King James Version

What Does Luke 8:11 Mean?

Luke 8:11 in the King James Version says “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”

Luke 8:11 · KJV

Context

9

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

11

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

12

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

13

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains the parable of the sower: 'The seed is the word of God.' This simple declaration establishes that parables concern God's word and its reception. The 'seed' (Greek 'sporos,' σπόρος) represents Scripture, gospel message, divine truth. Just as seed contains life potential requiring proper soil, God's word contains transformative power requiring receptive hearts. The parable isn't primarily about sowing technique but soil condition—how different hearts receive the same message produces vastly different results. Understanding this interpretive key unlocks the parable's meaning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Farming parables resonated with first-century agrarian audiences. Palestinian farming involved broadcasting seed on various terrains—path, rocky ground, thorny areas, good soil—making the parable immediately understandable. Jesus' explicit interpretation (unusual—He typically let parables stand without explanation) shows the importance of this teaching. The four soils represent four responses to gospel preaching—rejection, superficial acceptance, worldly distraction, genuine faith producing fruit. This parable warns that not all hearing produces salvation; reception quality determines results.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does identifying the seed as 'the word of God' teach about Scripture's power and the importance of how we receive it?
  2. How do the four soils illustrate different heart conditions and responses to the gospel message?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἐστὶν1 of 12

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

δὲ2 of 12

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὕτη3 of 12

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἡ4 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραβολή·5 of 12

“the parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

Ὁ6 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπόρος7 of 12

“The seed”

G4703

a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)

ἐστὶν8 of 12

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος10 of 12

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ11 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ12 of 12

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:19Mark 4:14-201 Peter 1:23-25James 1:211 Corinthians 3:6-71 Corinthians 3:9-12

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