Luke 8:7

KJV

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} some {G2087} fell {G4098} among {G1722}{G3319} thorns {G173}; and {G2532} the thorns {G173} sprang up with it {G4855}, and choked {G638}{G1970} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some fell in the midst of thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.

Berean Standard Bible

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the seedlings.

American Standard Version

And other fell amidst the thorns; and the thorns grew with it, and choked it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:7, a vital component of Jesus' Parable of the Sower (or Soils), vividly portrays the fate of the seed that falls on thorny ground. This segment illustrates how the initial reception of the Word of God can be stifled and rendered unfruitful by the encroaching cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, preventing spiritual growth and the production of lasting fruit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 8:7 is an integral part of Jesus' renowned Parable of the Sower, which begins in [Luke 8:4](/luke/8-4 "Luke 8:4 - Introduction to the Parable of the Sower") and is subsequently interpreted by Jesus himself in [Luke 8:11-15](/luke/8-11-15 "Luke 8:11-15 - Jesus Interprets the Parable of the Sower"). Preceding this parable, Jesus has been teaching and healing, demonstrating the power of the Kingdom of God. The parable serves as a teaching tool, explaining why some respond to His message while others do not. The specific imagery of the thorny ground (along with the wayside, rocky, and good ground) is a common motif also found in the parallel accounts of [Matthew 13:7](/matthew/13-7 "Matthew 13:7 - The Parable of the Sower in Matthew") and [Mark 4:7](/mark/4-7 "Mark 4:7 - The Parable of the Sower in Mark"), underscoring its foundational importance in Jesus' pedagogical method concerning spiritual receptivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite farming practices often involved broadcast sowing, where seeds were scattered by hand over a prepared field. It was common for fields to border uncultivated areas, or for previously tilled land to quickly become re-infested with weeds and thorns if not diligently maintained. Thorns (like thistles, briers, or brambles) were a persistent problem, competing with crops for light, water, and nutrients. The image of thorns "springing up with" the good seed would have been a familiar and potent illustration for Jesus' agrarian audience, who understood the constant struggle against invasive plant life that could choke out a promising harvest. This agricultural reality provided a relatable metaphor for spiritual truths.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the chapter and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **receptivity to the Word of God**, highlighting that merely hearing the Word is insufficient; the condition of the heart is paramount for genuine spiritual transformation. It also underscores the theme of **obstacles to spiritual growth**, identifying worldly concerns as significant impediments. Jesus' own interpretation in [Luke 8:14](/luke/8-14 "Luke 8:14 - The Meaning of the Thorny Ground") explicitly links the thorns to "cares and riches and pleasures of this life," revealing the insidious nature of these distractions. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **fruitfulness**, emphasizing that a choked seed, though it may sprout, ultimately fails to produce the desired spiritual harvest, contrasting sharply with the productive good soil described in [Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Soil and Fruitfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thorns (Greek, _ákantha'_):** From G173. This term refers to any prickly plant, such as thistles or briers. In the context of the parable, the "thorns" are a powerful **symbol** for the worldly concerns that compete with and ultimately hinder the growth of the spiritual seed. They represent anything that distracts from or suffocates the Word of God in a person's life.
* **sprang up with it (Greek, _symphýō'_):** From G4855. This verb means "to grow jointly" or "to grow up together with." It implies a concurrent growth, not that the thorns appeared *after* the seed, but that they were present and grew alongside the seed. This nuance highlights the insidious nature of worldly concerns; they are often present from the beginning and develop subtly, becoming a problem as both the seed and the thorns mature.
* **choked (Greek, _apopnígō'_):** From G638. This word means "to stifle" or "to suffocate," often by drowning or overgrowth. It conveys the idea of a gradual but complete suppression of life. The thorns do not destroy the seed immediately, but rather slowly deprive it of the necessary light, water, and nutrients, causing it to wither and become unfruitful. This emphasizes the slow, insidious process by which worldly anxieties and desires can suffocate spiritual vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some fell among thorns;":** This clause introduces the third type of soil, characterized by the presence of thorns. It suggests that while the seed (the Word of God) was sown, the ground already contained elements that would prove detrimental to its growth. This represents a heart that receives the Word but is simultaneously entangled with other preoccupations.
* **"and the thorns sprang up with it,":** This phrase highlights the concurrent growth of the thorns alongside the good seed. It implies that the worldly concerns and the spiritual life develop together. The thorns are not eradicated but are allowed to flourish, competing directly with the nascent spiritual life for resources and space, signifying the ongoing struggle between spiritual and worldly priorities.
* **"and choked it.":** This final, decisive clause reveals the ultimate outcome for the seed on thorny ground. The thorns, growing vigorously, overwhelm and suffocate the good seed, preventing it from reaching maturity and bearing fruit. This illustrates the tragic consequence of allowing worldly distractions to dominate one's life, leading to spiritual barrenness despite an initial reception of God's Word.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:7 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the "thorns" are not merely plants but represent the "cares and riches and pleasures of this life" as interpreted by Jesus in [Luke 8:14](/luke/8-14 "Luke 8:14 - Jesus' Interpretation of the Thorny Ground"). The entire verse functions as part of a larger **Parable**, a narrative teaching method employed by Jesus to convey profound spiritual truths through relatable, everyday scenarios. The act of the thorns "choking" the seed employs vivid **Imagery** that borders on **Personification**, as if the thorns actively and maliciously suppress the life of the seed, highlighting the destructive power of these worldly distractions. This vivid imagery makes the spiritual lesson tangible and memorable for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of Luke 8:7 are profound, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of divided allegiance and the insidious nature of worldly entanglement. While the seed of God's Word may initially take root, the competing demands of life—anxieties, the pursuit of wealth, and the allure of pleasure—can gradually, yet completely, choke out spiritual vitality. This passage underscores that true spiritual fruitfulness requires a heart free from such overwhelming distractions, one fully devoted to nurturing the divine seed. It highlights the principle that genuine faith is not merely an intellectual assent or an emotional response, but a sustained commitment that resists the suffocating grip of the world.

* [Matthew 13:22](/matthew/13-22 "Matthew 13:22 - The Sower and the Thorns")
* [Mark 4:19](/mark/4-19 "Mark 4:19 - The Parable of the Sower, Thorny Ground")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:7 compels us to undertake a rigorous self-examination of our spiritual soil. It challenges us to honestly assess what "thorns" might be growing alongside the Word of God in our hearts. Are the anxieties of daily life, the relentless pursuit of material possessions, or the fleeting pleasures of this world subtly, yet surely, stifling our spiritual growth and hindering our ability to bear fruit for God's Kingdom? This verse serves as a crucial reminder that spiritual vitality is not passive; it requires active cultivation and vigilant discernment. We are called to identify and uproot these spiritual weeds, creating an environment where the Word can thrive, deepen its roots, and produce an abundant harvest of righteousness and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "thorns"—cares, riches, or pleasures—do I recognize as competing with the Word of God in my life?**
* **How does my daily schedule and priorities reflect the "soil" of my heart? Am I actively cultivating an environment for spiritual growth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "clear away" the thorns and ensure the Word of God is not choked but flourishes in me?**

### FAQ

**What exactly do the "thorns" in Luke 8:7 represent?**

Answer: Jesus himself provides the definitive interpretation in [Luke 8:14](/luke/8-14 "Luke 8:14 - Jesus Explains the Thorny Ground"). He states that the thorns represent "the cares and riches and pleasures of this life." This encompasses a broad range of worldly preoccupations: anxieties about daily needs, the pursuit of wealth and material possessions, and the allure of fleeting enjoyments. These things, though not inherently evil, become problematic when they distract from, compete with, or ultimately choke out the growth of God's Word in a person's heart, preventing spiritual fruitfulness.

**Does this verse imply that someone who initially receives the Word but is choked by thorns was never truly saved?**

Answer: The Parable of the Sower describes different responses to the Word of God, not necessarily the state of salvation. The seed on thorny ground *does* sprout, indicating an initial reception or understanding of the message. However, the issue is the *lack of enduring fruitfulness*. While some theological traditions interpret this as demonstrating a lack of genuine saving faith from the outset (as true faith perseveres), others see it as a warning to genuine believers about the dangers of spiritual stagnation and unfruitfulness due to worldly distractions. The emphasis is on the *outcome* – the choked seed produces no mature fruit, regardless of its initial germination.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:7, though a warning about spiritual barrenness, points us profoundly to Christ as the one who overcomes the choking power of the world. In the Old Covenant, the law could reveal the "thorns" of sin and worldly desires, but it lacked the power to remove them or to truly transform the heart (cf. [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Inability of the Law")). However, Jesus, as the ultimate Sower and the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), came to provide the means for genuine and enduring fruitfulness. Through His atoning sacrifice, He deals with the root of sin that gives rise to these "thorns," and through His resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, He empowers believers to live a life unchoked by worldly concerns. It is by abiding in Him, the True Vine ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus, the True Vine")), that we receive the life-giving sap necessary to overcome the world's allure and bear much fruit. The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), actively works within us to prune away the thorns and cultivate a heart that prioritizes God's kingdom, enabling us to live lives that truly glorify Him.

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

Jeremiah 4:3

¶ For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

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.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

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.

Hebrews 6:7

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

Mark 4:7

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.