Matthew 13:14 - Exposition

And in them; and unto them (Revised Version); i.e. with reference to them (cf. Jude 1:14 ). Is fulfilled. Completely ( ἀναπληροῦται ; cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:16 ). The present, because the process is still going on. The prophecy of Esaias, which saith ( Isaiah 6:9 , Isaiah 6:10 ). Not quoted in this form in the parallel passages; for Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10 are really nearer our Luke 8:13 . The quotation is taken verbally from the LXX ., and so in Acts 28:26 , Acts 28:27 . But John 12:40 , on the contrary, is nearer the Hebrew. By hearing ye shall hear ( ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε ). A too literal translation of the Greek attempt to reproduce the Hebrew idiom, which is rather "hear ye indeed" as a continued action ( עומש ועמש ). And shall not understand ( Matthew 11:25 , note); and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. You may gaze at the object, but you shall not really see it. So with the bodily eye, an image may be formed in the retina, yet no impression conveyed to the brain.