Matthew 13:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He also {G1161} that received seed {G4687} among {G1519} the thorns {G173} is {G2076} he that {G3778} heareth {G191} the word {G3056}; and {G2532} the care {G3308} of this {G5127} world {G165}, and {G2532} the deceitfulness {G539} of riches {G4149}, choke {G4846} the word {G3056}, and {G2532} he becometh {G1096} unfruitful {G175}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the seed sown among thorns stands for someone who hears the message, but it is choked by the worries of the world and the deceitful glamor of wealth, so that it produces nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

American Standard Version

And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:22, part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, describes the challenging reality of those who hear the word of God but fail to produce spiritual fruit. It reveals that worldly anxieties and the deceptive allure of wealth can effectively suffocate the divine message within a person's heart, preventing genuine growth and rendering their faith unproductive. This verse serves as a profound warning against the subtle yet powerful obstacles that can hinder spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct interpretation of the "thorny ground" depicted in the Parable of the Sower, found in [Matthew 13:1-9](/matthew/13-1-9 "Matthew 13:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower"). Following the parable, Jesus explains to His disciples why He teaches in parables ([Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Taught in Parables")), before providing a detailed exposition of the Sower parable itself in [Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"). Matthew 13:22 specifically follows the explanations of the seed falling "by the wayside" ([Matthew 13:19](/matthew/13-19 "Matthew 13:19 - The Seed by the Wayside")) and "on stony places" ([Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "Matthew 13:20-21 - The Seed on Stony Ground")), completing the progression of negative responses before highlighting the fruitful ground in [Matthew 13:23](/matthew/13-23 "Matthew 13:23 - The Seed on Good Ground"). This structured explanation emphasizes the different conditions of the human heart and their impact on receiving God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient agrarian societies, thorns and weeds were a constant threat to crops, requiring diligent removal. Farmers understood that if thorns were left unchecked, they would compete with the sown seed for nutrients, water, and sunlight, ultimately stifling its growth. This agricultural reality provided a vivid and easily understood metaphor for Jesus' audience. The "care of this world" (Greek: _merimna tou aiōnos_) reflects the pervasive anxieties of daily life in a pre-industrial society, including concerns over food, shelter, security, and social standing. "Riches" (Greek: _ploutos_) in this context would include not only vast wealth but also the pursuit of material security and comfort, which could easily become an idol. The deceitfulness of riches was a well-known concept, as wealth often promised satisfaction and control that it could not deliver, leading to spiritual compromise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **spiritual fruitfulness** as evidence of genuine faith, a concept Jesus repeatedly emphasizes (e.g., [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Your Fruits")). It highlights the **obstacles to spiritual growth**, particularly the insidious nature of worldliness. The "care of this world" points to the theme of **anxiety and trust in God's provision**, contrasting with Jesus' teaching to "seek first the kingdom of God" in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God"). Furthermore, "the deceitfulness of riches" addresses the pervasive danger of **materialism and idolatry**, a recurring warning throughout Scripture that wealth can become a rival god, as seen in Jesus' teaching about serving two masters in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Both God and Money").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **choke (Greek, _sympnígō'_):** From G4846, meaning "to strangle completely," "to suffocate," or "to crowd out." This vivid verb paints a picture of the word being literally smothered, deprived of the necessary space, light, and nourishment to grow. It implies an active, aggressive suppression by the competing elements, leading to the word's demise within the heart.
* **care (Greek, _mérimna'_):** From G3308, meaning "solicitude" or "anxiety." This refers to the worries, preoccupations, and anxieties that consume one's mind and energy. These are not necessarily sinful in themselves, but when they become overwhelming and displace focus on God's word, they become "thorns" that choke spiritual life.
* **unfruitful (Greek, _ákarpos'_):** From G175, meaning "barren" or "unproductive." This term describes the ultimate outcome for those in the "thorny ground" category. Despite hearing the word, they fail to yield the expected spiritual harvest—character transformation, righteous living, and acts of service that glorify God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word;":** This clause identifies the type of hearer represented by the thorny ground. Like the other soils, this individual initially "hears the word," indicating an initial reception and perhaps even understanding of the message of the kingdom. The problem is not a failure to hear, but a failure to integrate and prioritize the word amidst other competing influences.
* **"and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,":** These are the specific "thorns" that Jesus identifies. "The care of this world" refers to anxieties, worries, and daily preoccupations (e.g., finances, health, future) that can consume one's attention. "The deceitfulness of riches" highlights how wealth, or the pursuit of it, promises satisfaction, security, and happiness but ultimately misleads, drawing individuals away from devotion to God and true spiritual flourishing.
* **"choke the word,":** This powerful phrase describes the destructive effect of these worldly concerns. Like weeds strangling a plant, the anxieties and allure of wealth suffocate the word that was sown. They compete for the heart's attention, energy, and devotion, ultimately depriving the word of the "nutrients" it needs to grow and thrive.
* **"and he becometh unfruitful.":** This is the tragic consequence. The individual, despite hearing the word, fails to produce the spiritual fruit that is the natural outcome of a thriving relationship with God. This unfruitfulness signifies a lack of transformed character, righteous actions, and effective witness for the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:22 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, drawing directly from the agricultural imagery of the Parable of the Sower. The "seed" is a **metaphor** for the "word" or "message of the kingdom," while the "thorns" **symbolize** the worldly anxieties and the deceptive nature of riches. The act of "choking" is a vivid **metaphor** for the suppression and suffocation of spiritual life by competing worldly concerns. The verse also employs **Personification** by attributing an active, destructive capability to "the care of this world" and "the deceitfulness of riches," as if they are agents that actively "choke" the word. This makes the abstract dangers concrete and emphasizes their insidious power to hinder spiritual growth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:22 serves as a critical theological warning, emphasizing that merely hearing the word of God is insufficient for genuine spiritual transformation and fruitfulness. It underscores the ongoing battle for the heart's allegiance, where the kingdom of God competes with the kingdom of this world. The verse highlights the insidious nature of worldliness, not always manifesting as overt sin, but often as legitimate concerns and desires that, when unchecked, can subtly displace God as the supreme priority. True discipleship requires vigilant self-examination and a conscious decision to prioritize God's word and kingdom above all earthly pursuits, recognizing that spiritual vitality depends on the heart's readiness to cultivate the word and resist the choking effects of worldly anxieties and the deceptive allure of wealth.

* [Luke 8:14](/luke/8-14 "Luke 8:14 - The Parable of the Sower, thorny ground")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Riches")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:22 calls every believer to a profound and honest self-assessment of their heart's condition and priorities. It challenges us to identify the "thorns" in our own lives—those anxieties, pursuits, or possessions that, though seemingly benign or even necessary, are subtly competing with and potentially suffocating the word of God within us. Are we consumed by financial worries, career ambitions, social status, or the endless demands of daily life to the extent that our spiritual growth is stunted? Is the allure of material gain or the pursuit of comfort subtly deceiving us, promising satisfaction that only God can provide? This verse compels us to cultivate a spiritual discipline of detachment from worldly concerns, prioritizing our relationship with God and His kingdom above all else. It encourages us to regularly prune the "thorns" of anxiety and materialism through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and intentional acts of seeking God's kingdom first, trusting in His provision and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "cares of this world" or "deceitfulness of riches" do you find most challenging to your spiritual growth?**
* **In what practical ways can you "prune" these thorns from your life to ensure the Word of God thrives?**
* **How does your daily schedule and financial stewardship reflect your true priorities regarding God's kingdom versus worldly concerns?**
* **What spiritual fruit do you believe God desires to see cultivated in your life, and what might be hindering its growth?**

### FAQ
**What are the "thorns" in modern life, and how do they manifest?**

Answer: In contemporary society, the "thorns" of Matthew 13:22 manifest in various forms, though the underlying principles remain the same. "The care of this world" can include chronic stress from demanding careers, financial instability, social media pressures, the constant influx of news, health anxieties, or the overwhelming pace of modern life. These worries, even legitimate ones, can consume mental and emotional energy, leaving little room for spiritual reflection or engagement with God's word. "The deceitfulness of riches" extends beyond literal wealth to the pervasive consumerism, the pursuit of material possessions, the desire for comfort and security, or the idolization of success and status. These can subtly promise fulfillment and happiness that only God can truly provide, subtly drawing hearts away from devotion to Him. The danger lies in their insidious nature; they are not always overt sins but often legitimate aspects of life that, when prioritized above God, choke spiritual vitality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:22, while a warning, ultimately points to Christ as the solution and the very source of fruitfulness. Jesus Himself is the "Word" made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate seed sown into the world. Those who are "in Christ" are called to be fruitful, not by their own strength, but by abiding in Him ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me, Bear Much Fruit")). He offers a way to overcome the choking effects of worldly cares and the deceitfulness of riches. Jesus taught His disciples not to be anxious about their lives, what they would eat or drink, or what they would wear, but to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" ([Matthew 6:25-33](/matthew/6-25-33 "Matthew 6:25-33 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")). He Himself demonstrated complete reliance on the Father, even in the face of immense suffering, providing the ultimate example of detachment from worldly concerns. Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice on the cross broke the power of sin and the world's deceptive allure, enabling believers to live lives of freedom and true abundance that is not found in material wealth but in Him ([Colossians 2:8-10](/colossians/2-8-10 "Colossians 2:8-10 - Fullness in Christ")). Through His Spirit, He empowers us to resist the "thorns" and cultivate a heart where the Word can take deep root, leading to genuine, Christ-like fruitfulness for the glory of God.

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

1 Timothy 6:17

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;

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.

1 Timothy 6:9

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

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.

Mark 4:18

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Mark 4:19

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.

Luke 12:15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.