Matthew 13:23

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Matthew 13:23 KJV is the climactic explanation of the Parable of the Sower (or Soils), revealing the characteristics of a truly receptive heart that produces spiritual fruit.

Context

This verse concludes Jesus' interpretation of one of His most famous parables, found earlier in Matthew chapter 13. After describing how the "seed" (the word of the kingdom) falls on various types of ground (wayside, stony, thorny), Jesus explains that the "good ground" represents those who not only hear the word but also understand and act upon it. This parable highlights the importance of receptivity to divine truth and the different responses people have to the Gospel message.

Key Themes

  • Hearing and Understanding: The verse emphasizes that mere hearing is insufficient. True reception of God's word requires active comprehension and acceptance, leading to a transformative understanding.
  • Spiritual Fruitfulness: The primary outcome for the "good ground" is bearing fruit. This fruit is not necessarily material wealth or worldly success, but rather spiritual growth, righteous living, and deeds that glorify God. It aligns with the call to abide in Christ and bear much fruit.
  • Varying Degrees of Fruit: The mention of "an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" signifies that while all true believers will bear fruit, the quantity or impact of that fruit can vary. This variation acknowledges individual circumstances, gifts, and levels of dedication, yet affirms that any fruitfulness is valuable.
  • Receptive Heart: The "good ground" symbolizes a heart that is open, humble, and prepared to receive, nurture, and live out the divine truths.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "understandeth" is suniēmi (συνίημι), which means to "put together," "perceive," or "comprehend." It implies more than just intellectual assent; it suggests a deep grasp of the meaning and implications of the word, leading to personal conviction and application. The phrase "beareth fruit" comes from karpophorēō (καρποφορέω), emphasizing the natural outcome of a healthy spiritual life, akin to how a good plant produces its yield.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:23 challenges believers to examine the condition of their own hearts. Are we merely hearers, or are we also diligent understanders and doers of the word? To be "good ground" means cultivating an environment where God's word can take deep root and flourish. This involves:

  • Active Listening: Engaging with Scripture thoughtfully, seeking to grasp its full meaning.
  • Obedience: Allowing the word to transform our lives and guide our actions, becoming doers of the word, and not hearers only.
  • Spiritual Growth: Consistently nurturing our faith so that it produces the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) and good works.

This verse encourages us that while the level of visible fruitfulness may differ, God values all genuine efforts to live out His word, and He is the one who gives the increase.

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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

  • Philippians 1:11 (17 votes)

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

  • John 15:16 (15 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:23 (14 votes)

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  • Psalms 92:13 (12 votes)

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

  • Psalms 92:15 (12 votes)

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