Matthew 13:23

KJV

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that received seed {G4687} into {G1909} the good {G2570} ground {G1093} is {G2076} he {G3778} that heareth {G191} the word {G3056}, and {G2532} understandeth {G4920} it; which {G3739} also {G1211} beareth fruit {G2592}, and {G2532} bringeth forth {G4160}, some {G3739}{G3303} an hundredfold {G1540},{G1161} some {G3739} sixty {G1835},{G1161} some {G3739} thirty {G5144}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, what was sown on rich soil is the one who hears the message and understands it; such a person will surely bear fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Berean Standard Bible

But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.”

American Standard Version

And he that was sown upon the good ground, this is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; who verily beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:23 serves as the culminating explanation of Jesus' Parable of the Sower, illuminating the characteristics of the "good ground" that receives the divine word. This verse reveals that genuine receptivity to God's truth involves not only hearing but also profound understanding and diligent application, resulting in a life that consistently produces spiritual fruit in varying, yet valuable, measures. It underscores the transformative power of the Word when met with a prepared and responsive heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13:23 concludes Jesus' interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, which is the first and arguably most foundational of the seven parables presented in [Matthew chapter 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom"). This chapter marks a significant shift in Jesus' teaching methodology, as He begins to speak in parables to the crowds, while reserving private explanations for His disciples. The Sower parable, introduced in [Matthew 13:3-9](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"), sets the stage for understanding the different responses to the "word of the kingdom." Jesus' subsequent explanation in [Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Interpretation of the Parable of the Sower") clarifies the symbolic elements, with verse 23 specifically detailing the nature and outcome of the fruitful soil, providing the positive counterpoint to the previously described unfruitful responses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural imagery of sowing and harvesting was deeply familiar to Jesus' audience in first-century Galilee, an agrarian society. Farmers would scatter seed by hand, often across varied terrain that included paths, rocky outcrops, and thorny patches, before plowing it under. This practical reality made the parable immediately relatable. Furthermore, the concept of "hearing the word" carried significant weight in Jewish tradition, where the Torah (the Law) was God's revealed word, and its study and obedience were central to faith. The varying yields (thirty, sixty, a hundredfold) were also realistic, reflecting the typical productivity of grain crops in the region, though a hundredfold was considered exceptionally abundant, symbolizing divine blessing and extraordinary fruitfulness. Jesus' use of this common experience to convey profound spiritual truths was a hallmark of His teaching.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **sovereignty of God in sowing His word** and the **responsibility of humanity in receiving it**. The parable, and especially this verse, emphasizes the critical importance of a **receptive heart** for spiritual growth and transformation, aligning with the call to [hear and obey God's commands](/deuteronomy/6-4-6 "Deuteronomy 6:4-6 - The Shema and Love for God"). The theme of **spiritual fruitfulness** is central, illustrating that true faith is not passive but active, producing tangible evidence of God's work within a believer, echoing the teachings on bearing good fruit found in [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits"). Finally, the varying yields underscore the theme of **individual contribution and divine grace**, acknowledging that while all "good ground" produces fruit, the measure of that fruit can differ, yet all is valued by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ground (Greek, _gē'_):** From G1093, meaning "soil," "earth," or "land." In this context, it metaphorically represents the human heart or the condition of one's inner being, indicating the spiritual receptivity or resistance to the divine word. The "good ground" signifies a heart prepared and open to receive, nurture, and allow the seed of the word to take root deeply.
* **Understandeth (Greek, _syníēmi'_):** From G4920, meaning "to put together," "to comprehend," or "to be wise." This word implies more than mere intellectual hearing; it denotes a deep, comprehensive grasp of the word's meaning and implications, leading to personal conviction and the integration of truth into one's life. It suggests an active, engaged processing of the message, not just passive reception.
* **Beareth fruit (Greek, _karpophoréō'_):** From G2592, meaning "to be fertile," "to bear fruit," or "to bring forth fruit." This term describes the natural and expected outcome of the seed (the word) being planted in good soil (a receptive heart). The "fruit" here is spiritual, encompassing righteous character, good works, transformed living, and the multiplication of God's truth in the world. It signifies the productive and life-giving impact of the word on a believer's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that received seed into the good ground":** This phrase introduces the final and positive outcome of the parable, contrasting with the previous three types of ground. It identifies the individual whose heart is receptive and prepared to embrace the "seed," which Jesus has already identified as "the word of the kingdom" ([Matthew 13:19](/matthew/13-19 "Matthew 13:19 - Interpretation of the Word")). The "good ground" symbolizes a heart that is humble, open, and willing to be transformed by God's truth.
* **"is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]":** This clause clarifies the essential components of true receptivity. "Heareth the word" indicates initial exposure and auditory reception of the message. However, the crucial addition "and understandeth [it]" emphasizes that mere hearing is insufficient. Genuine understanding (as explored in "Key Word Analysis") implies a deep comprehension, internalizing the truth, and allowing it to penetrate beyond intellectual assent to the core of one's being. This understanding is key to preventing the word from being snatched away, withered, or choked.
* **"which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty":** This final part describes the inevitable and varied outcome of such a receptive and understanding heart. "Beareth fruit, and bringeth forth" signifies the active, productive nature of a life transformed by the word. This "fruit" is spiritual, manifesting as righteous living, good works, character development, and the spread of the Gospel. The specific numerical yields ("an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty") illustrate that while all genuine believers will produce fruit, the quantity or impact may vary according to individual circumstances, gifts, and the measure of their dedication and God's grace. This variation does not diminish the value of any fruitfulness but highlights the diverse ways God works through His people.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:23, as part of the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, primarily employs **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The entire parable is an allegory where each element represents a deeper spiritual truth: the "seed" **symbolizes** the word of God, the "sower" **symbolizes** Jesus (or anyone who proclaims the word), and the "ground" **symbolizes** the human heart or the condition of one's spiritual receptivity. In this specific verse, the "good ground" **symbolizes** the ideal heart that not only hears but also understands the word, leading to spiritual fruitfulness. The varying yields of "an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" are a form of **Hyperbole** (especially the hundredfold, representing exceptional abundance) and **Gradation**, illustrating the diverse degrees of spiritual productivity that can arise from genuine faith. The use of agricultural imagery throughout the parable provides a vivid and relatable **Analogy** for spiritual truths, making complex theological concepts accessible to a broad audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:23 profoundly connects the act of hearing and understanding God's word with the tangible outcome of a transformed life. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith is not passive but active, manifesting in spiritual fruit. This verse teaches that while God's word is universally sown, its effectiveness is contingent upon the condition of the heart that receives it. It highlights the divine expectation for believers to be productive and to multiply the impact of the Gospel in their lives and through their witness, emphasizing that true discipleship is characterized by a life that bears lasting fruit for God's glory.

* [John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Bearing Much Fruit Glorifies God")
* [Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Soil")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:23 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for every believer. It compels us to honestly examine the condition of our own hearts, asking whether we are merely hearers of God's word or if we are truly understanding and applying it. To be "good ground" means cultivating a spiritual environment where the seed of God's truth can take deep root, thrive, and produce a bountiful harvest. This involves intentional engagement with Scripture, allowing it to penetrate our minds and hearts, shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It calls for a life of obedience, where faith is demonstrated through righteous living, acts of love, and a commitment to God's purposes. While the measure of our fruitfulness may vary, the expectation is that all who genuinely receive and understand the word will bear fruit, contributing to the expansion of God's kingdom and glorifying Him through their transformed lives. This verse reminds us that spiritual growth is a dynamic process, requiring continuous nurturing and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively seek to understand God's word beyond just hearing or reading it?**
* **What "fruit" is evident in my life that demonstrates I am "good ground" for the word of God?**
* **Are there areas of my heart that resemble the "wayside," "stony," or "thorny" ground, hindering the word's full potential? How can I cultivate a more receptive heart?**
* **How does the idea of "some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" encourage or challenge my expectations of spiritual productivity?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "understand" the word of God in Matthew 13:23?**

Answer: To "understand" the word in Matthew 13:23, from the Greek _syníēmi_, means much more than just intellectual comprehension. It signifies a deep, comprehensive grasp of the word's meaning and implications that leads to personal conviction and application. It's about internalizing the truth, allowing it to penetrate beyond a surface-level hearing and transform one's inner being and outward actions. This understanding is what enables the word to take root, withstand challenges, and produce lasting fruit, as opposed to the superficial hearing of the other types of ground described in the parable. It's a spiritual discernment that connects the word to one's life and purpose, leading to obedience and fruitfulness, as seen in the example of those who truly hear and obey Christ's teachings in [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed are those who hear and obey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:23, while part of a parable explaining the reception of the "word of the kingdom," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, who is the Living Word. Jesus is not only the sower of the seed but also the embodiment of the "good ground" – the perfectly receptive and obedient Son who perfectly heard, understood, and bore fruit to the glory of the Father. His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, is the supreme example of bearing "an hundredfold" fruit, bringing forth salvation and new life for humanity. Furthermore, as believers, we are called to be "in Christ" ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), and it is through our union with Him, the true vine, that we are enabled to bear much fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I am the Vine, You are the Branches")). The fruitfulness described in Matthew 13:23 is ultimately the result of Christ's life being lived out in us through the power of the Holy Spirit, transforming us into His likeness and empowering us to participate in His ongoing mission to bear fruit that will last ([John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit")).

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

Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Matthew 12:33

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Psalms 92:13

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalms 92:15

To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.