The Parable of the Sower Explained

Matthew 13

18 p "Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 "When anyone hears the word q of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately r receives it with joy; 21 "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when s tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately t he stumbles. 22 "Now u he who received seed v among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears w fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

  1. Cross References
    Mark 4:13 - 20
    And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
    Luke 8:11 - 15
    Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 4:23
    And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
  3. Cross References
    Isaiah 58:2
    Yet they seek Me daily, And delight to know My ways, As a nation that did righteousness, And did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; They take delight in approaching God.
    Ezekiel 33:31
    So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.
    Ezekiel 33:32
    Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.
    John 5:35
    He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 14:22
    Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 11:6
    "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
    2 Timothy 1:15
    This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 19:23
    Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
    Mark 10:23
    Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!
    Luke 18:24
    And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!
    1 Timothy 6:9
    But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
    2 Timothy 4:10
    For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica - Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.
  7. Cross References
    Jeremiah 4:3
    For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, And do not sow among thorns.
  8. Cross References
    John 15:5
    I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
    Philippians 1:11
    Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
    Colossians 1:6
    Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Next Book Next Book