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Matthew 13:22

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, delivered to His disciples after the crowds had dispersed. In this parable, different types of soil represent various responses to the "word of the kingdom." Matthew 13:22 specifically describes the "thorny ground," representing those who initially hear and receive the message but ultimately fail to produce spiritual fruit due to competing worldly influences. It follows Jesus' explanation of the seed falling by the wayside and on stony ground.

Key Themes

  • Obstacles to Spiritual Growth: The core message is that even after hearing and understanding God's word, external distractions and internal desires can prevent genuine spiritual development and fruitfulness.
  • Worldly Anxieties: "The care of this world" refers to the anxieties, worries, and daily preoccupations of life—such as finances, career, or social status—that can consume one's attention and energy, diverting it from spiritual matters.
  • Deceitfulness of Riches: "The deceitfulness of riches" highlights how wealth, or the pursuit of it, can promise satisfaction and security but ultimately misleads, drawing individuals away from devotion to God. This theme is echoed in warnings about the love of money being a root of all kinds of evil.
  • Spiritual Unfruitfulness: The tragic outcome for those represented by the thorny ground is that the word is "choked," leading to a life that fails to produce the expected spiritual fruit—righteousness, transformed character, and acts of service—a concept Jesus emphasizes regarding abiding in Him to bear much fruit.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "choke" is sympnigō (συμπνίγω), which vividly means "to choke together," "to suffocate completely," or "to crowd out." It paints a powerful image of the word being literally smothered and deprived of the space and nourishment needed to grow. The term "unfruitful" (akarpos - ἄκαρπος) directly signifies being barren or unproductive, highlighting the failure to yield the expected spiritual harvest.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:22 serves as a crucial warning for all who hear the Gospel. It challenges believers to honestly examine their priorities and heart condition. Are the daily worries of life or the allure of material possessions subtly drawing your focus away from God's word and His purposes for your life? This verse encourages us to cultivate a spiritual discipline of detachment from worldly concerns, prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. Instead of being consumed by anxieties, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting Him to meet our needs, and to cast our anxieties upon Him.

Reflection

The "thorns" in our spiritual lives are not always obvious sins, but often legitimate concerns and desires that, when unchecked, can silently suffocate our faith. This commentary on Matthew 13:22 reminds us that vigilance is required to ensure that the good seed of God's word takes deep root and thrives, leading to a truly fruitful life for His glory.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 (20 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

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

  • Mark 4:19 (13 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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.