HE THAT HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR

Posted on by The Message Bearer

Hearing Beyond Sound — Responding to the Voice of God

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly speaks to humanity. Yet one of the most solemn and recurring statements made by the Lord Jesus Christ is:

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” — King James Version

This statement appears again and again in the Gospels and in the book of Revelation. It is not merely a call to physical hearing, but a divine invitation to spiritual understanding, discernment, obedience, and responsiveness to God.

The tragedy of many believers is not the absence of God’s voice, but the inability or unwillingness to truly hear Him.

The Meaning of “He That Has An Ear”

Every human being has physical ears, but Jesus was speaking about something deeper than natural hearing. He was speaking about spiritual perception.

A person can hear sermons, attend church, read the Bible, and still miss what God is saying.

The phrase “He that has an ear” refers to:

  • A heart that is open to God
  • A spirit that is sensitive to divine truth
  • A mind willing to receive correction
  • A life ready to obey God’s instructions

In Bible language, hearing is closely connected with obedience.

The Hebrew understanding of hearing often included the idea of responding appropriately. To “hear” God meant more than listening — it meant yielding.

Jesus Repeated This Statement Often

In the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus frequently ended important teachings with this statement:

“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
— Matthew 11:15 (KJV)

“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
— Mark 4:9 (KJV)

This usually followed parables or teachings containing hidden spiritual truths.

Why?

Because spiritual truths cannot be understood merely through intellectual ability. They require revelation.

Hearing Requires Spiritual Sensitivity

When Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower, He revealed four conditions of the human heart.

“Take heed therefore how ye hear…”
— Luke 8:18 (KJV)

Notice that Jesus did not merely say “hear.” He said:

“Take heed HOW ye hear.”

This means:

  • The condition of your heart matters
  • Your attitude toward truth matters
  • Your response to God matters

Some hear casually.
Some hear critically.
Some hear emotionally.
Some hear religiously.
But only a few hear spiritually.

Bible Dictionary Insight on Hearing

According to Bible dictionaries and concordance studies, the biblical concept of hearing involves:

  • Listening attentively
  • Understanding correctly
  • Receiving inwardly
  • Responding obediently

The Greek word often connected to hearing in the New Testament is akouō, meaning:

  • To hear
  • To understand
  • To perceive spiritually
  • To heed or obey

Thus, when Jesus said, “Let him hear,” He meant:
“Let him truly perceive, understand, receive, and obey what God is saying.”

Why Many Do Not Hear God

1. Hardened Hearts

“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing…”
— Matthew 13:15 (KJV)

Sin, pride, rebellion, bitterness, and worldliness dull spiritual hearing.

A hardened heart can sit under powerful revelation and remain unchanged.

2. Spiritual Distraction

Modern life is full of noise:

  • Social media
  • Entertainment
  • Anxiety
  • Endless activity
  • Fleshly desires

Many believers are too noisy inwardly to hear God clearly.

“Be still, and know that I am God…”
— Psalms 46:10 (KJV)

God often speaks in stillness.

3. Selective Hearing

Some people only want encouraging words but reject correction.

Yet God speaks not only to comfort but also:

  • To rebuke
  • To instruct
  • To warn
  • To redirect
  • To discipline

“Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…”
— Hebrews 3:15 (KJV)

The Seven Churches in Revelation

One of the strongest uses of this phrase appears in the letters to the seven churches.

Repeatedly, Jesus says:

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
— Revelation 2–3 (KJV)

This is significant because every church received:

  • Commendation
  • Correction
  • Warning
  • Instruction
  • Promise

The message was not only for those ancient churches but for all believers in every generation.

The Spirit is still speaking today.

The question is:
Are we listening?

Hearing and Obedience Cannot Be Separated

Biblically, true hearing always produces action.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
— James 1:22 (KJV)

A believer who hears but does not obey gradually loses spiritual sensitivity.

Repeated disobedience weakens discernment.

But obedience sharpens hearing.

God Still Speaks Today

God speaks through:

  • His Word
  • The Holy Spirit
  • Godly ministers
  • Conviction
  • Circumstances
  • Divine warnings
  • Spiritual impressions
  • Dreams and visions according to Scripture
  • Inner witness and peace

However, every voice must be tested against the Word of God.

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
— Isaiah 8:20 (KJV)

The Bible remains the final authority.

Developing Spiritual Ears to Hear

1. Stay in the Word of God

The more Scripture fills your heart, the clearer God’s voice becomes.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 (KJV)

2. Cultivate Quietness Before God

Prayer is not only talking to God.
It is also listening.

3. Obey Promptly

Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience.

4. Guard Your Heart

What fills your heart affects your spiritual hearing.

5. Remain Humble

Pride blocks spiritual perception.

God speaks clearly to humble hearts.

A Serious Warning

One of the most dangerous conditions in Scripture is spiritual deafness.

A person may continue religious activities while no longer responding to God.

Samson did not realize when the presence of God departed.

The Pharisees heard Jesus physically but rejected Him spiritually.

Judas walked with Jesus yet never truly received His words.

This is why spiritual hearing must never be taken lightly.

The Blessing of Those Who Hear

Jesus pronounced a blessing upon spiritual perception.

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”
— Matthew 13:16 (KJV)

Those who truly hear God:

  • Walk in direction
  • Avoid destruction
  • Grow spiritually
  • Mature in discernment
  • Fulfil divine purpose
  • Experience intimacy with God

Conclusion

“He that has an ear, let him hear” is more than a biblical phrase. It is a divine call to awaken spiritually.

God is speaking.

The Holy Spirit is still revealing truth.

The Word of God is still alive.

But hearing requires:

  • Sensitivity
  • Humility
  • Faith
  • Obedience
  • Spiritual hunger

May we never become spiritually dull in an age full of noise.

May our hearts remain tender before God.

And may we be among those of whom Jesus says:

“My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 (KJV)

Salvation Call

The first and greatest thing God calls every person to hear is the call to salvation through Jesus Christ.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, today is the time to respond to His voice.

Prayer of Salvation

Lord Jesus,
I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again on the third day. Forgive me, cleanse me, and come into my life as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my heart to You today. Give me ears to hear Your voice and grace to obey You. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you just prayed this prayer sincerely, begin to grow in God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

Join and worship with Dream Centre of the LOIC and connect to life-transforming teachings from Reverend Olusola Areogun.

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May the Lord continually give you spiritual ears that are sensitive to His voice, His Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
— 1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)

Grace and peace to you.

The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella

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Published by The Message Bearer

Hi, I’m Cornelius Bella. Welcome to My Corner of the Internet. I’m a Christian writer, blogger, and lifelong seeker of Biblical truth. At CorneliusBella.blog, I share reflections, revelations, and real-life stories shaped by faith, rooted in Scripture, and driven by a deep hunger for God’s presence. For me, spirituality isn’t a Sunday activity—it’s the heartbeat of everyday life. I believe God’s presence is not just a theological concept but a living, breathing reality we can experience moment by moment. One of my guiding prayers is this: “May not a single moment of my life be spent outside the light, love, and joy of God’s presence—and not a moment without the entire surrender of myself to Him.” If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place. On my blog, I write about prayer, meditation, surrender, gratitude, and the kind of faith that transforms not just what we believe, but how we live. I explore how spiritual principles can help us navigate pain, find purpose, and live with deeper joy—even in the middle of life’s uncertainties. But more than that, I write to connect. To build a community of believers who are hungry for more of God. Who want to grow, not just in knowledge, but in intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Who are tired of surface-level religion and ready to live from the inside out. So whether you’re wrestling with big questions or just looking for encouragement to keep walking by faith—I’d love for you to join the journey. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and let’s grow together in grace, truth, and the joy of God’s presence. Let’s live fully surrendered. Let’s walk by faith. Let’s seek Him—daily. Visit CorneliusBella.blog to start reading.