What Is the Parable of the Sower — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 13:23, sits inside Matthew 13. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"The sower soweth the word."
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