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

¹⁸ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the gospel-kingdom, ¹⁹ and regardeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and snatcheth away that which was sown in his heart: this is he who received the seed as by the way-side. ²⁰ And he who received the seed as upon stony grounds, is one that heareth the word and immediately receiveth it with joy: ²¹ yet hath he no root in himself, and therefore is but for a short season; and when affliction cometh, or persecution on account of the word, he is as soon disgusted. ²² And he that received the seed among the thorns, is one that likewise heareth the word; but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choketh the word, and so it becometh unfruitful. ²³ But he who received the seed into good ground, is one that heareth and understandeth the word, who indeed beareth fruit, and yieldeth, like fertile lands, some an hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty.

¹³ Then saith He unto them, Do ye not understand this parable? how then will ye understand all my other parables. ¹⁴ The sower is he that soweth the word. And these are they by the way-side: ¹⁵ where the word is sown; but when they have heard it, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ And in like manner, they that are sown as on stony grounds are such, as when they hear the word, ¹⁷ immediately receive it with joy, but have no root in themselves, and so continue but for a short season: and then, when affliction cometh, or persecution on account of the word, they are as soon offended. ¹⁸ And those that are sown as among thorns, are these: such as hear the word indeed, ¹⁹ but the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and inordinate desires after other things entering in choke the word, and so it becometh unfruitful. ²⁰ And these are they who are like seed sown on good ground: such as hear the word, and receive it; and bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

¹¹ Now this is the meaning of the parable, The seed is the word of God: ¹² and those by the way-side, are such as hear indeed; but then the devil cometh and taketh away the word from their hearts, least they should believe and be saved. ¹³ And those on stony-ground are such as when they hear, receive the word with joy; but have no root, and so believe only for a while, and in the time of trial fall away. ¹⁴ And that which fell among thorns, are those who when they have heard the word go away and are choked with the cares and riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to perfection. ¹⁵ But that on the good ground, are those who having heard the word, retain it in a good and honest heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.