Matthew 13:19

KJV

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

KJV (with Strong's)

When any {G3956} one heareth {G191} the word {G3056} of the kingdom {G932}, and {G2532} understandeth {G4920} it not {G3361}, then cometh {G2064} the wicked {G4190} one, and {G2532} catcheth away {G726} that which {G3588} was sown {G4687} in {G1722} his {G846} heart {G2588}. This {G3778} is {G2076} he which received seed {G4687} by {G3844} the way side {G3598}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever hears the message about the Kingdom, but doesn't understand it, is like the seed sown along the path -- the Evil One comes and seizes what was sown in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

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 along the path.

American Standard Version

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:19 provides Jesus's direct interpretation of the seed sown "by the way side" in the Parable of the Sower, explaining the fate of the "word of the kingdom" when it falls upon an unreceptive heart. It reveals that those who hear the divine message but fail to truly comprehend it become vulnerable to the "wicked one," who swiftly snatches away the truth before it can take root, symbolizing a superficial encounter with the Gospel that yields no lasting spiritual fruit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13 marks a pivotal shift in Jesus's teaching methodology, as He begins to speak primarily in parables to the crowds (e.g., [Matthew 13:3](/matthew/13-3 "Matthew 13:3 - The Parable of the Sower")). Following the narration of the Parable of the Sower, His disciples privately inquire why He uses parables ([Matthew 13:10](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10 - Disciples Ask About Parables")). Jesus explains that parables serve to reveal truth to those with receptive hearts while concealing it from those who are spiritually hardened or unwilling to understand ([Matthew 13:11-17](/matthew/13-11-17 "Matthew 13:11-17 - Purpose of Parables")). Matthew 13:18 then introduces Jesus's interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, with verse 19 specifically detailing the meaning of the seed that falls "by the way side," setting the stage for the subsequent explanations of the other types of soil. This verse is thus foundational to understanding the entire parable's spiritual significance concerning receptivity to the Gospel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Parable of the Sower is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices common in ancient Galilee. Farmers would often sow seeds by hand, scattering them broadly across fields. In areas where fields bordered well-worn paths, some seeds would inevitably fall onto these hardened tracks. Such paths, compacted by foot traffic, animals, and carts, would prevent the seed from penetrating the soil. Instead, the seeds would lie exposed on the surface, making them easy prey for birds. This agricultural reality serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual condition of various hearers. The "way side" represents a heart that is unplowed, unsoftened, and entirely unreceptive to the "word of the kingdom," much like the hardened ground that offers no purchase for the seed. The imagery would have been immediately recognizable and impactful to Jesus's audience, illustrating the critical importance of a prepared heart for spiritual growth.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights the **nature of the Kingdom of Heaven**, emphasizing that the "word of the kingdom" is the central message of God's redemptive reign, proclaimed by Jesus. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **human receptivity to divine truth**, illustrating that merely hearing the message is insufficient; true understanding and internalization are crucial for spiritual transformation. This aligns with Jesus's teaching elsewhere about the importance of [hearing and doing His words](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the stark reality of **spiritual warfare**, identifying "the wicked one" as an active adversary who seeks to thwart God's purposes by snatching away the sown word. This foreshadows later New Testament teachings on spiritual battles, such as those found in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Principalities"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **fruitfulness and barrenness**, demonstrating that a lack of understanding and a hardened heart inevitably lead to spiritual barrenness, preventing the word from bearing the desired fruit of righteousness and salvation, a concept explored further in [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, this primary verb signifies "to hear (in various senses)." In this context, it denotes the initial act of perceiving the "word of the kingdom" with one's ears. However, as the subsequent clause indicates, this hearing is superficial, lacking the deeper engagement required for understanding. It implies a physical reception of sound rather than a spiritual apprehension of truth.
* **understandeth it not (Greek, _mḗ syníēmi'_):** This crucial phrase combines G3361 (mḗ, a particle of qualified negation, "not") with G4920 (syníēmi, "to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously"). The negation "mḗ" emphasizes a failure of will or spiritual receptivity, rather than a mere intellectual inability. "Syníēmi" points to a failure to integrate, grasp, or truly discern the spiritual significance of the message. It's not just hearing the words, but failing to "put them together" in a way that leads to genuine spiritual insight and conviction.
* **wicked one (Greek, _ponērós'_):** From G4190, this term describes something "hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence)." While it can refer to general evil, when used with the definite article ("the wicked one"), as it is here, it specifically designates Satan, the personification of evil and the primary adversary of God and humanity. This emphasizes his active, malevolent, and intentional role in hindering the reception of the divine word. He is not merely a passive force but an agent who "catcheth away" the truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When any one heareth the word of the kingdom":** This clause describes the initial encounter with the Gospel message, the good news of God's reign and salvation through Christ. It emphasizes that the opportunity to hear this transformative message is extended broadly to "any one."
* **"and understandeth [it] not":** This is the critical turning point. The failure is not in the sowing of the seed (the word) or in the hearing of it, but in the lack of genuine comprehension. This "not understanding" goes beyond intellectual deficiency; it implies a spiritual blindness or an unwillingness to grasp the profound implications and demands of the "word of the kingdom." It suggests a heart that is closed or indifferent to the truth.
* **"then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart":** This clause reveals the immediate consequence of this lack of understanding and the agent responsible. "The wicked one," explicitly identified as Satan, acts swiftly and decisively. The verb "catcheth away" (Greek: _harpázō_) implies a forceful, violent, and sudden snatching. What was "sown in his heart" – the potential for the word to take root and transform – is immediately removed, preventing any spiritual growth or fruit.
* **"This is he which received seed by the way side":** This concluding statement connects the spiritual reality back to the agricultural metaphor. The person whose heart is unreceptive and vulnerable to the devil's theft is likened to the hardened, unplowed path where seeds cannot penetrate and are easily devoured. It is a direct identification of the "wayside" soil type with a specific spiritual condition.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 13:19, as part of the larger Parable of the Sower, is **Allegory** (or extended **Metaphor**). Jesus uses the tangible, relatable imagery of a sower, seed, and various types of soil to represent abstract spiritual realities. The "seed" is a **Symbol** for "the word of the kingdom," and the "way side" is a **Symbol** for a hardened, unreceptive heart. "The wicked one" is a **Symbol** for Satan, and his act of "catching away" is a **Metaphor** for his active role in spiritual deception and theft. The entire parable, including this verse, functions as an **Analogy**, drawing a direct comparison between agricultural processes and the spiritual dynamics of receiving God's word. This allegorical structure allows for profound truths to be conveyed in an accessible yet deeply insightful manner, revealing the spiritual conditions that either foster or hinder the growth of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:19 profoundly underscores the critical importance of a receptive heart in the process of spiritual transformation. It teaches that God's word, though powerful and life-giving, requires active engagement and genuine comprehension from the hearer. The failure to "understand" is not merely an intellectual oversight but a spiritual posture that leaves one vulnerable to the insidious work of "the wicked one." This highlights the reality of an ongoing spiritual battle for the human soul, where Satan actively seeks to hinder the spread and impact of the Gospel. The verse implicitly calls for spiritual vigilance and a cultivation of inner receptivity, recognizing that the eternal destiny of the "word of the kingdom" within an individual depends heavily on the condition of their heart. It's a sobering reminder that hearing without understanding leads to spiritual barrenness, emphasizing the necessity of allowing the truth to penetrate deeply and take root.

* [Luke 8:12](/luke/8-12 "Luke 8:12 - The Devil Takes the Word")
* [2 Corinthians 4:3-4](/2_corinthians/4-3-4 "2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - Satan Blinds the Minds of Unbelievers")
* [Hebrews 4:7](/hebrews/4-7 "Hebrews 4:7 - Today, If You Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:19 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the condition of our own hearts as hearers of God's Word. It challenges us to move beyond mere passive listening to active, prayerful engagement, ensuring that the "word of the kingdom" truly penetrates and takes root. Are there "wayside" areas in our lives—hardened by cynicism, distraction, busyness, or indifference—that prevent the seed of truth from sinking in? This verse calls for intentional cultivation of a receptive heart, a willingness to be taught, and a spiritual hunger that yearns for deep understanding. We must actively guard against spiritual apathy and the subtle, yet potent, schemes of "the wicked one," who tirelessly seeks to steal the precious truths sown within us. By diligently meditating on Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit's illumination, and fostering a humble, teachable spirit, we can ensure that the divine seed yields abundant fruit in our lives, rather than being snatched away before it has a chance to grow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically prepare my heart and mind before engaging with God's Word?**
* **What are some "hardened paths" or distractions in my life that might prevent the "word of the kingdom" from taking deep root?**
* **In what specific ways does "the wicked one" attempt to steal spiritual truth or discourage my understanding of God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive and understanding heart towards the Gospel message?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the wicked one" mentioned in Matthew 13:19?**

Answer: In Matthew 13:19, "the wicked one" (Greek: _ho ponērós_) is unequivocally identified as Satan, the devil. This is consistent with other New Testament passages where Jesus and the apostles refer to Satan as the primary adversary of God and humanity. He is depicted as an active, malevolent spiritual entity whose primary goal is to thwart God's redemptive plans and prevent people from embracing the "word of the kingdom." Jesus Himself often confronted Satan and his demons, demonstrating His authority over "the wicked one" (e.g., [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")).

**What does it mean to "understandeth it not" in this context?**

Answer: To "understandeth it not" (Greek: _mḗ syníēmi_) goes beyond a simple lack of intellectual comprehension. It signifies a failure to grasp the spiritual significance and personal implications of the "word of the kingdom." It implies a heart that is either unwilling, indifferent, or spiritually hardened, preventing the truth from penetrating deeply and transforming the individual. This isn't about intelligence, but about spiritual receptivity and a willingness to respond to God's call. As Jesus states elsewhere, some "see with their eyes and hear with their ears, but do not understand with their hearts" ([Matthew 13:15](/matthew/13-15 "Matthew 13:15 - Hardened Hearts and Unseeing Eyes")).

**How can one prevent the "word of the kingdom" from being snatched away?**

Answer: Preventing the "word of the kingdom" from being snatched away requires intentional spiritual discipline and a cultivated heart. Firstly, it involves actively preparing one's heart to receive the Word, approaching it with humility, prayer, and a desire to obey. Secondly, it means diligently meditating on and internalizing the Word, allowing it to penetrate beyond superficial hearing. Thirdly, it necessitates guarding one's heart against distractions, worldly anxieties, and the subtle deceptions of "the wicked one" (as warned in [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Full Armor of God")). Engaging in Christian community, seeking spiritual guidance, and consistently applying the Word to one's life are also vital for the seed to take deep root and bear lasting fruit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:19, while warning about the danger of an unreceptive heart and the devil's schemes, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the embodiment and proclaimer of the "word of the kingdom." Jesus is not merely the sower of the seed in this parable; He *is* the "Word" (Logos) incarnate, the very message of God's redemptive reign among humanity ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His entire ministry was the sowing of this "word of the kingdom," demonstrating its power through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately, His atoning death and resurrection. The "kingdom" He proclaims is inaugurated through His person and work, a kingdom that stands in direct opposition to the domain of "the wicked one." It is through Christ's victory on the cross that "the wicked one," Satan, is ultimately defeated and disarmed ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), rendering his attempts to snatch away the Word ultimately futile for those who are truly in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, provides the very means for a hardened "wayside" heart to be transformed into fertile ground, enabling true understanding and fruitfulness ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the solution to the problem presented in Matthew 13:19 is found in turning to Christ, the Living Word, who not only sows the seed but also empowers the heart to receive, understand, and bear fruit for His glorious kingdom.

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

Luke 8:11

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

Matthew 13:38

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked [one];

Hebrews 2:1

¶ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

1 John 5:18

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.