The explanation of the parable of the sower. Parallel passages: Mark 4:13-20 ; Luke 8:11-15 . Observe that after the preceding verses St. Matthew's readers would the more easily catch the lesson of the parable. read more
The Sower. (See ante on Matthew 13:1-9 .)—J.A.M. read more
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not. Understandeth. The form of the explanation here is influenced by the language of Matthew 13:14 , Matthew 13:15 . Then (not in the Greek) cometh the wicked one; the evil one (Revised Version); Matthew 6:13 , note. And catcheth ( snatcheth, Revised Version) away —seizeth for himself ( ἁρπάζει , Matthew 11:12 , note)— that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed. That was... read more
And anon ; and straightway (Revised Version, καις ). read more
But dureth for a while ( ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν ) . Luke's οἱπρὸς καιρὸν πιστεύουσιν , is an evidently later form. (For the thought, cf. John 5:35 .) By and by; straightway (Revised Version, εὐθύς ). He is offended ( Matthew 5:29 , note). read more
And the care ( ἡμέριμνα ); Matthew 6:25 , note. Of this world ( of the world, Revised Version, τοῦ αἰῶνος , omitting the τούτου of the Received Text). Choke the word . Which is no unchanging thing, but is always affected for good or evil, however great progress it has made. read more
Which also; who verily (Revised Version, ὃς δή ), the particle giving exactness, to the relative (see Dr. Moulton's note at the end of Winer, § 53). Some; ὃ μεν (Westcott and Hort). Neuter, and so the Vulgate. Nominative, the thought refers to the seed as such (cf. Matthew 13:8 ). An hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty . "100 longius absunt a 60, quam 60 a 30. Habenti dabitur " (Bengel). The reason of the difference in the produce of the good ground is not stated,... read more
Another parable put he forth unto them; set he before them (Revised Version, παρέθηκεν αὐτοῖς ); so also Matthew 13:31 . (cf. also Exodus 19:7 ; Acts 17:3 ). Elsewhere it is often used of setting food before any one; e.g. Mark 6:41 ; Mark 8:6 ; Luke 11:6 ; Acts 16:34 . Them. The people ( Acts 16:3 , Acts 16:10 , Acts 16:34 ). Saying, The kingdom of heaven. The principles of its establishment and full development. Is likened unto ( ὡμοιώθη ). The aorist... read more
Seeding the earthly fields to get seed for the heavenly fields. See the farmer. The ground is provided for him and prepared for him. He cannot alter his surroundings and conditions. His chief aim is good seeding, and for the sake of the seed he wants he is anxious to secure good flowers. His harvest is largely, and ideally it is altogether, a gathering of seed for next year ' s sowing. We are familiar with the idea that the present life is our sowing time, and the next life our harvest... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:18
Matthew only. Hear ye therefore; Revised Version, hear ye then, which leaves more room for the rightful emphasis on ye ( ὑμεῖς ) than the Authorized Version, but hardly gives the full force of οὖν ( therefore ) , i.e. in accordance with the privileges that have been given you. The parable of the sower. read more