When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, there cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart: this is he that received the seed by the way side.
παντος ακουοντος τον λογον της βασιλειας και μη συνιεντος ερχεται ο πονηρος και αρπαζει το εσπαρμενον εν τη καρδια αυτου ουτος εστιν ο παρα την οδον σπαρεις
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He encourages us to comprehend the teachings of those who instruct, so that we do not end up resembling those who stray from the path. As Christ embodies the way, those who wander away are lost outside of Him. They are not on the path; instead, they find themselves outside of it.
To all who receive the message of the kingdom yet fail to comprehend it, He begins by emphasizing the importance of attentively considering what is communicated. An evil one arrives and takes away the good seed that has been sown in the individual's heart; this person represents those who are situated along the path. Those who receive the word on rocky soil are like individuals who hear the message and quickly accept it with enthusiasm, but they lack depth within themselves and are swayed by external circumstances. The wicked one effectively removes the precious seed. It is essential to note that this seed is planted in the heart, indicating a variance in the spiritual condition among believers.
When faced with tribulation or persecution on account of the word, they are swiftly subjected to temptation. Pay close attention to the phrase: swiftly tempted. This highlights the distinction between someone who is forced to renounce Christ through severe afflictions and someone who, confronted with the initial trials of persecution, is quickly tempted and succumbs.
To all who receive the message of the kingdom but fail to grasp it, the malevolent one arrives and seizes everything from their hearts. The message of the kingdom refers to the word of God, or the word of faith, since faith embodies the kingdom; the believer triumphs over their desires and stands in equality with Christ. They do not fully comprehend, meaning they do not embed this word deeply in their hearts, instead merely hearing it. The adversary is referred to as the Evil One, as noted earlier in our discussion of the Lord's Prayer. He takes away what has been planted because it remains unprotected on the surface. This represents what is sown along the path. The seed is likewise cast into the ground—this ground is also cultivated, receiving the seed.
Therefore, when we speak of what is sown (ο σπαρεις), we understand it not merely concerning the seed but rather about the ground; it can be interpreted as: this is the ground sown along the path. The same distinction applies to the others.
Why did Christ, after speaking initially about the sowing of the word, add that this is in the manner of the seed being sown, especially if the adversary uproots all that is sown? In the parable of the tares, He declared that the good seed represents the children of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38). To clarify and prevent any misconceptions that I am fabricating ideas out of ignorance, I will elucidate the deeper significance of this parable. The seed symbolizes both the word and those who have received it, relating to their transformation and rebirth through it. It is through the word that Christ is formed within us (Galatians 4:19), shaping us in accordance with His image. Therefore, the seed is planted in the earth to ultimately become a human likeness itself.
The seed is distributed equally, yet it does not land on identical soil. The message of God is proclaimed to everyone, but its efficacy and results differ among individuals. Some seed falls along the 'paths, and is taken away by the birds of the air.' In a similar manner, the word of God, delivered to human hearts, encounters various distractions, leading to its loss and lack of yield, for 'evil spirits,' much like birds, take it away, 'that men, having believed, should not be saved.' From this, dear Christian, recognize that the proclaimed word of God, whether it is the Gospel, scripture from the Old Testament, or a sermon delivered, must be received with utmost care and focus. Do not allow the evil spirits to snatch away the word of God that has been preached to you, just as birds take the seed that has fallen along the path, and you will not remain unfruitful.
TO ALL WHO LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE OF THE KINGDOM, the teaching of redemption, AND TO ANY WHO REMAIN UNAWARE, whose minds are shrouded in darkness and whose hearts are hardened by sin to the point of misunderstanding or rejecting the word of God, which merely sits on the surface of their thoughts and feelings without taking firm root; it remains like a seed left on the pathway, exposed to all who wander by, vulnerable to the birds of the air and the shifting winds. To every such recipient of the message of salvation, the adversary, whether as Satan or a demon, or through his agents in the guise of sinful thoughts and desires, comes forth.
Through these means, he snatches away that which has been planted in their hearts, preventing the individual, despite believing, from attaining salvation — THIS IS THE MEANING OF THE SEED SOWN ON THE PATH. It is the individual who unwittingly grants entry to sinful thoughts and distractions.
These are the truths of the kingdom, conveyed through parables to the people without further clarification; understanding is granted only to the group of disciples and specifically to the initial two. When the disciples inquired of the Lord regarding the interpretation of this parable concerning the seed, He provided them with an explanation and subsequently offered practical guidance for their apostolic mission in the form of parables that would be more relatable (Mk. 4:21-25, the lampstand; Lk. 8:16-18). The essence of the word within them must be manifested in their preaching, and their fervor will determine the depth of the message conveyed.
The sower of the seed represents the divine Proclaimer of God’s message, while the seed symbolizes His listeners. Some of these listeners resemble the seed that has fallen along the path, where it is consumed by birds and trampled by those passing by. They are individuals with hardened and indifferent hearts, where the Word of God cannot take root and is either swiftly taken away by malevolent forces or lost and withers on the rocky terrain of worldly distractions.
The phrase "To everyone who hears the word" refers to the message of God, conveyed to individuals through both spoken ministry and the Holy Scriptures. When it says "To him who does not understand," it describes a person whose mind is clouded or hardened by sin, resulting in a heart that cannot grasp or embrace the word of God. This truth remains superficial, as if it rests on the surface of their thoughts and emotions, much like a seed placed on a path, easily accessible to those who pass by, susceptible to the elements and creatures around. "The evil one comes" signifies Satan or a demon, depicted in the parable as a bird or birds that peck at the surface-seated seed, which has failed to take root in the heart.
In this parable, the Lord instructs us that while many may hear the message of God, few truly comprehend and adhere to the commandments of Christ. Who is the sower? It is the Son of God, Jesus Christ. What does the seed represent? It symbolizes the word of God. What do the locations where the seed is planted signify? They represent the hearts of individuals. What does the path signify? It refers to those who are distracted, who only hear the word of God with their ears, devoid of heartfelt engagement. What do the birds represent? They symbolize Satan and the various temptations that attempt to mute God's word within us. What does the rocky ground denote?
It stands for individuals with shallow faith, who, when circumstances are favorable, are eager to receive the word of God and act upon it; yet when faced with challenges and adversity, they withdraw, become disheartened, and grumble against God. And what do the thorns that choke the seed signify? They represent those who are overly consumed by worldly concerns; the anxieties of life and the allure of wealth overshadow the word of God in them. What does the good soil symbolize? It signifies those who are genuine believers, who attentively listen to the word of God with reverence and prayer, and not only listen but also implement it. What is the fruit? These are the virtuous deeds that arise from hearing God's word. What do the yields of a hundred, sixty, and thirty times represent? They indicate that among those who genuinely believe and continuously listen to God’s word, some produce greater good works than others. From this, it is evident that we must introspectively examine our own hearts and seek divine assistance, so that the good seed may take deep root within us.
1. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:9. 2. Watch how you hear. Luke 8:18. 3. Marth, Marth, you are troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Luke 10:41-42. 4. But now being free from sin, and enslaved to God, you have your fruit for holiness, and the end is eternal life. Romans 6:22. 5. In this, My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and be My disciples. John 15:8. 6. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 27 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS