What Is the Parable of the Sower?
What Is the Parable of the Sower? Jesus described a sower whose seeds fell on four types of soil — the wayside, stony ground, thorns, and good ground — representing different responses to God's Word.
Key verse: Matthew 13:23 (KJV)
Jesus described a sower whose seeds fell on four types of soil — the wayside, stony ground, thorns, and good ground — representing different responses to God's Word.
Jesus described a sower whose seeds fell on four types of soil — the wayside, stony ground, thorns, and good ground — representing different responses to God's Word.
"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." — Matthew 13:23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Found in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15, this parable describes a farmer sowing seed. Some fell by the wayside and birds ate it (those who hear but the devil snatches the word away). Some fell on stony ground and sprang up quickly but withered (those who receive with joy but fall away under persecution). Some fell among thorns and was choked (those distracted by worldly cares and riches). Some fell on good ground and produced abundantly (those who hear, understand, and bear fruit). Jesus interpreted this parable for His disciples, making it foundational for understanding how people respond to the gospel.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?
What the Bible teaches about fasting, its purpose, and how to fast in a way that honors God.
Key Scripture References
"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
"The sower soweth the word."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Parable of the Sower Mean?
Jesus explained that the four soils represent four responses to God's Word — hard hearts, shallow faith, distracted lives, and fruitful reception.
What Is the Parable of the Talents?
Jesus told of a master who entrusted talents (money) to three servants. Two invested wisely and were rewarded; one buried his talent and was condemned for faithlessness.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Parable of the Sower Mean?
Theology & Doctrine
What Are the Parables of Jesus?
Theology & Doctrine
What is the parable of the prodigal son?
Theology & Doctrine
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:1-23 • Receiving God's Word
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:3-4 • Kingdom of God
Parable of the Sower Quiz
Four soils, one seed — Christ's parable of the kingdom (Matthew 13).
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Sower?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.