King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:23 Mean?

Matthew 13:23 in the King James Version says “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fru... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 13:23 · KJV


Context

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:

25

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains the Parable of the Sower: '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.' Good soil represents genuine believers. Three characteristics mark them: hearing, understanding, and fruitbearing. 'Understandeth' (Greek syniēsin) means spiritual comprehension, not merely intellectual. The Spirit illuminates truth (1 Corinthians 2:14). 'Beareth fruit' (karpophorei) proves saving faith—transformation occurs. The varying yields (30, 60, 100-fold) show different degrees of fruitfulness while all are genuine. This teaches perseverance—true believers endure and produce fruit despite opposition. The previous soils (wayside, stony, thorny, 13:19-22) represent false professors who lack lasting fruit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The parable (13:1-9) was explained privately to disciples (13:18-23). The four soils represent responses to gospel preaching. Jesus taught in parables (13:10-17) to reveal truth to disciples while concealing it from hard hearts, fulfilling Isaiah 6:9-10. First-century agriculture used broadcast sowing; seed fell on various soils—paths, rocky ground, thorns, good soil. Modern farming is more precise, making the parable less immediately understandable, but the principle remains: gospel response varies. The early church used this parable to explain mixed responses to evangelism. Augustine wrestled with this: are non-persevering professors ever truly saved? Reformed theology says no—genuine salvation produces persevering faith and fruit (John 15:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What kind of soil represents your heart: genuine fruitfulness or temporary profession?
  2. How does your life's fruit demonstrate the gospel's genuine work in you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
1 of 30
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 30

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ3 of 30

into

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν4 of 30
G3588

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

γῆν5 of 30

ground

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

τὴν6 of 30
G3588

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

καλὴν7 of 30

the good

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

σπαρείς,8 of 30

he that received seed

G4687

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

οὗτός9 of 30

he

G3778

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

ἐστιν10 of 30

is

G2076

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

11 of 30
G3588

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

τὸν12 of 30
G3588

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

λόγον13 of 30

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

ἀκούων14 of 30

that heareth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ15 of 30

and

G2532

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

συνιών·16 of 30

understandeth

G4920

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

17 of 30

it which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὴ18 of 30

also

G1211

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

καρποφορεῖ19 of 30

beareth fruit

G2592

to be fertile (literally or figuratively)

καὶ20 of 30

and

G2532

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

ποιεῖ21 of 30

bringeth forth

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

22 of 30

it which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὲν23 of 30

some

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἑκατόν,24 of 30

an hundredfold

G1540

a hundred

25 of 30

it which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ26 of 30

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἑξήκοντα,27 of 30

sixty

G1835

sixty

28 of 30

it which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ29 of 30

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τριάκοντα30 of 30

thirty

G5144

thirty


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 13:23 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 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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