Matthew 13:18

The Parable of the Sower Explained

18 Consider, then, the parable of the sower: ¹

Matthew 13:18 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 13:18

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
That is, the interpretation of the parable; for they had heard the parable before, and had desired an explanation of it; which, though not mentioned by Matthew, is, by the other evangelists, ( Mark 4:10 ) , ( Luke 8:9 ) and since it was given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, therefore Christ calls upon them to attend unto, and hear, so as to understand the spiritual meaning of this parable. Mark relates, that he moreover said to his disciples at this time, "know ye not this parable?" Do ye not understand the meaning of it, so easy to be taken in? them as it were reproving for their dulness of hearing, notwithstanding the grace given them, and the advantages they enjoyed: "how then will ye know all parables?" all that he had delivered, or was about to deliver at this time, or should hereafter; which were of more difficult interpretation, and not so easy to be understood as this.

Matthew 13:18 In-Context

16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.

17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

18 Consider, then, the parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

20 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.

Cross References

• 1. (Mark 4:13–20; Luke 8:11–15)