Matthew 13:10-17 (English Standard Version)

The Purpose of the Parables

 ¹⁰Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" ¹¹And he answered them, ^(A) "To you it has been given to know^(B) the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. ^12(C) For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not,^(D) even what he has will be taken away. ¹³This is why I speak to them in parables, because^(E) seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear,^(F) nor do they understand. ¹⁴Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

   ^(G) "'You will indeed hear but never understand,
   and you will indeed see but never perceive.
¹⁵For this people’s heart has grown dull,
   and with their ears^(H) they can barely hear,
   and^(I) their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
   and hear with their ears
and^(J) understand with their heart
   and^(K) turn, and I would heal them.'

 ¹⁶But^(L) blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. ^17(M) For truly, I say to you,^(N) 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.