The farmer sows the word. The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
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He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? The farmer sows the word. The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”
Parallel Translations
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The farmer sows the word.
The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.
Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,
and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
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The sower soweth the worde.
And they that are by the wayes syde where the worde is sowen are they to whom assone as they have herde it Satha cometh immediatly and takith awaye the worde that was sowe in their hertes.
And likewise they that are sowen on the stonye groude are they: which when they have harde the worde at once receave it with gladnes
yet have no rotes in them selves and so endure but a tyme: and anone as trouble and persecucion aryseth for the wordes sake they fall immediatly.
And they that are sowe amonge the thornes are soche as heare the worde:
and the care of this worlde and the disseytfulnes of ryches and the lustes of other thinges entre in and choocke the worde and it is made vnfrutfull.
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The sower soweth the worde.
And these are they that receiue the seede by the wayes side, in whome the worde is sowen: but when they haue heard it, Satan commeth immediatly, and taketh away the worde that was sowen in their heartes.
And likewise they that receiue the seede in stony ground, are they, which whe they haue heard the word, straightwayes receiue it with gladnesse.
Yet haue they no roote in themselues, and endure but a time: for when trouble and persecution ariseth for the worde, immediatly they be offended.
Also they that receiue the seede among the thornes, are such as heare the word:
But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulnes of riches, and the lustes of other things enter in, and choke the word, and it is vnfruitfull.
Cross-references (92)
- 1 John 2:15-17 (v19) Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the…
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (v19) But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and…
- 1 Timothy 6:17 (v19) Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the…
- Matthew 19:23 (v19) Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.
- Philippians 4:6 (v19) In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Show all 90 cross-references
- 1 Peter 4:2-3 (v19) that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough…
- Luke 12:29-30 (v19) Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but…
- John 15:2 (v19) Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
- 1 Peter 5:8 (v15) Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- Luke 10:41 (v19) Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
- Luke 21:34 (v19) “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you…
- Matthew 13:19 (vv14–15) When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his…
- Acts 8:4 (v14) Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10-16 (v19) He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity. When goods…
- Isaiah 5:2 (v19) He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in the middle of it, and also cut out a wine press…
- Isaiah 5:4 (v19) What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild…
- Mark 4:4 (v15) and as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.
- Luke 8:12 (v15) Those along the road are those who hear, then the devil comes, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be…
- 2 Corinthians 2:11 (v15) that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
- 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (v15) Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who are dying, in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the…
- Ecclesiastes 4:8 (v19) There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with…
- Isaiah 53:1 (v15) Who has believed our message? To whom has Yahweh’s arm been revealed?
- Matthew 11:6 (v17) Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
- Luke 12:17-21 (v19) He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will…
- Luke 14:18-19 (v15) They all as one began to make excuses. “The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’…
- Luke 14:18-20 (v19) They all as one began to make excuses. “The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’…
- Acts 5:3 (v15) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?
- Hebrews 6:7-8 (v19) For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it and produces a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled,…
- 2 Peter 1:8 (v19) For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 (vv17, 19) for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia.
- Job 1:6-12 (v15) Now on the day when God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, Satan also came among them. Yahweh said to Satan, “Where have you…
- Matthew 13:37 (v14) He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,
- Matthew 22:5 (v15) But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise,
- Mark 6:20 (v16) for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard…
- Luke 8:11 (v14) Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
- Luke 8:13 (v16) Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away…
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 (v17) that no one would be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. For most certainly, when we were with…
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9 (v15) even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
- Hebrews 2:1 (v15) Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away.
- 1 Peter 1:23-25 (v14) having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever. For, “All…
- Revelation 20:2-3 (v15) He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand…
- Revelation 20:7 (v15) And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison,
- Revelation 20:10 (v15) The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be…
- Genesis 19:14 (v15) Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, “Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh…
- Proverbs 23:5 (v19) Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
- Ezekiel 33:31-32 (v16) They come to you as the people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don’t do them; for with their…
- Zechariah 3:1 (v15) He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.
- Matthew 4:10 (v15) Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ”
- Matthew 12:31 (v17) Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.
- Matthew 13:20-21 (v16) What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; yet he has no root in himself, but…
- Mark 2:2 (v14) Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them.
- Mark 4:3 (v14) “Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow,
- John 5:35 (v16) He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
- John 15:2-7 (v17) Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are…
- Acts 26:31-32 (v15) When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” Agrippa said to Festus,…
- Jude 1:12 (v19) These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without…
- Revelation 2:10 (v17) Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be…
- Revelation 12:9 (v15) The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown…
- Job 19:28 (v17) If you say, ‘How we will persecute him!’ because the root of the matter is found in me,
- Job 27:8-10 (v17) For what is the hope of the godless, when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? Will God hear his cry when trouble comes on him?…
- Isaiah 32:20 (v14) Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out the feet of the ox and the donkey.
- Jeremiah 4:3 (v18) For Yahweh says to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, “Break up your fallow ground, and don’t sow among thorns.
- Matthew 3:10 (v19) “Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.
- Matthew 13:21 (v17) yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
- Matthew 24:9-10 (v17) Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake. Then many will…
- Mark 4:5-6 (v17) Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. When the sun had…
- Luke 8:14 (v18) That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and…
- Luke 12:10 (v17) Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
- John 8:31 (v17) Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.
- Acts 17:18-20 (v15) Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said,…
- Acts 17:32 (v15) Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
- Acts 25:19-20 (v15) but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. Being…
- 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (v17) Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is…
- Colossians 1:5-6 (v14) because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News which has…
- 2 Timothy 1:15 (v17) This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me, of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
- 2 Timothy 2:17-18 (v17) and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus: men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the…
- 2 Timothy 4:16 (v17) At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
- Hebrews 10:29 (v17) How much worse punishment do you think he will be judged worthy of who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of…
- Hebrews 12:16 (v15) lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal.
- 1 John 2:19 (v17) They went out from us, but they didn’t belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that…
- Revelation 2:13 (v17) “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of…
- Matthew 13:22 (v18) What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word,…
- Luke 1:2 (v14) even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
- Acts 8:13 (v16) Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
- Acts 18:14-17 (v15) But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it…
- Galatians 6:12 (v17) As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised; just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of…
- Matthew 8:19-20 (v16) A scribe came, and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of…
- Mark 4:7 (v18) Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
- Acts 8:18-21 (v16) Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me…
- Acts 24:25-26 (v16) As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time,…
90 distinct cross-references across this passage (92 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (15 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v19 Which pertain to this life.
Which pertain to this life.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv16–17 14 The sower soweth the word.
14 The sower soweth the word.
15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
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16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
Ver. 16. Immediately they receive it with gladness] As children run away with deserts. But the new birth is seldom without pain, and without a flux of mortification. Leap-Christians prove apostates.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v14 Here our Saviour applies himself to interpret and explain…
Here our Saviour applies himself to interpret and explain the foregoing parable: the seed is the word, the sower is the preacher, the soil is the heart and soul of man.
Some hearers Christ compares to the highway ground, in which the seed lies uncovered for the want of the harrow of meditation.
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Others to stony ground, in which the word has no root. No root in their understandings, in their memories, wills, and affections: but they are instantly offended, either at the depth and profoundness of the word, or at the sanctity and strictness of the word, or else at the plainness and simplicity of it.
Again, some hearers our Lord compares to thorny ground: worldly and covetous desires are as thorns choking the good seed: they shadow the blade when sprung up, keep off the influences of the sun, and draw away the fatness of the soil from the seed.
All these mischievous effects have thorns among the seed. And the like ill effects have worldly affections and covetous desires in the soul of man, rendering the seed of the word unfruitful and unprofitable. But the good Christian hears the word attentively, keeps it retentively, believes it steadfastly, applies it particularly, practises it universally, and brings forth fruit perseveringly.
Learn, 1. That no hearers are in Christ’s account good hearers of the word, but such as bring forth fruit answerable to their hearing.
2. That a person may be a good hearer of the word in Christ’s account, if he bring forth the best fruit he can, though it be not in so great a proportion as others do.
As some grounds bring forth thirty, some sixty and some an hundred-fold; in like manner do all sincere hearers of the word. They all bring forth fruit, though not all alike; all in sincerity, though not all equally, and none to perfection.
It is Theophylact’s note on the place: "How small is the number of good men, and how few are saved! For only the fourth part of the seed fell upon good ground and was preserved."
Others observe a gradation here: the seed sown in the highway comes not up at all; that on stony ground comes up, but increaseth not; that among thorns increaseth, but bears no fruit; only that seed which fell on good ground brings forth fruit unto perfection.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv14–19 And have no root in themselves,.... The word has…
And have no root in themselves,.... The word has no root in their hearts, only in their natural affections: nor is the root of grace in them; there is no heart work, only speculative notions, and flashy affections:
and so endure but for a time: they continue hearers and professors of the Gospel but for a small season; like the Jews, who rejoiced in the ministry of John the Baptist for a while, and then left him:
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afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. As soon as any small degree of trouble comes upon them, and especially when there is a hot persecution of the professors of religion, because of the Gospel they have embraced; such hearers are stumbled at these things, and cannot bear the loss of any thing, or endure any thing severe for the sake of the word they have professed a pleasure in; and therefore, rather than suffer, they relinquish at once their profession of it.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v19 The desire of other things choke the word -…
The desire of other things choke the word - A deep and important truth! The desire of any thing, otherwise than as it leads to happiness in God, directly tends to barrenness of soul. Entering in - Where they were not before. Let him therefore who has received and retained the word, see that no other desire then enter in, such as perhaps till then he never knew. It becometh unfruitful - After the fruit had grown almost to perfection.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv15, 19 Verse 15. THESE are they] Probably our Lord here…
Verse 15. THESE are they] Probably our Lord here refers to the people to whom he had just now preached, and who, it is likely, did not profit by the word spoken.
Where the word is sown] Instead of this clause, four copies of the Itala read the place thus - They who are sown by the way side, are they WHO RECEIVE THE WORD NEGLIGENTLY. There are thousands of this stamp in the Christian world. Reader, art thou one of them?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On v14 See the notes at Mat 13:18-23.
See the notes at Mat 13:18-23.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On v15 15. Satan cometh — Through his emissaries, symbolized by…
15. Satan cometh — Through his emissaries, symbolized by the fowls. Temptations have wings, and they come in flocks, and they have open beaks to snatch up the word of life and carry it off or devour it up. And how easily the seed of the word does go! People on Monday have forgotten both the sermon and the text of Sunday. The birds have come and devoured them both up.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 17, 19 14. The sower] This is applicable to (i) Christ,…
14. The sower] This is applicable to (i) Christ, who “came forth from the Father and was come into the world” (Joh_16:28); (ii) His Apostles; (iii) all who go forth in His Name, and with His authority. For other comparisons of the relations of the teacher and the taught to those between the sower and the soil, comp. 1Pe_1:23; 1Jn_3:9.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On v15 (15) In their hearts.—The better MSS. give simply, “in…
(15) In their hearts.—The better MSS. give simply, “in them.”
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 16, 18, 19 The sower soweth the word. St. Matthew (Mat_13:19) calls…
The sower soweth the word. St. Matthew (Mat_13:19) calls it "the word of the kingdom an expression equivalent to "the gospel of the kingdom," not merely moral truth, but spiritual and eternal.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv16, 18 Mar_4:5; Mar_4:16-17
Mar_4:5; Mar_4:16-17
And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth.
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The seed upon stony ground
I. A brief biography of certain professors in religion. They heard the Word. They received the Word. They received it immediately. They received it with gladness. They made rapid progress. In duo time came trial. Immediately they were offended.
II. Their radical defect. It lay in an unbroken heart. This led to want of depth. They lacked moisture.
III. The lessons of the text. Be deeply in earnest. Watch the effect of your own daily trials. Constantly examine yourself. Let all this show us how necessary it is that we cast all the stress and burden of our salvation entirely upon the Lord Jesus Christ. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The character of enthusiastic hearers considered
I. With the character of these hearers previous to their hearing the Word. They are compared to stony or rocky ground, which is unfavourable to cultivation; but yet has a little mould or earth cast over it, suited to receive seed, and in which it may lodge awhile, and disseminate itself. So that this ground is partly bad and partly good. And thus are very aptly described, the miserably perverse and depraved state of the will on the one hand, and the warmth and liveliness of the natural passions on the other. These qualities often meet in one and the same person, and bear a different aspect to religion, the one being un-favourable and the other favourable to it.
1. It is true of these hearers that their will is wretchedly depraved. Stone is a figure used in Scripture to signify the obstinate aversion of the mind to what is holy and good. So Ezekiel speaks of a stony heart in opposition to a heart of flesh; and Paul, of the living epistles of Christ being written, not on tables of stone, but fleshly tables of the heart. And yet, with all this depravity of the will, they have-
2. Warm and lively passions; a circumstance in itself not a little favourable to religion. This is admirably expressed by the earth or mould said to be cast over the rock, which was of a nature so rich and luxuriant, that the seed instantly mingled with it, and expanding, sprung up, and created a beautiful verdure which promised great fruitfulness. Nothing was wanting to produce the desired effect but a sufficient depth of earth, tied the ground at bottom been properly cultivated this fine mould cast upon it would have assisted and forwarded vegetation; but that remaining hard and rocky, this had only a temporary effect, and served little other purpose than to deceive the expectation of the husbandman. Such is truly the case in the matter before us. The heart, like the stony ground, is indisposed to what is good; and the affections, like the earth cast over it, are warm and lively; wherefore, the Word not entering into the former, and yet mingling with the latter, produces no real fruit, but only the gay and splendid appearance of an external profession. And here it is further to be remarked, that however the passions are of excellent use in religion, if the heart be right with God; yet, this not being the case, their influence is rather pernicious than salutary: indeed, the more eager and impetuous the natural temper, the greater evil is in this case to be apprehended from it, both to the man himself, and to those with whom he is connected. As to himself mistaking the warm efforts of mere passion for real religion, he instantly concludes, that he is without doubt a real Christian, and so is essentially injured by the imposition he puts upon himself. But it will be proper, before we pass on, to examine more particularly the character of the enthusiast. He has a lively imagination, but no judgment to correct it; and warm feelings, but neither wisdom nor resolution to control them. Struck with appearances, he instantly admits the reality of things, without allowing himself time to inquire into their nature, evidence and tendency. And impressions thus received, whether from objects presented to the senses, or representations made to the fancy, produce a mighty and instantaneous effect on his passions. These agitate his whole frame, and precipitate him into action, without any intervening consideration, reflection, or prospect. And his actions, under the impulse of heated imagination, are either right or wrong, useful or pernicious, just as the notions he has thus hastily adopted happen to be conformable to truth or error. So we shall see the countenance of a man of this complexion kindling into rapture and ecstasy at the idea of something new and marvellous; a flood of tears streaming down his cheeks at the representation of some moving scene of distress; his face turning pale, and his limbs trembling, at the apprehension of some impending danger; his whole frame distorted with rage at the hearing of some instance of cruelty; and his eye sparkling with joy in the prospect of some fancied bliss. Nor is it to be wondered, that one who is wholly at the mercy of these passions, without the guidance of a sober understanding, and the control of a well-disposed heart, should, as is often the case, break out into loud and clamorous language, assume the most frantic gestures, and be guilty of the most strange and extravagant actions.
1. He receives the Word. Receiving is a figurative term, and may here be explained of what is the consequence of admitting any doctrine to be true, that is, the professing it. It is used in Scripture to signify faith itself (Joh_1:12). Now, as faith has the promise of salvation, and some believe who yet are not saved, a distinction becomes necessary; and the common one of historical and Divine faith is easy and natural. Or if the faith is genuine, yet his notion of the gospel has a great deal of error mingled with it. And then he receives it not upon the Divine testimony, or a clear perception of the internal and external evidence of it; but upon the confident assertions of others, whose eagerness and zeal, expressed by their loud voice and violent gesture, have a mighty effect upon that credulity we spoke of under the former head. Further, his faith is not cordial; it has not the hearty approbation of his judgment and will. Nor does it produce the kindly and acceptable fruits of love and obedience. Yet it is not without its effects, for being of that enthusiastic turn of mind before described, his imagination and passions have a great influence on his profession. Whence those strong appearances of sincerity, earnestness, and zeal, whereby he imposes upon himself and others. Now he loudly affirms he believes, scarcely admitting that man to be a Christian who at all hesitates. Then he treats cool reasoning, and calm reflection, as inimical to religion.
2. He receives the Word immediately. The seed is said in the text to spring up forthwith, and so the idea may respect the quickness of the vegetation. It is true both of the reception and operation of the Word. He receives it not circuitously, but directly. It is no sooner spoken than admitted to be true. He is not embarrassed with doubt, and does not hesitate, reflect, or compare what he has heard with the Scriptures. So without either his judgment being informed, or his will renewed, he is impetuously carried away with a mere sound.
3. His receiving the Word with joy. Joy is a pleasing elevation of the spirits, excited by the possession of some present, or the expectation of some future, good. Now, the gospel is good news, and so adapted to give pleasure to the mind. He therefore who receives it with joy, receives it as it ought to be received. But the man our Saviour here describes is not a real Christian, his icy therefore must have something in it, or in the circumstances accompanying it, distinguishable from that of a genuine believer. Of Herod it is said that he heard John gladly: and from the story it clearly appears Herod remained, notwithstanding, the same profligate man he was before.
How, then, is the joy of the one to be distinguished from that of the other?
1. Let us consider what precedes it. The real Christian, previous to his enjoying solid peace, is usually much depressed and cast down. Nor is his dejection the effect of bodily disorder, or an ill-temperature of the animal spirits, or of something he can give no rational account of. It is an anxiety occasioned by a sense of sin. But it stands to reason that the joy the heart feels must bear some proportion to the anxiety it has suffered.
2. Let us inquire what it is that excites this joy. The causes of that elevation of the spirits which we commonly call joy are various. In some instances it is the Word itself, the mere sound, without any idea affixed to it, that creates joy. The effect is instantly and mechanically produced by the tone and cadence of the voice, accompanied by an appearance, attitude, and gesture, that happen to please. In other instances, it is not the sound only, but the sense, that affects. We may easily conceive how a pleasing kind of sensation, excited in the breast by a pathetic description of misery, particularly the sufferings of Christ, may be mistaken for religion. We are next to consider
(3) what are the effects of it? The joy a real Christian feels, is sober, rational, well-grounded, and will admit of the most pleasing reflections. He possesses himself; he can calmly reason upon the state of his mind and those great truths and objects, the contemplation of which makes him happy; and he can recollect the pleasures he has enjoyed on some special occasions with composure and satisfaction. It humbles him. The higher he ascends the mount of communion with God, the less he appears in his own eyes. Those beams of the sun of righteousness which gladden his heart, throw a light upon his follies and sins. With Job, he abhors himself, and repents in dust and ashes. And, as the apostle expresses it, thinks soberly of himself as he ought to think. His joy inspires him with meekness, candour, and benevolence. It allays, if not entirely extinguishes, the rage of violent passion, fans the flame of fervent charity, and puts the soul into a temper, to unite cordially with all good men, to pity the bad, and to forgive its bitterest enemies. His joy, in a word, makes him watchful and holy. He rejoices with trembling, is upon his guard against everything that may disturb the tranquillity of his mind, holds sin at a distance as his greatest enemy, and aspires with growing ardour to the likeness of the ever-blessed God. On the contrary, who that contemplates the character of the credulous, self-deceived enthusiast, but must see what has been said of the real Christian awfully reversed in his temper and conduct? Is he sober, prudent and self-collected? Ah! no. He is little better than a madman, or one drunk with wine wherein is excess. His heaven is a fools paradise, and his account of it as unintelligible as the frantic talk of one in a delirium. Is he humble? Far from it. The pride of religious frenzy swells him into importance. Imagining himself a favourite of heaven, he looks down upon his fellow mortals with an air of indifference, if not contempt-Stand at a distance, I am holier than thou. Is he meek, candid, and benevolent? So much the reverse, that the very names of these virtues sound harshly in his ear, and stand for little else, in his opinion, than pusillanimity, formality, and hypocrisy. Is he conscientious and circumspect in his deportment? No. Boasting of his freedom, he can take liberties that border on immorality, and treat the scruples of a weak believer as indicating a legal spirit.
II. To consider the lamentable apostasy of these deluded men. The seed that fell upon stony places, and forthwith sprung up, in a little time withered away.
1. The term of his profession is short. Enthusiastic zeal, like inflammable air, quickly evaporates. The sources of that pleasure which gives existence to a spurious religion, and an equivocal devotion, are soon exhausted. The imagination tires, the senses are palled, and the passions, for want of novelty and variety to keep them alive, sink away into a languid, unfeeling, torpid state.
2. In what manner does he renounce his profession? He either silently quits it, or publicly disavows it. He is offended, stumbles, falls, falls away.
III. The cause of these mens apostasy. This our Saviour explains with admirable precision, by teaching us that it is partly owing to the want of something within, essentially important to religion, and partly to a concurrence of circumstances from without unfavourable to the profession of it.
1. Something is wanting within. The parable says: The seed forthwith sprung up, because it had no deepness of earth; and it withered away because it had no root, as Mark has it; and lacked moisture, as is expressed in Luke. For want of a sufficient quantity of earth the seed did not sink deep enough into the ground, and through the luxuriance of the mould it too quickly disseminated and sprung up. So that having taken root, there was no source whence the tender glass might be supplied with nourishment; and of consequence it must necessarily in a little time wither and die. Agreeably therefore to the figure, our Lord, in His explanation of the parable, speaks of these hearers as having no root in themselves. And such precisely is the case of the sort of professors we are discoursing of. They have no principle of religion in their hearts. Their notions are not properly digested, they do not disseminate themselves in the mind, take fast hold on the conscience, and incorporate, if I may so express myself, with the practical powers of the soul. The Word preached does not profit them, not being mixed with faith; or, as perhaps it might be rendered, because they are not united by faith to the word.
2. To a concurrence of circumstances from without unfavourable to the profession of religion. These, in the parable, are all comprehended under the idea of the suns scorching the springing grass; and, in our Saviours exposition of it, are described by the terms tribulation, persecution, affliction, and temptation, all which arise because of the word, or are occasioned by it.
Religion, however, is not to be blamed for these evils, of which it is no way the cause, though it may be the occasion; they are to be set down to the account of a fatal, but too frequent combination of a depraved heart, with an impetuous natural temper.
1. What a striking picture has our Saviour here given us of human nature.
2. Of what importance is it to study ourselves, and to keep a guard upon our passions!
3. We see what kind of preaching is to be coveted, and what avoided.
4. Our Lord, by the instruction given us in our text, has enabled us to reply to an objection often urged against the doctrine of the saints final perseverance. We are frequently reminded of persons whose profession for a time was fair and splendid, but who in the end renounced it. And no doubt this has been the fact in too many sad instances. Yet what does it prove? No more than that these men were either designing hypocrites, or else hastily took upon them a profession of what, they did not rightly understand, truly believe, and cordially approve.
5. And lastly, let not the mournful subject we have been considering create any discouragement in the breast of the truly humble but weak Christian. (S. Stennett, D. D.)
Rapid growth means rapid decay
Precocity and rapid growth are everywhere the forerunners of rapid decay. The oak that is to stand a thousand years does not shoot up like the hop or the creeper. (M. Dods, D. D.)
Excited but not converted
The short and pathetic history of some who are called revival converts. They are charmed but not changed; much excites, but not truly converted. These are they that have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time (Mar_4:17). Their root is in the crowd, the fine music, the lively stir, the hearty companionships of the gospel meeting. The Moravians every Sabbath offer up this prayer, From light-minded swarming, deliver us, good God. (J. Wells.)
Perfect too soon
Most Christians are perfect too soon, which is the reason they are never perfect. (A. Farindon.)
Fair-weather Christians
Some fresh-water sailor, standing upon the shore on a fair day, and beholding the ships top and top-gallant sail in all their bravery, riding safely at anchor, thinks it a brave thing to go to sea, and will by all means aboard; but being out a league or two from the harbour, and feeling by the rocking of the ship his stomach begin to work, and his soul even to abhor all manner of meat-or otherwise a storm to arise, the wind and the sea as it were conspiring the sinking of the vessel-forthwith repents his folly, and makes vows that if he but once be set ashore again he will bid an eternal farewell to all such voyages. And thus there be many faint-hearted Christians to be found amongst us, who, in calm days of peace, when religion is not overclouded by the times, will needs join themselves to the number of the people of God; they will be as earnest and as forward as the best, and who but they? Yet, let but a tempest begin to appear, and the sea to grow rougher than at the first entry, the times alter, troubles rise, many cross winds of opposition and gainsaying begin to blow, they are weary of their course, and will to shore again, resolving never to thrust themselves into any more adventures. Christ they would have by all means, but Christ crucified by no means. If the way to heaven be by the gates of hell, let who will they will not go that way; they rather sit down and be quiet. (Spencer.)
Religion genuine in bad times
Many men owe their religion, not to grace, but to the favour of the times; tis in fashion, they may profess it at a cheap rate, because none contradict it. Indeed, it shows that they are extremely bad when they may be as good without any loss to themselves, but it does not show they are good that they are only good in good times. Dead fish swim with the stream. They do not build upon the rock, but set up a shed leaning to another mans house, which costs them nothing; carried with a multitude, are not able to go alone in a good way; if they be religious, it is for others sakes. Then is integrity discovered, when persons dare be good in bad times, as Noah was said to be an upright man, because he was perfect in his generation. (T. Manton.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v14 The explanation of the parable:
The explanation of the parable:
v. 14. The sower soweth the Word.
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v. 15. And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the Word that was sown in their hearts.
v. 16. And these are they likewise which are sown in stony ground; who, when they have heard the Word, immediately receive it with gladness;
v. 17. and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time; afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the Word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
v. 18. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the Word,
v. 19. and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful.
v. 20. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the ’Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
It is Christ that sows the seed of His Word, even today, by the preaching of the Gospel. But the hearers of the Gospel may well be divided into four classes, according to the soil of their heart and the treatment which the Word receives at their hands. These are the chance or occasional hearers, those that forget. They are the wayside men, those in whose case the seed falls along the way. Some of these may even become regular attendants at church. But the seed of the Word remains lying on top of their hearts, it does not penetrate even the crust of their sensibilities. Here, as Christ says, it is Satan himself that takes the Word away from their hearts. The second class are the over-enthusiastic hearers, that have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. The Lord here identifies them with the seed rather than with the soil, though both factors act together. They are the rocky-ground men. With a change of pastors, or due to some other cause, they suddenly, all unexpectedly, accept the Word with great joy. Their interest in matters pertaining to the Church is most gratifying. But the soil of their heart is not prepared for a lasting faith. They are influenced by the weather, both literally and figuratively. They mold their Christianity according to the times. As soon as danger signals appear along the horizon, the temperature of their zeal is reduced to a point where it no longer is of any use. Tribulation and persecution they cannot stand; it makes them lose all interest in the Church and her business. The third class of hearers of the Word are rather promising, at first glance. They hear the Word, even diligently and attentively; their intention is to be worthy Christians. But they permit other plants, dangerous weeds and thorns, to rise up in their hearts. The cares and worries of this present time engross their attention more and more. The fallacy of riches, the idea that the mere possession of money will render happy, takes hold of them. And finally, the desire for the other pleasures which the children of the world enjoy with such apparent satisfaction and happiness gradually blinds their hearts to the true values in life. Faith struggles for a while to maintain its position in the heart, but it fights a losing battle, it remains without fruit. But to the last class belong those Christians that have been sown into good soil, where the soil of the heart has been prepared in the proper manner by the thorough plowing of the Law and by the gentle, merciful rain of the Gospel, where the seed may sprout and grow unhindered, until the full ears speak of the’ rich harvest. There is a difference, of course, according to the gifts and opportunities of the individual Christian, some will yield fruit only in comparatively small measure, while others are rich in good works, but the fact of the yield is the same in all these cases. It is a searching sermon that is contained in this parable of the Lord’s, and all Christians should take heed to remember the lesson: The seed that did not sprout at all; the seed that sprouted, but did not grow; the seed that sprouted and grew up, but bore no fruit; and finally the seed that came up to the expectations of the Lord
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv16, 18 These are the ones
These are the ones
"And some people are like the seeds." Jesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that fell on the rocky soil. (See: Metaphor)
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They have no root in themselves
This is a comparison to the young plants that have very shallow roots. This metaphor means that the people were first excited when they received the word, but they were not strongly devoted to it. AT: "And they are like the young plants that have no roots" (See: Metaphor)
no root
This is an exaggeration to emphasize how shallow the roots were. (See: Hyperbole and Generalization)
endure
In this parable, "endure" means "believe." AT: "continue in their belief" (See: Metaphor)
tribulation or persecution comes because of the word
It may be helpful to explain that tribulation comes because people believed God's message. AT: "tribulation or persecution comes because they believed God's message" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
they stumble
In this parable, "stumble" means "stop believing God's message" (See: Metaphor)
translationWords
plant
word
joy
tribulation
persecute
stumble
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v14 4:14-20 The interpretation of the parable of the four…
4:14-20 The interpretation of the parable of the four soils is allegorical. The farmer represents a preacher of God’s word (4:14). The four types of soil that receive the seed represent different responses to the preaching of the word. The point of this parable and its interpretation is that hearers should be good soil and heed God’s word (4:9). Only those who produce fruit and endure to the end will be saved (13:13; 8:35; Rev 2:10-11).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.