Therefore speak I to them in parables: because seeing they see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
All Commentaries on Matthew 13:13 Go To Matthew 13
Theophylact of Ochrid
AD 1107
Take heed. Here the problem is solved of those who say that some are evil by nature, or by God’s intent. For they argue that Christ Himself said, "It is given unto you to know the mysteries, but to the Jews it is not given." But we say, with God, to those who speak such things, that God makes everyone by nature to understand what is necessary. For God "enlighten-eth every man that cometh into the world" (Jn. 1:9). But it is our own will and inclination that casts us into darkness. This is made clear even here. For Christ says that although they see by nature, that is, they were created by God to understand, they by their own choice do not see. And hearing, that is, by nature created by God to hear and to understand, they by their own choice do not hear, nor do they understand. Tell me, did they not see the miracles of Christ? Yes, they did, but they made themselves blind and condemned Him. So this is the meaning of "seeing they see not." Then He brings forward the prophet as further witness to His argument.
