From: dixonps@juno.com
Date: Mon Jan 22 2001 - 19:11:02 EST
On Mon, 22 Jan 2001 14:44:30 -0500 "Theodore Mann"
<theomann@earthlink.net> writes:
> hO ECWN WTA AKOUETW (Mt. 11:15).
>
> I've always thought this meant something
> like: "Let those who have the spiritual capacity to understand use
> that capacity to grasp the significance of what is being
> said." However, it seems to me that
> some versions (e.g., Phillips, CEV, TEV) make it sound
> more like: "If you have ears on your head, use
> them!" Where does the actual meaning lie; somewhere between
> these two extremes?
The phrase occurs in Mt 11:15, then in parallel passages in Mt 13:9, 43;
Mk 4:9, 23; and Lk 8:8. Finally, it occurs in Lk 14:35.
The parallel passages deal with the parable of the sower and the seed.
In each case it concludes the parable. The disciples then immediately
ask, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" The answer of Jesus is
this: To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but to them it has not been granted" (Mt 13:10-11). Clearly
here, hO ECWN WTA AKOUETW must be explained as meaning that some have
been given ears to hear and some have not.
Does this hold us in the other two passages? In Mt 11:15 the immediately
preceding verse says, "if you are willing to accept it, John himself is
Elijah who was to come." It looks like only those who are willing to
accept it are the ones who have an ear to hear. Clearly, no all were
willing to accept it and did not have ears to hear.
In the final passage, Lk 14:35, there does not appear to be a specific
indication, as such, that only some had ears to hear. Yet, it does
immediately follow some of the most difficult to understand teachings of
Christ wherein He says such things as: he who does not hate his own
father and mother ... even his own life ... does not carry his own cross
and come after me cannot be My disciple .... so none of you can be My
disciple who does not give up all his own possessions."
In all the passages there seems to be an indication that not everybody
has an ear to hear. The teachings of Christ, not only in parabolic form
but even in more explicit form as in Lk 14:35, can not be understood
unless an ear has been given so they can hear and understand. This
appears to be the reason Jesus said, hO ECWN WTA AKOUETW.
Paul Dixon
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