King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:17 Mean?

Matthew 13:17 in the King James Version says “For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 13:17 · KJV


Context

15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

16

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

17

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.

18

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see (ἐπεθύμησαν ἰδεῖν ἃ βλέπετε)—epithumeō expresses intense longing, earnest desire. The Old Testament saints yearned to witness the Messiah's coming (1 Peter 1:10-12; Hebrews 11:13), but died in faith without seeing fulfillment. The disciples, however, see the incarnate Word, hear His parables, witness miracles—experiencing what patriarchs and prophets only glimpsed in shadows and types.

This beatitude (unique to Matthew) heightens the privilege and responsibility of those who receive Jesus's teaching. To whom much revelation is given, much understanding is required (Luke 12:48). The disciples' 'seeing' and 'hearing' isn't merely physical but spiritual perception—the blessing of illuminated understanding that parables both reveal and conceal (13:10-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 60-70, Matthew's Gospel addresses Jewish Christians who needed to see Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The 'prophets and righteous men' includes figures like Abraham (John 8:56), Moses (Hebrews 11:26), David (Acts 2:30-31), Isaiah, Daniel—all who foresaw Messiah from afar without experiencing His earthly ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual privileges do you take for granted that previous generations longed to experience?
  2. How should knowing the prophets 'desired to see' what you have in Scripture change how you read the Bible?
  3. What does it mean to truly 'see' and 'hear' Christ—beyond physical presence to spiritual understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀμὴν1 of 23

verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

γὰρ2 of 23

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

λέγω3 of 23

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν4 of 23

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι5 of 23

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολλοὶ6 of 23

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

προφῆται7 of 23

prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

καὶ8 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δίκαιοι9 of 23

righteous

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἐπεθύμησαν10 of 23

men have desired

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

εἶδον·11 of 23

have

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

12 of 23

those things which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

βλέπετε13 of 23

ye see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ15 of 23

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἶδον·16 of 23

have

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ17 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤκουσαν18 of 23

have

G191

to hear (in various senses)

19 of 23

those things which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἤκουσαν20 of 23

have

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ21 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ22 of 23

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἤκουσαν23 of 23

have

G191

to hear (in various senses)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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