Definition: For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 13:17. It’s a really rich and layered passage that speaks about truth and understanding. Here's my explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people throughout history have tried to understand something important – things or truths – but haven’t truly grasped them. They’ve looked for explanations, but haven’t been able to see the real meaning or the full picture. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For verily I say unto you…” : This is a fancy way of saying "It is true that I am telling you this." It’s a bit dramatic, but it emphasizes the importance of what’s being said. “…That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see [those things]…” : This refers to people who have tried to understand spiritual truths, religious concepts, or divine revelations – like prophets or leaders in faith. They wanted to see something important. "...and have not seen [them]…” : This is the key part. The people didn’t actually understand what was being communicated. They were looking for explanations, but they weren't receiving the true meaning. "...and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].” : This refers to believers – those who are truly following God’s truth. They were listening to the message, but didn't fully grasp it. They hadn’t been allowed to experience or feel the depth of the truth. What does this mean in a broader sense? The verse is about the importance of spiritual discernment. It means that we can sometimes be misled by our own understanding, biases, and even our limited perspectives. It’s crucial to go beyond just surface-level explanations and really seek a deeper understanding – to truly listen and feel the truth. In essence, it's a call to: Be open to new ideas: Don't close yourself off to possibilities. Seek genuine understanding: Don’t just accept things at face value. Trust in God’s Truth: It encourages us to rely on His guidance and reveal of truth. Does this make sense? Would you like me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, such as its historical context or symbolic meaning? For example, we could talk about the idea of "seeing" versus "hearing" or how it relates to the Bible's overall message.