New Testament
Matthew 13:17
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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.
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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.
What Matthew 13:17 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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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