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1His disciples began questioning Him as to whatthisparablemeant.
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And He said, "2To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that 3SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.
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"Now the parable is this: 4the seed is the word of God.
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"Thosebeside the road are those who have heard; then the devilcomes and takesaway the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.
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"Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and thesehaveno firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptationfallaway.
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"The seed which fellamong the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bringnofruit to maturity.
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"But the seed in the goodsoil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and goodheart, and hold it fast, and bearfruit with perseverance.