Matthew 11:15 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He that hath ears to hear, &c.— In the prophetic style of writing in general, there are two senses exhibited to the reader; first the literal, and then the figurative; for, as the words are intended to be the vehicle of the literal sense, so the literal sense is intended to be the vehicle of the figurative, to the man whose understanding is exercised "to discern the things of the Spirit." It is such therefore, in a particular manner, that whatever is written in the symbolic style in the New Testament is addressed. OurLord, to distinguish such from the unthinking multitude, calls them those who have ears to ear. Whoso hath ears to hear, let him hear. The same expression is also used in the Apocalypse, a book of prophesies. And it deserves to be attended to, that the Lord Jesus Christ never employs these words in the introduction or the conclusion of anyplain moral instructions, but always after some parable or prophetic declarations figuratively expressed. For this also holds in respect to allegory, apologue, and parable. Campbell.