King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:19 Mean?

Matthew 13:19 in the King James Version says “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away th... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Matthew 13:19 · KJV


Context

17

For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

18

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

20

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. offended: he relapseth, or, falleth into sin


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not (μὴ συνιέντος)—suniēmi means 'to bring together, comprehend.' Without understanding, hearing is useless. The wicked one (ὁ πονηρός)—Satan, the evil one—catcheth away that which was sown in his heart (ἁρπάζει)—harpazō means 'to seize, snatch violently, steal.' Like birds devouring exposed seed on a hardened path, Satan rapidly removes the gospel before it can take root.

Seed by the way side (παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν)—the packed-down pathway through the field where foot traffic has hardened soil into impenetrable surface. This represents hearts hardened by sin, tradition, pride, or indifference—gospel truth cannot penetrate, so Satan easily removes it. The urgency: immediate Satanic opposition to every gospel presentation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian paths through grain fields were public rights-of-way (Matthew 12:1), trampled hard by constant traffic. Birds would immediately consume seed on these paths before plowing could cover it. Spiritually, this describes Jewish religious leaders whose traditions had hardened hearts against Jesus (Matthew 15:1-9), and Gentiles whose pagan practices had similarly calloused consciences.

Reflection Questions

  1. What hardens hearts into 'pathways'—what makes people impervious to the gospel?
  2. How does Satan 'catch away' the word—what tactics does he use immediately after gospel presentation?
  3. Where might your heart be hardened to specific biblical truths you hear repeatedly but don't 'understand'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
παντὸς1 of 27

When any

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀκούοντος2 of 27

one heareth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὴν3 of 27

that which

G3588

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

λόγον4 of 27

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

τὴν5 of 27

that which

G3588

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

βασιλείας6 of 27

of the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 27

and

G2532

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

μὴ8 of 27

it not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

συνιέντος9 of 27

understandeth

G4920

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

ἔρχεται10 of 27

then cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

τὴν11 of 27

that which

G3588

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

πονηρὸς12 of 27

the wicked

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

καὶ13 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἁρπάζει14 of 27

catcheth away

G726

to seize (in various applications)

τὴν15 of 27

that which

G3588

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

σπαρείς16 of 27

he which received seed

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ἐν17 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τὴν18 of 27

that which

G3588

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

καρδίᾳ19 of 27

heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

αὐτοῦ20 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὗτός21 of 27

This

G3778

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

ἐστιν22 of 27

is

G2076

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

τὴν23 of 27

that which

G3588

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

παρὰ24 of 27

by

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν25 of 27

that which

G3588

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

ὁδὸν26 of 27

the way side

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

σπαρείς27 of 27

he which received seed

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:19 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 Matthew 13:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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