King James Version

What Does Luke 8:14 Mean?

Luke 8:14 in the King James Version says “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches a...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”

Luke 8:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

16

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. The thorny soil represents divided hearts where God's word competes with worldly concerns. The verb are choked (sumpnigontai, συμπνίγονται, present passive) indicates ongoing strangulation—the word is progressively suffocated by competing priorities. Three specific threats are named: cares (merimnōn, μεριμνῶν, anxieties, worries), riches (ploutou, πλούτου, wealth), and pleasures (hēdonōn, ἡδονῶν, sensual gratifications).

These three cover life's major distractions: anxiety about necessities (cares), obsession with accumulation (riches), and indulgence in gratification (pleasures). The phrase of this life (tou biou, τοῦ βίου) emphasizes temporal, earthly existence opposed to eternal priorities. The result is tragic: they bring no fruit to perfection (ou telesphorousin, οὐ τελεσφοροῦσιν)—no mature, complete harvest. Unlike rocky-soil hearers who fall away, thorny-soil hearers continue but remain fruitless, their spiritual lives strangled by worldliness. This may be the most dangerous soil—religious profession coexisting with practical worldliness, appearing alive but spiritually barren.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Thorns and thistles plagued Palestinian agriculture, growing vigorously alongside crops and competing for nutrients, moisture, and sunlight. Farmers knew that unless weeds were removed, crops would be choked out. Jesus lived in an occupied land where Roman taxation created economic anxiety ('cares'), Greek commerce promoted materialism ('riches'), and Hellenistic culture celebrated sensual pleasure ('pleasures'). His audience understood these pressures intimately. The warning particularly challenged wealthy members of the early church (Luke 6:24, 12:13-21, 16:19-31, 18:18-25; James 5:1-6). Luke's Gospel repeatedly warns against wealth's spiritual dangers—more than any other Gospel. First-century believers faced the constant temptation to compromise faith for economic security or social acceptance, making this parable urgently relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of the three thorns—cares, riches, or pleasures—most threatens to choke out spiritual fruitfulness in your life?
  2. How can believers with significant wealth or responsibilities avoid becoming thorny-soil hearers?
  3. What does 'bringing fruit to perfection' look like practically, and how can we assess whether our lives are bearing mature spiritual fruit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
τὸ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 24

“among”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς4 of 24
G3588

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

ἀκάνθας5 of 24

“thorns”

G173

a thorn

πεσόν6 of 24

“that which fell”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

οὗτοί7 of 24

“they”

G3778

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

εἰσιν8 of 24

“are”

G1526

they are

οἱ9 of 24
G3588

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

ἀκούσαντες10 of 24

“which when they have heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ11 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπὸ12 of 24

“with”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

μεριμνῶν13 of 24

“cares”

G3308

solicitude

καὶ14 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πλούτου15 of 24

“riches”

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

καὶ16 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡδονῶν17 of 24

“pleasures”

G2237

sensual delight; by implication, desire

τοῦ18 of 24
G3588

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

βίου19 of 24

“of this life”

G979

life, i.e., (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood

πορευόμενοι20 of 24

“go forth”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

συμπνίγονται21 of 24

“are choked”

G4846

to strangle completely, i.e., (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd

καὶ22 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ23 of 24

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τελεσφοροῦσιν24 of 24

“bring”

G5052

to be a bearer to completion (maturity), i.e., to ripen fruit (figuratively)

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:15-171 Timothy 6:9-101 Timothy 6:17Matthew 13:22Mark 4:19Luke 21:34

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