Matthew 13:19

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Matthew 13:19 is a crucial part of Jesus's own explanation of the Parable of the Sower, found earlier in Matthew chapter 13. This verse specifically clarifies the meaning of the seed that "fell by the way side," highlighting the spiritual condition of those who hear the "word of the kingdom" but fail to truly comprehend it.

Context

In this significant chapter, Jesus begins teaching in parables, a method that both revealed truth to those with receptive hearts and veiled it from those unwilling to understand. After telling the Parable of the Sower (or Parable of the Soils), His disciples ask why He speaks in parables. Jesus then provides the interpretations, beginning with the first type of soil in verse 18. Matthew 13:19 details the fate of the seed that falls on the "way side," which represents a hardened path, indicating a heart that is unreceptive and vulnerable to spiritual attack.

Key Themes

  • The Word of the Kingdom: This phrase refers to the Gospel message, the good news of God's reign and salvation through Christ. It is the divine truth sown into human hearts.
  • Lack of Understanding: The critical element is the failure to truly "understand" or internalize the message. It's not merely about hearing the words, but about grasping their spiritual significance and allowing them to penetrate one's heart. This echoes warnings about how one hears and understands.
  • The Wicked One's Intervention: The "wicked one" is clearly identified as Satan, the adversary who actively seeks to steal spiritual truth. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the enemy's schemes to hinder faith and prevent the word from taking root.
  • The Unreceptive Heart: The "way side" symbolizes a hardened, unyielding heart, unprepared to receive the seed. It's a heart that lacks receptivity, allowing the enemy to easily snatch away the truth before it can take root and bear fruit.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wicked one" in Greek is ho poneros (ὁ πονηρός), which specifically refers to Satan, the personification of evil. This emphasizes his active, malevolent role in spiritual opposition. The phrase "understandeth [it] not" (Greek: me syniēmi) implies a failure to "put things together" or grasp the full significance of the message, rather than just a lack of intellectual capacity. It suggests a spiritual blindness or indifference that prevents the truth from being processed and integrated.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound warning and a call to self-examination for all who hear the Gospel. It urges us to cultivate a receptive heart, eager to understand and embrace the "word of the kingdom." We must actively guard our hearts against spiritual apathy, distractions, and the deceptive tactics of "the wicked one." Diligent study of God's truth, prayer, and reflection are vital to ensure the seed of the Gospel takes deep root and bears lasting fruit, rather than being snatched away by the enemy before it has a chance to grow.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 8:11 (15 votes)

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

  • Luke 8:15 (15 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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.