Matthew 13:3-13

3 He then spoke many things to them in figurative language. "The sower goes out," He said, "to sow.

4 As he sows, some of the seed falls by the way-side, and the birds come and peck it up.

5 Some falls on rocky ground, where it has but scanty soil. It quickly shows itself above ground, because it has no depth of earth;

6 but when the sun is risen, it is scorched by the heat, and through having no root it withers up.

7 Some falls among the thorns; but the thorns spring up and stifle it.

8 But a portion falls upon good ground, and gives a return, some a hundred for one, some sixty, some thirty.

9 Listen, every one who has ears!"

10 (And His disciples came and asked Him, "Why do you speak to them in figurative language?"

11 "Because," He replied, "while to you it is granted to know the secrets of the Kingdom of the Heavens, to them it is not.

12 For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but whoever has not, from him even what he has shall be taken away.

13 I speak to them in figurative language for this reason, that while looking they do not see, and while hearing they neither hear nor understand.