Luke 8:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Luke 8:14 is part of Jesus’s explanation of the Parable of the Sower (or Soils), detailing the fate of the seed that falls among thorns. This verse describes those who hear the word of God but allow worldly concerns and desires to prevent it from producing lasting spiritual fruit.

Context

This verse directly follows Jesus's recounting of the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8:4-8 and His subsequent explanation to His disciples. The "thorns" are a metaphor for the distractions and desires of the world that compete with and ultimately hinder the growth of the "seed," which is the "word of God" (Luke 8:11).

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Worldly Distractions: The verse vividly illustrates how "cares and riches and pleasures of this life" can choke out spiritual vitality. These aren't necessarily evil things in themselves, but when they become paramount, they suffocate the word of God. This highlights a constant spiritual battle against materialism and anxiety.
  • Spiritual Unfruitfulness: The tragic outcome for those on the thorny ground is that they "bring no fruit to perfection." This refers to a lack of mature spiritual growth, character transformation, obedience, and effective service that should naturally flow from a heart where the word has taken deep root.
  • The Necessity of Perseverance: Hearing the word is only the first step. This commentary on the thorny ground emphasizes that a continuous, unhindered reception of the word is crucial. Unlike the "good ground" that brings forth fruit with patience (Luke 8:15), the thorny ground lacks this perseverance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "choked" is sympnigontai (συμπνίγονται), which means to be "throttled" or "suffocated." It paints a powerful image of weeds completely overpowering and strangling a plant, cutting off its light and nutrients. The phrase "bring no fruit to perfection" (teleioforousin, τελειοφοροῦσιν) suggests that while there might be initial growth or even some budding, the fruit never reaches its full, mature, and usable state. It's not just about producing fruit, but about bringing it to completion.

Practical Application

Luke 8:14 serves as a profound warning for all who hear the Gospel. It challenges believers to honestly assess what might be "choking" the word of God in their own lives. Are daily worries, the pursuit of wealth, or the allure of worldly entertainment diverting attention and energy from spiritual growth? This verse calls for a conscious effort to remove these spiritual "weeds" and prioritize God's word, allowing it to deeply transform the heart and produce abundant and mature fruit consistent with a life dedicated to Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 6:9 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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.