Matthew 11:15

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 11:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 11:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“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: and such were the several things he had mentioned in this context; as that John was more than a prophet, more excellent than all the prophets; that the law and prophets were now at an end, and that John was Elias; which things, if rightly understood, would serve greatly to settle their judgment, with respect to himself as the Messiah: but his words imply, that everyone had not spiritual ears and understandings, to hear and take in things of such an high nature, and excellent use; none but those…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. The doctrine about John he regarded as of the greatest importance. He among you, says he, that has the faculty of understanding this, or that will believe that this is the Elijah spoken of, let him attend to it and remember it. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear - A kind of proverbial expression; requiring the deepest attention to what is spoken. Matthew 11:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 13:9, Mat 13:43; Mar 4:9, Mar 4:23, Mar 7:16; Luk 8:8; Rev 2:7, Rev 2:11, Rev 2:17, Rev 2:29, Rev 3:6, Rev 3:13, Rev 3:22 Matthew 11:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification