And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
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}.
Some fell in the midst of thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the seedlings.
And other fell amidst the thorns; and the thorns grew with it, and choked it.
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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.
Luke 8:7 KJV is a pivotal part of Jesus' illustrative Parable of the Sower, also known as the Parable of the Soils. This verse specifically describes the challenging fate of seeds that fall on thorny ground.
Context
In this well-known agricultural parable, Jesus uses the familiar imagery of sowing seeds to explain how different individuals receive and respond to the "word of God." The scene painted is common to ancient Israelite farming, where seeds might fall on various types of ground, including areas infested with weeds and thorns. The seed represents the divine message, while the different soils symbolize the diverse conditions of human hearts that hear it. This parable is also found in the parallel accounts of Matthew 13:7 and Mark 4:7, underscoring its foundational importance in Jesus' teachings about spiritual receptivity.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "choked" is sympnigō (συνπνίγω). This term means "to choke," "to strangle," or "to suffocate." It implies a gradual process of being overwhelmed and stifled, rather than an immediate or violent destruction. This nuance highlights the insidious nature of worldly distractions – they don't always violently uproot faith, but they subtly drain its life and vitality over time until it becomes unfruitful.
Practical Application
Luke 8:7 serves as a crucial warning for individuals today. It prompts a vital process of self-examination: What "thorns" are present in my life? Are anxieties about finances, the relentless pursuit of material wealth, or the allure of worldly pleasures competing with my devotion to God's Word? To bear genuine spiritual fruit, one must actively identify and clear away these distractions, cultivating a heart that consistently prioritizes the divine message and allows it to flourish without hindrance. This verse underscores the critical need for discernment and spiritual vigilance to ensure that the seed of faith is not choked by the weeds of the world, but instead grows to bear much fruit, as further emphasized in John 15:5.