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
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
See also Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15. “Hear ye, therefore, the parable of the sower.” That is, hear the “explanation” or the “spiritual meaning” of the narrative given before. Mark adds Mark 4:13, “Know ye not this parable? And how, then, shall ye know all parables?” By which it seems that the Saviour regarded this as one of the simplest and plainest of the parables, and gave an explanation of it that they might understand the general principles of interpreting others.Matthew 13:19When any one... read more
Matthew 13:18-19. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower A parable which our Lord judged to be so important that he introduced it with a double demand of attention, Hearken, behold; Mark 4:3; and concluded it with a third, and still more solemn demand thereof, who hath ears to hear, let him hear; and here, proceeding to the explanation of it, he calls for attention the fourth time. And the reason of this is evident: the parable sets before us, in a summary point of view, all the... read more
PARABLES54. The sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-29; Luke 8:1-18)To visit all the towns of Galilee was a huge task. Jesus and his disciples were helped in this work by a group of women who went with them to look after their daily needs (Luke 8:1-3). Crowds of people came to see Jesus wherever he went, and were often a hindrance to the progress of the gospel. It seems that one reason Jesus began to teach extensively in parables was to separate those who were genuinely interested from those who... read more
the word of the kingdom: i.e. the proclamation of its having drawn nigh, as in Matthew 3:2 ; Matthew 4:17 . Acts 2:28 ; Acts 3:19-26 . word. Greek. logos. the wicked one = the evil [one]. See App-128 . received. Compare Acts 2:41 . 1 Thessalonians 2:13 . Not the same word in Greek, but the same truth. read more
Hear then ye the parable of the sower.Explanation of the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:18-23:Christ named this parable. It is not, therefore, the parable of the soils, or of the birds gobbling up the seed, nor of the rocky ground, or the thorny ground, but the Parable of the Sower. The sower in this analogy stands for God, the Great Architect of redemption. The central place belongs to him. People may or may not receive his word; but the seeds still fall, and the harvest is still produced,... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:3-23
Parable of the sower. The object of this parable is to explain the causes of the failure and success of the gospel. It might have been supposed enough to proclaim the kingdom. Why does this fail? It fails, says our Lord, because of the nature of the soil. This soil is often impervious, often shallow, often dirty. I. " SOME SEEDS FELL BY THE WAYSIDE , AND THE FOWLS CAME AND DEVOURED THEM ." The spiritual analogue is said to be in him "who heareth the Word,... read more