Luke 8:14

KJV

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} that which fell {G4098} among {G1519} thorns {G173} are {G1526} they {G3778}, which, when they have heard {G191}, go forth {G4198}, and {G2532} are choked {G4846} with {G5259} cares {G3308} and {G2532} riches {G4149} and {G2532} pleasures {G2237} of this life {G979}, and {G2532} bring {G5052} no {G3756} fruit to perfection {G5052}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for what fell in the midst of thorns these are the ones who hear; but as they go along, worries and wealth and life's gratifications crowd in and choke them, so that their fruit never matures.

Berean Standard Bible

The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.

American Standard Version

And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:14, part of Jesus's explanation of the Parable of the Sower, illuminates the spiritual peril faced by those who hear the word of God but allow the distractions and desires of the world to stifle its growth. This verse describes individuals whose initial reception of the divine message is ultimately choked by the pervasive influence of earthly worries, material wealth, and fleeting pleasures, preventing the word from producing mature and lasting spiritual fruit in their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 8:14 is an integral part of Jesus's private explanation of the Parable of the Sower (or Soils), found in [Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4-15 "The Parable of the Sower and its Explanation"). Following the parable's telling in [Luke 8:4-8](/luke/8-4-8 "Jesus Teaches the Parable of the Sower"), Jesus's disciples inquire about its meaning, prompting the detailed interpretation from [Luke 8:9-15](/luke/8-9-15 "Jesus Explains the Parable to His Disciples"). This verse specifically unpacks the third type of soil—the thorny ground—which represents a common spiritual pitfall. It stands in contrast to the unproductive wayside and rocky soils, and the fruitful good soil, providing a nuanced understanding of how the "word of God" ([Luke 8:11](/luke/8-11 "The Seed is the Word of God")) is received and either flourishes or fails to bear fruit. The structure emphasizes Jesus's role as the authoritative interpreter of His own teachings, ensuring His disciples grasp the profound spiritual truths embedded within His parables.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural imagery of the parable was highly relatable to Jesus's audience in first-century Galilee, an agrarian society where farming was central to life. Farmers understood the constant battle against weeds and thorns, which could quickly overrun crops, especially if the ground was not diligently prepared and maintained. Thorns (ἀκάνθαι, _akanthai_) were a common nuisance, representing wild, invasive growth that competed for water, nutrients, and sunlight, effectively strangling desirable plants. The "cares," "riches," and "pleasures of this life" reflect the universal human struggles of the time: the anxieties of daily survival, the pursuit of material security and status, and the allure of worldly comforts and self-gratification. These were not abstract concepts but tangible realities that could consume a person's focus and energy, diverting attention from spiritual matters. The emphasis on "this life" (βίος, _bios_) highlights the temporal nature of these concerns versus the eternal value of the Kingdom of God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Peril of Worldly Distractions**, illustrating how anxieties about sustenance, the pursuit of wealth, and the indulgence in fleeting pleasures can effectively "choke" the spiritual life. This theme resonates with Jesus's teaching elsewhere about the impossibility of serving both God and money ([Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "You Cannot Serve God and Money")) and the warning against covetousness ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Beware of Covetousness")). Secondly, the verse highlights the tragic reality of **Spiritual Unfruitfulness**. Despite hearing the word, those on the thorny ground "bring no fruit to perfection," signifying a lack of mature spiritual growth, character transformation, and active obedience that should characterize a disciple of Christ. This connects to the broader biblical emphasis on bearing fruit as evidence of genuine faith and discipleship, as seen in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "Jesus, the True Vine"). Lastly, it subtly emphasizes the **Necessity of Perseverance and Diligence** in nurturing one's faith. Unlike the good soil that yields fruit with patience ([Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "The Good Soil Bears Fruit with Patience")), the thorny ground demonstrates that initial reception is insufficient; ongoing vigilance against worldly encroachments is essential for the word to take deep root and flourish to maturity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **choked (Greek, _sympnígō'_):** From G4846, meaning "to strangle completely, i.e. (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd." This word paints a vivid picture of suffocation, where the invasive elements of life (cares, riches, pleasures) completely overpower and cut off the life-giving nourishment of the word, leading to its demise. It implies an active, aggressive suppression rather than a passive fading.
* **cares (Greek, _mérimna'_):** From G3308, meaning "solicitude." This term refers to anxieties, worries, and distractions that divide one's attention. It's not just about having responsibilities, but about the consuming nature of these concerns that can preoccupy the mind and heart, diverting focus from spiritual priorities and hindering faith.
* **bring no fruit to perfection (Greek, _telesphoréō'_):** From G5052, meaning "to be a bearer to completion (maturity), i.e. to ripen fruit (figuratively)." This phrase indicates that while there might be an initial sprouting or even some early development, the spiritual fruit never reaches its intended, mature, and usable state. It's not merely a lack of fruit, but a failure to bring it to its full, intended ripeness and usefulness, signifying an incomplete or aborted spiritual development.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard,"**: This clause identifies the "thorns" as representing a specific type of hearer, those who initially receive the word of God. The phrase "when they have heard" (ἀκούω, _akoúō_) confirms that these individuals have indeed been exposed to and understood the message, indicating an initial positive response or comprehension.
* **"go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life,"**: This part describes the process and agents of spiritual suffocation. "Go forth" (πορεύομαι, _poreúomai_) suggests they continue living their lives, but as they do, they encounter and are overwhelmed by "cares" (μέριμνα, _mérimna_ - anxieties), "riches" (πλοῦτος, _ploûtos_ - material wealth), and "pleasures of this life" (ἡδονή, _hēdonḗ_ and βίος, _bíos_ - sensual delights and the means of livelihood). These elements "choke" (συμπνίγω, _sympnígō_) the word, illustrating how worldly concerns actively suppress spiritual vitality.
* **"and bring no fruit to perfection."**: This final clause states the tragic outcome: the word, though heard, fails to produce mature, complete, or lasting spiritual fruit (τελεσφορέω, _telesphoréō_). This signifies a lack of spiritual transformation, obedience, and effective witness, indicating that the initial reception of the word was ultimately rendered ineffective by the competing influences of the world.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:14, as part of the Parable of the Sower, is rich in **Metaphor**. The "seed" is a metaphor for the "word of God," and the "thorns" are a powerful metaphor for the "cares and riches and pleasures of this life." This extended metaphor allows Jesus to communicate complex spiritual truths through relatable agrarian imagery. The act of the thorns "choking" the seed employs **Personification**, attributing a destructive, active agency to inanimate plants, vividly illustrating how these worldly elements actively strangle spiritual growth. Furthermore, the "cares," "riches," and "pleasures" themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing the broader category of worldly distractions and desires that compete for the human heart's allegiance. The entire parable, including this verse, serves as an **Allegory**, where each element (sower, seed, different soils) corresponds to a specific spiritual reality, providing a clear interpretive key for understanding the reception and impact of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:14 serves as a profound theological warning, highlighting the persistent tension between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. It underscores that merely hearing the divine word is insufficient for genuine spiritual transformation; the heart must be diligently guarded against competing affections and anxieties. The "thorns" represent the insidious nature of worldliness, which, unlike outright rejection, subtly infiltrates and suffocates spiritual vitality from within. This verse calls believers to a radical reorientation of priorities, recognizing that true life and lasting fruitfulness are found not in the pursuit of earthly comforts or security, but in an unhindered devotion to Christ and His word. It emphasizes that spiritual maturity (bringing "fruit to perfection") requires intentional cultivation and ruthless removal of anything that would choke the life of God within.

* [Mark 4:18-19](/mark/4-18-19 "The Parable of the Sower Explained: Thorny Ground")
* [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "Do Not Love the World")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "The Dangers of Loving Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:14 stands as a piercing diagnostic tool for the spiritual health of any hearer of God's word. It compels us to look beyond mere intellectual assent or initial enthusiasm and to honestly examine the landscape of our hearts. Are the "cares of this life"—the anxieties about finances, future, or reputation—consuming our thoughts and energy, leaving little room for God's peace and provision? Has the pursuit of "riches"—whether material wealth, status, or career advancement—become an idol that subtly displaces our devotion to Christ? Are the "pleasures of this life"—entertainment, comfort, or self-gratification—so dominant that they dull our spiritual appetites and distract us from eternal realities? This verse is a call to radical self-assessment and repentance, urging us to identify and ruthlessly prune the "thorns" that threaten to choke the life of God's word within us, ensuring that our faith is not merely superficial but produces abundant, mature, and lasting fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "cares of this life" currently feel most overwhelming or distracting in your walk with God?**
* **In what ways might the pursuit of "riches" or material security be subtly competing with your devotion to Christ?**
* **Are there "pleasures of this life" that, while not inherently sinful, are consuming your time and energy, preventing deeper spiritual growth?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "prune" these thorns and create more space for God's word to flourish in your heart?**

### FAQ
**What exactly do the "thorns" symbolize in this parable?**

Answer: In Luke 8:14, the "thorns" symbolize the pervasive and destructive influences of worldliness that compete with and ultimately choke the growth of the word of God in a person's life. Jesus explicitly identifies these as "cares and riches and pleasures of this life." This includes anxieties about daily living, the pursuit and accumulation of material wealth, and the indulgence in worldly delights and comforts. Unlike the rocky ground where the seed withers due to lack of depth, or the wayside where it is immediately consumed, the thorny ground allows for initial growth, but the competing "weeds" eventually suffocate the spiritual life, preventing it from reaching maturity and bearing fruit.

**Does this verse imply that having money or enjoying life is inherently wrong for a Christian?**

Answer: No, Luke 8:14 does not teach that money or enjoyment are inherently evil. The issue is not the possession of "riches" or the experience of "pleasures," but rather their potential to become idols or consuming distractions that choke out the word of God. The problem arises when "cares" (anxieties), the love of "riches," or the pursuit of "pleasures" become paramount, displacing God as the central focus of one's life. The Bible teaches stewardship of resources and acknowledges God's provision of good gifts to be enjoyed ([1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "God Richly Provides All Things to Enjoy")). However, it consistently warns against the dangers of covetousness ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Beware of Covetousness")), the love of money ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")), and living solely for worldly gratification ([James 4:4](/james/4-4 "Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")). The key is where our ultimate trust and affection lie.

**How can a believer prevent the "thorns" from choking the word of God in their life?**

Answer: Preventing the "thorns" from choking the word of God requires intentional spiritual discipline and a reorientation of priorities. Firstly, it involves cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Christ, recognizing that He is the source of true life and satisfaction ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")). Secondly, it means actively combating anxiety by casting our "cares" upon God through prayer and trust in His sovereignty ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do Not Be Anxious")). Thirdly, it necessitates a conscious detachment from the pursuit of worldly "riches" and a commitment to generous stewardship, understanding that all possessions belong to God ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Finally, it calls for discernment regarding "pleasures," choosing those that honor God and build up our faith, rather than those that distract or defile. This ongoing process involves daily surrender, prayer, consistent engagement with God's word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our desires and priorities ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Do Not Be Conformed to This World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:14, while a warning, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Christ. The problem of the thorny ground—the inability to bring fruit to perfection due to worldly distractions—is precisely what Christ came to overcome. He is the ultimate "good soil," the perfect embodiment of one whose life was entirely unchoked by the cares, riches, or pleasures of this world. Though tempted in every way, Jesus remained utterly focused on fulfilling His Father's will, demonstrating a life of perfect fruitfulness ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus Was Tempted in Every Way")). Moreover, Christ, through His atoning work, breaks the power of sin and the world over believers, offering deliverance from the very anxieties and desires that choke spiritual life ([Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Christ Gave Himself for Our Sins to Deliver Us from This Present Evil Age")). He invites His followers to abide in Him, the True Vine, promising that those who remain in Him will bear much fruit, for apart from Him, we can do nothing ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "I Am the Vine; You Are the Branches")). The Holy Spirit, given by Christ, empowers believers to overcome worldly temptations and cultivate the fruit of righteousness, transforming hearts that were once thorny ground into fertile soil, enabling them to bring God's word to full perfection in their lives ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Mark 4:19

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Matthew 13:22

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.