New Testament
Matthew 13:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the unique privilege of His followers to witness and hear the truths of God's kingdom.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
I tell you the truth: many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you're seeing and never saw it, and to hear what you're hearing and never heard it.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the unique privilege of His followers to witness and hear the truths of God's kingdom. He points out that many prophets and righteous individuals from the past yearned to experience the revelations and teachings that His disciples are now receiving. This highlights the significance of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of prophecies. The longing of these past figures underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the spiritual insights available to the present generation. It serves as a reminder that those who have come before us were eager for the very truths that are now being revealed, making it essential for us to appreciate and respond to these divine messages. Explore related prophecy.
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How to apply Matthew 13:17 to your life
We should recognize the privilege we have in understanding God's word and the teachings of Jesus. This awareness can inspire us to engage more deeply with scripture, appreciate the insights we receive, and share these truths with others who may not yet understand their significance.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:17 mean?
Matthew 13:17 highlights the special privilege of Jesus' followers to witness and hear the truths of God's kingdom, which many prophets and righteous people longed for but never experienced.
What is the significance of the prophets mentioned in Matthew 13:17?
The prophets mentioned in Matthew 13:17 represent those who sought understanding and revelation from God, emphasizing the fulfillment of their hopes in the teachings and ministry of Jesus.
How does Matthew 13:17 relate to the teachings of Jesus?
This verse illustrates that the teachings of Jesus are a culmination of the longings of past prophets, showing the importance of recognizing the spiritual insights available to His disciples.
What is the main message of Matthew 13:17?
The main message of Matthew 13:17 is to acknowledge the unique opportunity that Jesus' followers have to receive divine truths, which were desired by many righteous individuals in the past.
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