Matthew 13:18-23 - The Parable Of The Sower Interpreted

¹⁸ Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. ¹⁹ when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, ²⁰ where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: ²¹ but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. ²² he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: ²³ but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another.

¹³ but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest? ¹⁴ the sower is he that soweth the word. ¹⁵ they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. ¹⁷ but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt. ¹⁸ as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. ¹⁹ but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another.

¹¹ now the meaning of the parable is this: the seed sown signifies the word of God. ¹² by the beaten road is meant, they who only hear: the word, by the lurking wiles of the devil, being hinder'd from taking root in their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. ¹³ by the stony ground is understood such persons as receive indeed the doctrines they hear, with joy: but for want of resolution, believe only occasionally, and desert when the trial comes. ¹⁴ the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage. ¹⁵ but by the good ground is meant such persons as have received the doctrine with simplicity and sincerity, abide by it, and practise it with perseverance.