That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
So that they can look right at it but totally miss the point, and hear the words but not actually get what they mean, because if they really understood, they might turn their whole life around and get forgiven.
Sometimes people can be right there but still completely miss what's happening.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, He often taught using parables to convey spiritual truths to His followers while challenging those who were not spiritually receptive. This verse comes from Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4, where He quotes from Isaiah 6:9-10 to describe how some people would see and hear His messages but remain hardened in their hearts. It reflects the historical reality in first-century Israel, where many rejected Jesus' authority despite witnessing His miracles and teachings.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.