Parable of the sower bible verse

Summary

Parable of the sower bible verse

Parable of the sower bible verse

The Seed and the Soil: The Complete Biblical Collection of the Parable of the Sower

 

The “Parable of the Sower” is often called the “Parable of Parables.” Jesus Himself implied that if you do not understand this story, you cannot understand how the Kingdom of God operates. It is the definitive teaching on how the human heart receives the Word of God.

Below is the complete scriptural record from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, covering both the public parable and the private explanation given to the disciples.

I. The Account in Matthew (The Kingdom Context)

 

Matthew 13 focuses on the Kingdom of Heaven and includes the most detailed description of the harvest.

1. Matthew 13:1 – “That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.”

2. Matthew 13:2 – “Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.”

3. Matthew 13:3 – “Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed.'”

4. Matthew 13:4 – “As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.”

5. Matthew 13:5 – “Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.”

6. Matthew 13:6 – “But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.”

7. Matthew 13:7 – “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.”

8. Matthew 13:8 – “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

9. Matthew 13:9 – “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

10. Matthew 13:18 – “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:”

11. Matthew 13:19 – “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.”

12. Matthew 13:20 – “The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.”

13. Matthew 13:21 – “But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

14. Matthew 13:22 – “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

15. Matthew 13:23 – “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

II. The Account in Mark (The Priority of the Word)

 

Mark 4 emphasizes the necessity of understanding this parable to understand all others.

16. Mark 4:1 – “Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge.”

17. Mark 4:2 – “He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:”

18. Mark 4:3 – “‘Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.'”

19. Mark 4:4 – “As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.”

20. Mark 4:5 – “Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.”

21. Mark 4:6 – “But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.”

22. Mark 4:7 – “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.”

23. Mark 4:8 – “Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

24. Mark 4:9 – “Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.'”

25. Mark 4:13 – “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?'”

26. Mark 4:14 – “The farmer sows the word.”

27. Mark 4:15 – “Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.”

28. Mark 4:16 – “Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.”

29. Mark 4:17 – “But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

30. Mark 4:18 – “Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;”

31. Mark 4:19 – “but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

32. Mark 4:20 – “Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

III. The Account in Luke (The Good Heart)

 

Luke 8 focuses on the concept of the “noble and good heart” and perseverance.

33. Luke 8:4 – “While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable:”

34. Luke 8:5 – “‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.'”

35. Luke 8:6 – “‘Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.'”

36. Luke 8:7 – “‘Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.'”

37. Luke 8:8 – “‘Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.’ When he said this, he called out, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.'”

38. Luke 8:9 – “His disciples asked him what this parable meant.”

39. Luke 8:10 – “He said, ‘The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'”

40. Luke 8:11 – “‘This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.'”

41. Luke 8:12 – “‘Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.'”

42. Luke 8:13 – “‘Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.'”

43. Luke 8:14 – “‘The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.'”

44. Luke 8:15 – “‘But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.'”

IV. Supporting Verses on Sowing & Reaping

 

Verses that echo the theology of the parable.

45. Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

46. 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

47. James 1:21 – “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

48. 1 Peter 1:23 – “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

49. Hosea 10:12 – “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground.”

50. Isaiah 55:11 – “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Parable of the Sower

 

Q1: What does the “seed” represent in the Parable of the Sower? A: Jesus explicitly states in Luke 8:11 that “The seed is the word of God.” In Mark 4:14, it is simply “the word.” It represents the Gospel message.

Q2: Who is the “sower” (farmer)? A: The sower represents anyone who proclaims the Word of God. Primarily, it is Jesus Himself, but it extends to evangelists, preachers, and believers who share the Gospel.

Q3: What do the “birds” represent? A: In Matthew 13:19 and Mark 4:15, the birds represent “the evil one” or “Satan,” who snatches the message away before it can take root in the heart.

Q4: What does the “path” (hard ground) represent? A: It represents a hardened heart that hears the Gospel but does not understand or accept it. The Word sits on the surface and is easily removed by the enemy.

Q5: What do the “rocky places” represent? A: This soil represents superficial faith. The person receives the Gospel with immediate emotional joy, but because they have no “root” (deep theological or spiritual foundation), they fall away as soon as trouble or persecution comes (Matthew 13:20-21).

Q6: What do the “thorns” represent? A: Thorns represent the distractions of the world. Specifically, Jesus lists three things: the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things (Mark 4:19). These choke spiritual growth.

Q7: What makes the “good soil” good? A: Good soil represents a heart that hears, understands, and retains the Word. Luke 8:15 adds that they produce fruit through “perseverance.”

Q8: Why did Jesus speak in parables? A: In Matthew 13:10-17, Jesus explains that parables serve a dual purpose: to reveal truth to those who are spiritually hungry (the disciples) and to conceal truth from those who are hard-hearted and judgmental (the Pharisees/crowds).

Q9: What does the “fruit” or “crop” represent? A: The crop represents the visible results of salvation: a transformed character (Fruit of the Spirit), good works, and leading others to Christ.

Q10: Can the soil change? A: While the parable describes the state of the heart at the moment the Word is sown, biblical theology (like Hosea 10:12) encourages us to “break up your unplowed ground,” implying that through repentance, a hard heart can become good soil.

Q11: What is the “30, 60, 100 fold” meaning? A: This refers to the yield of the harvest. In ancient agriculture, a 10-fold yield was good. Jesus is describing a miraculous, supernatural abundance that comes from a heart truly surrendered to God.

Q12: Is the person in the “rocky soil” saved? A: This is a subject of theological debate. Some argue they were never truly saved because they had no root. Others argue they fell away (apostasy). The text simply says they “believe for a while” (Luke 8:13).

Q13: What is the “deceitfulness of wealth”? A: It is the lie that money can provide security, happiness, or significance. This lie occupies the mind and “chokes” out the reliance on God’s Word.

Q14: Why does Luke mention “moisture” in verse 8:6? A: Luke notes the rocky soil lacked moisture. Spiritually, this can represent the lack of the “living water” of the Holy Spirit necessary to sustain life during the heat of trials.

Q15: Why is this called the “Parable of Parables”? A: In Mark 4:13, Jesus asks, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?” This implies that understanding how God’s Word interacts with the human heart is the key to unlocking all other kingdom mysteries.

Q16: Does the Sower decide where the seed lands? A: In the parable, the sower scatters seed generously everywhere—on the path, rocks, thorns, and good soil. This reflects God’s grace in offering the Gospel to everyone, regardless of their current heart condition.

Q17: How do I know if I am “thorny” soil? A: If you are a believer but feel spiritually stagnant, anxious, or obsessed with material things, you may be in a season where the “thorns” are choking your fruitfulness.

Q18: What does “perseverance” have to do with the good soil? A: Luke 8:15 says the good soil produces a crop “by persevering.” Fruit isn’t instant; it requires time, patience, and enduring through seasons of sun and rain.

Q19: What are “the secrets of the kingdom”? A: The “secret” (or mystery) is that the Kingdom of God does not come with immediate political conquest, but starts small like a seed in the human heart and grows quietly.

Q20: Can a person be “good soil” but only produce 30-fold? A: Yes. Matthew 13:23 acknowledges different levels of fruitfulness (100, 60, 30). All are accepted and praised as good soil; God creates us with different capacities.

Q21: What is the “root” in the parable? A: The root represents the depth of one’s connection to Christ and doctrine. Without a root, faith is purely emotional and cannot survive the “scorching sun” of persecution.

Q22: How can I prepare my heart to be good soil? A: Through James 1:21: “Humbly accept the word planted in you.” Humility, prayer, and removing the “weeds” of sin prepare the soil.

Q23: Why do birds eat the seed on the path? A: The path is packed down and hard; the seed cannot penetrate. This shows that a hard, cynical, or unrepentant heart makes it easy for the enemy to remove the Gospel before it has a chance.

Q24: Is the “sun” bad in the parable? A: No. The sun (trouble/persecution) is necessary for growth. It destroys the rootless plant, but it helps the rooted plant (good soil) to grow and bear fruit.

Q25: How do I apply this parable to evangelism? A: It teaches us that our job is to sow the seed (share the Gospel) liberally. We are not responsible for the soil (the other person’s response). We should not be discouraged if some reject it; that is expected.