The Parable of the Sower Explained

¹⁸ “You, then, listen to the parable of the sower:^{(A) 19} When anyone hears the word^[a] about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path.^{(B) 20} And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.^{(C) 21} Yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. When pressure or persecution^(D) comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. ²² Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age^(E) and the seduction^[b] of wealth^(F) choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²³ But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times what was sown.”

Why Jesus Used Parables

⁹ Then His disciples asked Him, “What does this parable mean?”^{(A) 10} So He said, “The secrets of the kingdom of God have been given for you^(B) to know, but to the rest it is in parables, so that

The Parable of the Sower Explained

¹¹ “This is the meaning of the parable:^[b](D) The seed is the word of God.^{(E) 12} The seed along the path are those who have heard and then the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ¹³ And the seed on the rock are those who, when they hear, welcome the word with joy. Having no root, these believe for a while and depart in a time of testing.^{(F) 14} As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life,^(G) and produce no mature fruit. ¹⁵ But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who,^[c] having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring,^(H) bear fruit.