The Parable of the Sower Explained

(Mark 4:13–20; Luke 8:11–15)

18 Consider, then, the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but {does} not understand [it], the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the [seed] sown[fn] along the path.

20 The [seed] sown on rocky ground is the [one who] hears the word and at once receives[fn] it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. [When] trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

22 The [seed] sown among the thorns is the [one who] hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

23 But the [seed] sown on good soil is the [one who] hears the word [and] understands [it]. [He] indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.”