understand and respond to His message of repentance and salvation.

What is the significance of Jesus' statement for believers today?

Jesus' statement in Matthew 11:15 reminds believers of the importance of listening to and applying God's Word in their lives, as encouraged in James 1:22 and Luke 8:15, where they are called to be doers of the Word and to bear fruit for God's kingdom.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that might be preventing me from truly hearing and responding to God's voice?
How can I cultivate spiritual ears to hear God's truth and apply it to my life?
What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to listening to and following Jesus, as seen in Matthew 11:15?
In what ways can I be more intentional about seeking God's voice and guidance in my daily life, and what role does prayer play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. A way of speaking used by Christ, when anything serious, and of great importance, was delivered; and which required attention, and was not easily understood:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 11:15

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 11:15

It is an epiphonema or conclusion often used by our Saviour, (and by St. John in the Revelation), quickening up the hearers to a just attention to and belief of what in the doctrine preceding he had revealed to them; intimating that he knew, that what he had said would not be entertained or believed of all, but only of such whose ears and hearts God had opened, or should open to receive spiritual mysteries. But it was a matter of great concernment, he therefore calls upon those whose ears God had opened to attend to it. So ,43 Mr 4:9 7:16 .

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 11:15

15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Ver. 15. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear] Let him attentively listen, not with that outward ear only, that gristle that grows upon his head: but let him draw up his heart to his ears, that one sound may pierce both at once. Thus hear, and your souls shall live, Isaiah 4:3. A heavy ear is a singular judgment, Isaiah 6:10. The good Hebrews are taxed for their dull hearing, Hebrews 5:11. Such ears are likely to be forced open by correction, Job 33:16, and be made hear the rod, Micah 6:9. So that if they did but see their danger they would do as the prophet requires, "cut their hair and cast it away," under the sense of the horror of God’ s heavy displeasure, Jeremiah 7:24; Jeremiah 7:29.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 11:15

(15) He that hath ears to hear.—The formula, which meets us here for the first time, is one which our Lord seems to have used habitually after any teaching, in parable or otherwise (Matthew 13:9; Mark 4:9), which required more than ordinary powers of thought to comprehend. To take in the new aspect of the coming of Elijah required an insight like that which men needed to take in, without an interpreter, the meaning of the parable of the Sower.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 11:15

Verse 15. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.] As if our Lord had said, These things are so clear and manifest that a man has only to hear them to be convinced and fully satisfied of their truth. But neither the Jews of that time nor of the succeeding times to the present day, have heard or considered, these things. When spoken to on these subjects, their common custom is to stop their ears, spit out, and blaspheme; this shows not only a bad, but a ruined cause. They are deeply and wilfully blind. They will not come unto the light, lest their deeds should become manifest, that they are not wrought in God. They have ears but they will not hear.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears ... - This expression is frequently used by Christ. It is a proverbial expression, implying that the highest attention should be given to what was spoken.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 11:15

15. Ears to hear, let him hear — He that has faculties of attention, let him use them well upon this point.

Sermons on Matthew 11:15

	Sermon	Description
	(Hebrews - Part 35): How Abraham Knew He Was Called by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the call of God and how it can come to people in various circumstances. He emphasizes that the call of God is for everyone, but not everyone
	Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv
	1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 4 by Richard Wurmbrand	This sermon delves into the themes of affliction, abortion, and the importance of listening to God, Jesus, and nature. It reflects on the suffering experienced in communist countri
	Patmos Christians by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to have a true vision of Jesus, rather than just a pleasant image of the man of Galilee. He criticizes the church's
	Only God Can Do the Work of God and David Platt by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing the Spirit to work in people's hearts rather than trying to forcefully persuade or manufacture change. It highlights the need for
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Capernaum by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of four friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. The speaker emphasizes the love and unity of these friends, as the
	(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 36-40 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern for those who reject God's truth and continue in their sinful ways. He emphasizes the importance of listening to God's warnings an