King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:8 Mean?

Matthew 13:8 in the King James Version says “But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Matthew 13:8 · KJV


Context

6

And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

8

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

9

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description 'But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold' shows the successful response to God's word. 'Good ground' represents receptive hearts that receive, retain, and respond to the message. The varying yields (30, 60, 100-fold) demonstrate differing degrees of fruitfulness, not different salvation levels—all are saved, but fruitfulness varies. The key is fruit production, not fruitlessness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Palestinian farming typically yielded 7-10 fold returns, making 30-100 fold harvests extraordinarily abundant. This hyperbolic language emphasizes the gospel's supernatural productivity when genuinely received. The varying yields show individual response differences.

Reflection Questions

  1. What type of soil characterizes your heart's response to God's word?
  2. What factors contribute to the difference between 30, 60, and 100-fold fruitfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἄλλα1 of 20

other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ2 of 20

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔπεσεν3 of 20

fell

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ4 of 20

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

τὴν5 of 20
G3588

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

γῆν6 of 20

ground

G1093

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

τὴν7 of 20
G3588

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

καλὴν8 of 20

good

G2570

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

καὶ9 of 20

and

G2532

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

ἐδίδου10 of 20

brought forth

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

καρπόν,11 of 20

fruit

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

12 of 20
G3739

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

μὲν13 of 20

some

G3303

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

ἑκατόν,14 of 20

an hundredfold

G1540

a hundred

15 of 20
G3739

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

δὲ16 of 20

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἑξήκοντα17 of 20

sixtyfold

G1835

sixty

18 of 20
G3739

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

δὲ19 of 20

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τριάκοντα20 of 20

thirtyfold

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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