Mat 13:18-23 | Barnes | STEP | Verses 18-23. See also . Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower . That is, hear the explanation, or spiritual meaning of the narrative given before. Mark adds, , "Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?" By which it seems that he regarded this as one of the simplest and plainest of them, and gave an explanation of it that they might understand the general principles of interpreting them. (h) "Hear ye"

Matthew 13:18-23

Verses 18-23. See also Mk 4:13-20, Lk 8:11-15. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. That is, hear the explanation, or spiritual meaning of the narrative given before. Mark adds, Mk 4:13, "Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?" By which it seems that he regarded this as one of the simplest and plainest of them, and gave an explanation of it that they might understand the general principles of interpreting them.

(h) "Hear ye" Mk 4:14, Lk 8:11 Verse 19. When any one heareth, etc. The seed represents the word of God communicated in any manner to the minds of men, by the Scriptures, by preaching, by acts of providence, or by the direct influence of the Holy Spirit.

Then cometh the wicked one. That is, Satan, Mk 4:15 or the devil Lk 8:12 the one eminently wicked, the accuser, the tempter. He is represented by the fowls that came and picked up the seed by the way-side. The gospel is preached to men hardened in sin. It makes no impression. It lies like seed in the hard path; it is easily taken away, and never suffered to take root.

(i) "word of the kingdom" Mt 4:23 (k) "wicked one" 1Jn 2:13,14, 3:12 Verses 20-22. Into stony places. Jesus explains this as denoting those who hear the gospel; who are caught with it as something new or pleasing; who profess themselves greatly delighted with it, and who are full of zeal for it. Yet they have no root in themselves. They are not true Christians. Their hearts are not changed. They have not seen their guilt and danger, and the true excellency of Christ. They are not really attached to the gospel; and when they are tried and persecution comes, they fall--as the rootless grain withers before the scorching rays of the noon-day sun.

Anon. Quickly, or readily. They do not look at it coolly and as matter of principle.

Is offended. That is, stumbles and falls. Persecution and trial are placed in his path, and he falls as he would over a stumbling-block, he has not strength of principle enough--not confidence in God to carry him through them.

The thorns. These represent cares, anxieties, and the deceitful lure of riches, or the way in which a desire to be rich deceives us. They take the time and attention. They do not leave opportunity to think and examine the state of the soul. Besides, riches allure, and promise what they do not yield. They promise to make us happy; but, when gained, they do not do it. The soul is not satisfied. There is the same desire to possess more wealth. And to this there is no end--but death. In doing it, there is every temptation to be dishonest, to cheat, to take advantage of others, to oppress others, and to wring their hard earnings from the poor. Every evil passion is therefore cherished by the love of gain; and it is no wonder that the word is choked, and every good feeling destroyed, by this "execrable love of gold." See 1Timm 6:7-11. How many, oh how many, thus foolishly drown themselves in destruction and perdition! How many more might reach heaven, if it were not for this deep-seated love of that which fills with care, deceives the soul, and finally leaves it naked, and guilty, and lost!

Mt 13:18

(l) "joy receiveth" Isa 58:2, Eze 33:31,32, Jn 5:35, Gal 4:15 Verse 21. Mt 13:20; Mt 13:18

(m) "offended" Mt 24:10, 26:31, 2Ti 4:16 Verse 22. Mt 13:18; Mt 13:20

(n) "care of this world" Lk 14:16-24 (o) "choke the word" Mk 10:23, 1Timm 6:9, 2Ti 4:10 Verse 23. Into the good ground. Those whose hearts are prepared by grace to receive it honestly, and to give it full opportunity to grow. In a rich and mellow soil-- a heart that submits itself to the full influence of truth, unchecked by cares and anxieties; under the showers and summer suns of Divine grace; with the heart spread open, like a broad luxuriant field, to the rays of the morning, and to evening dews--the gospel takes deep root, and grows; it has full room, and then and there only shows what it is.

(p) "beareth fruit" Jn 15:5