King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:22 Mean?

Matthew 13:22 in the King James Version says “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulne... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Matthew 13:22 · KJV


Context

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

22

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

23

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

24

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He also that received seed among the thorns (ὁ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς)—thorny ground where weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water, sunlight. Unlike stony ground (which withers), thorny ground grows but remains unfruitful. The care of this world (ἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος)—merimna means 'anxiety, worry, distraction.' The deceitfulness of riches (ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου)—apatē means 'delusion, fraud.' Wealth promises security but delivers anxiety; promises satisfaction but delivers craving.

Choke the word (συμπνίγει τὸν λόγον)—sumpnigō means 'to strangle completely, suffocate.' Thorns don't uproot the word; they slowly suffocate it through competition. He becometh unfruitful (ἄκαρπος γίνεται)—fruitlessness, not apostasy, characterizes thorny-ground hearers. They may remain 'in the church' but produce nothing for God's kingdom, spiritually strangled by divided loyalties.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian thornbushes (probably darnel or thistles) had extensive root systems that aggressively competed with crops. Farmers fought constant battles against thorns reclaiming cultivated land. Jesus's audience in prosperous Galilee faced real temptation toward materialism—Rome's Pax Romana brought economic opportunity that could distract from kingdom priorities, just as modern affluence chokes Western Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'cares of this world' are slowly choking your spiritual fruitfulness—what worries dominate your thoughts?
  2. How does wealth deceive—what false promises does materialism make that steal your devotion to Christ?
  3. Where is your life unfruitful despite hearing God's word—what thorns need removing to restore productivity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
1 of 29
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 29

He also

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 29

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 29
G3588

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

ἀκάνθας5 of 29

the thorns

G173

a thorn

σπαρείς,6 of 29

that received seed

G4687

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

οὗτός7 of 29

he that

G3778

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

ἐστιν8 of 29

is

G2076

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

9 of 29
G3588

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

τὸν10 of 29
G3588

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

λόγον11 of 29

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

ἀκούων12 of 29

heareth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ13 of 29

and

G2532

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

14 of 29
G3588

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

μέριμνα15 of 29

the care

G3308

solicitude

τοῦ16 of 29
G3588

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

αἰῶνος17 of 29

world

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου18 of 29

of this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καὶ19 of 29

and

G2532

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

20 of 29
G3588

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

ἀπάτη21 of 29

the deceitfulness

G539

delusion

τοῦ22 of 29
G3588

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

πλούτου23 of 29

of riches

G4149

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

συμπνίγει24 of 29

choke

G4846

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

τὸν25 of 29
G3588

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

λόγον26 of 29

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

καὶ27 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἄκαρπος28 of 29

unfruitful

G175

barren (literally or figuratively)

γίνεται29 of 29

he becometh

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


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 13:22 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 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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