Mark 7:16: [“If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”]

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In some versions of the Bible, Mark 7:16 is not included because it does not appear in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts. However, when it is included, it contains a phrase that Jesus often used: “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

This phrase is a call to pay close attention. Jesus had just made a radical statement in Mark 7:15, teaching that what defiles a person is not external (like food or ritual impurity) but internal (sin in the heart). Now, in Mark 7:16, He urges people to really listen and understand what He is saying.

Jesus’ words often challenged deeply held religious beliefs, so He regularly emphasized the need for spiritual ears to understand His teaching. This wasn’t just about hearing the words—it was about grasping their true meaning and applying them.

Historical Context

In Jesus’ time, the religious leaders—the Pharisees and scribes—placed great emphasis on external purity, believing that avoiding unclean foods and following religious rituals made a person righteous. Many common people followed these teachings without question because they trusted their religious authorities.

But Jesus was introducing a new way of thinking—that true purity is about the heart, not religious traditions. This was difficult for many to accept. Spiritual truth requires spiritual understanding, and not everyone was willing to hear what Jesus was saying.

That’s why Jesus often used the phrase, “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” It was His way of saying, “This is important—don’t miss it!”

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key spiritual truths:

1. Not everyone listens to God’s truth. Some people hear Jesus’ words but refuse to understand or obey them (Matthew 13:13-15).
2. Spiritual understanding requires an open heart. Those who genuinely seek God will grasp His truth, while those who are hardened will remain blind to it (John 8:43-47).
3. God speaks, but we must choose to listen. Jesus’ teaching is available to all, but only those who truly listen and apply it will benefit from it (James 1:22).

Jesus’ message is clear: hearing is not enough—true faith means listening, understanding, and obeying.

Literary Analysis

• “If anyone has ears to hear” – This phrase acknowledges that some people will understand and some won’t. It highlights the responsibility of the listener.
• “Let them hear” – This is a command, not a suggestion. Jesus is urging people to pay attention and act on what He is teaching.

This phrase is used many times throughout the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8), usually when Jesus is teaching deep spiritual truths that require discernment.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 11:15 – “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Jesus often said this to emphasize the importance of His teachings.
• Mark 4:9 – “Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.'” This was His way of challenging people to listen with understanding.
• John 8:47 – “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” Spiritual hearing requires belonging to God.
• James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” True hearing leads to obedience.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a call to listen carefully to Jesus’ words and respond with faith. Many people hear the Bible but don’t take it seriously or apply it to their lives. Jesus is warning against that kind of shallow hearing.

For Christians today, this means:

• Reading Scripture with a heart that seeks to understand.
• Not just hearing God’s word, but applying it.
• Being open to correction and change when God’s word challenges us.

Spiritual growth happens when we truly listen to what Jesus says and obey it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He speaks to us and invites us to understand His truth. He doesn’t force us to listen—He calls us and gives us the opportunity to respond.

Jesus’ use of this phrase shows that God wants people to know Him and live in truth. He speaks, teaches, and guides, but He also respects our free will. A loving God does not manipulate or force—He invites and urges, calling us to listen and follow Him out of love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14). Everything He says carries divine truth and authority.

By saying, “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear,” Jesus is reminding people that He is revealing God’s truth, and they must decide how they will respond.

This also connects to how Jesus often spoke in parables—He taught in ways that required people to think deeply and truly seek God (Matthew 13:10-13). Those who had open hearts understood, while those who were hardened remained blind.

Ultimately, Jesus came to bring spiritual truth to all people. But only those who truly listen and accept Him will experience His salvation and transformation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you truly listen to God’s word, or do you just hear it without applying it?
2. What steps can you take to improve your spiritual understanding?
3. Are there areas in your life where God has spoken, but you have ignored or resisted His truth?
4. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the need to “have ears to hear”?
5. How can you make sure that your faith is based on truly listening and obeying Jesus?

This verse is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not just about hearing His words—it’s about truly listening, understanding, and obeying them. Jesus calls us to open our ears, soften our hearts, and follow His truth with all our lives.