Matthew 13:9-16

English Standard Version

⁹^(A)He who has ears,^[a] let him hear.”

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

^(H)“‘“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 ^(I)they can barely hear,
    and ^(J)their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and ^(K)understand with their heart
    and ^(L)turn, and I would heal them.’