The Purpose of the Parables

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And 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. 13 This 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. 14 Indeed, 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.”
15 For 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.’

16 But (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.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
Retail: $11.99
Our Price: $7.79
Save: $4.20 (35%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $7.00 (54%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $2.39
Save: $2.60 (52%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Chronological Bible (TruTone, Brown), Leather, imitation
ESV Chronological Bible (TruTone, Brown), Leather, imitation
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $39.99
Save: $30.00 (43%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
Retail: $114.99
Our Price: $54.99
Save: $60.00 (52%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Case of 24
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Case of 24
Retail: $311.76
Our Price: $155.76
Save: $156.00 (50%)