Matthew 13:3

KJV

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he spake {G2980} many things {G4183} unto them {G846} in {G1722} parables {G3850}, saying {G3004}, Behold {G2400}, a sower {G4687} went forth {G1831} to sow {G4687};

Complete Jewish Bible

He told them many things in parables: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Berean Standard Bible

And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

American Standard Version

And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:3 introduces the foundational Parable of the Sower, marking a pivotal shift in Jesus' public ministry towards teaching through parables. This verse sets the scene for a profound discourse on the reception of the Word of God, illustrating how spiritual truth is sown and how various heart conditions determine its fruitfulness. It inaugurates a chapter rich with allegorical narratives, designed both to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to those with receptive hearts and to conceal them from those who are spiritually unresponsive.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13:3 opens what is often termed the "Parable Chapter" in Matthew's Gospel, a collection of seven parables delivered by Jesus from a boat on the Sea of Galilee to a large crowd gathered on the shore. This shift in teaching methodology follows a period of escalating opposition from the religious authorities and a growing understanding among His disciples concerning His identity and mission. Previously, Jesus had taught more directly and performed numerous miracles, but here He adopts a new pedagogical approach. The parables serve multiple purposes: they make complex spiritual truths accessible through relatable earthly imagery, they fulfill Old Testament prophecy as noted in [Matthew 13:34-35](/matthew/13-34-35 "Matthew 13:34-35 - Jesus Speaks in Parables to Fulfill Prophecy"), and crucially, they act as a divine filter, revealing truth to those with "ears to hear" while obscuring it from those whose hearts are hardened, as later explained by Jesus Himself in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - The Purpose of Parables").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on the Sea of Galilee was a vibrant hub of activity, where large crowds frequently gathered to hear Jesus. Teaching from a boat allowed His voice to carry effectively over the water to the throng on the shore. The agricultural imagery of a sower and seed was deeply familiar to Jesus' audience, who lived in an agrarian society where sowing, harvesting, and the challenges of different soil types were part of daily life. Farmers would often scatter seed broadly, some falling on paths, rocky ground, or among thorns, before reaching fertile soil. This common practice provided a vivid and immediate backdrop for Jesus' spiritual analogy. Furthermore, the use of parables (Hebrew: *mashal*) was a recognized method of teaching among Jewish rabbis, though Jesus' parables often carried a unique authority and eschatological depth, signaling the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire chapter and indeed, the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights the **Nature of Divine Revelation** through parables, emphasizing Jesus' authority as the primary revealer of God's truth. Secondly, it establishes the **Sovereignty of God's Word** (the "seed") and its inherent power, regardless of the receptivity of the hearer. The act of sowing is universal and persistent. Thirdly, the verse subtly sets the stage for the theme of **Human Responsibility in Response to the Word**. While the sower sows indiscriminately, the outcome depends on the "soil"—the condition of the human heart. This theme is fully developed in the subsequent verses of the parable and Jesus' explanation in [Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"), particularly where the seed is identified as "the word of the kingdom" in [Matthew 13:19](/matthew/13-19 "Matthew 13:19 - The Seed is the Word of the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō_):** This verb, G2980, signifies to "talk" or "utter words," often implying an extended or random discourse. In this context, it highlights Jesus' active and sustained communication to the crowds. Unlike other Greek words for speaking that might imply a systematic or set discourse, _laléō_ suggests a more spontaneous or flowing delivery, fitting for the immediate, narrative style of parables.
* **parables (Greek, _parabolḗ_):** G3850, derived from _parabállō_ ("to place alongside"), means a "similitude" or "comparison." It refers to a symbolic fictitious narrative drawn from common life that conveys a moral or spiritual truth. The use of _parabolḗ_ emphasizes that Jesus is drawing parallels between the earthly story and a heavenly reality, inviting His listeners to look beyond the surface narrative to grasp a deeper, spiritual meaning.
* **sower (Greek, _speírō_):** G4687, which can also mean "to sow" (as a verb), is used here as a noun ("sower," _ho speirōn_). It literally means "to scatter" seed. This word immediately grounds the parable in the familiar agricultural practice of scattering seeds, whether by hand or from a bag, across a field. The sower's action is fundamental to the parable, representing the one who actively disseminates the message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus' method of instruction. The phrase "many things" (G4183, _polýs_) indicates the extensive nature of His teaching, not just this one parable but a series of them, as seen in the rest of Matthew 13. The preposition "in" (G1722, _en_) signifies the mode or manner of His speech—He spoke *within* the framework of parables, making them His primary vehicle for conveying truth at this point. The participle "saying" (G3004, _légō_) introduces the direct discourse of the parable itself, transitioning from the description of His teaching method to the content of His teaching.
* **"‹Behold, a sower went forth to sow;›"**: This is the inaugural statement of the Parable of the Sower. "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) is an imperative that functions as an attention-grabber, urging the audience to pay close attention to what follows, signaling something significant is about to be revealed. The phrase "a sower" (G4687, _speírō_) immediately introduces the central figure and action of the parable. "Went forth" (G1831, _exérchomai_) emphasizes the deliberate and active nature of the sower's mission—he didn't just sow from his house but actively went out into the field, signifying the proactive dissemination of the divine message. "To sow" (G4687, _speírō_) reiterates the purpose of his going, setting the stage for the subsequent details about the seed's fate on various types of ground.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:3, as the opening line of the Parable of the Sower, is rich in literary devices. The most prominent is the **Parable** itself, a form of extended metaphor or simile used by Jesus to teach spiritual truths through earthly stories. This particular parable functions as an **Allegory**, where each element (sower, seed, different soils) directly corresponds to a specific spiritual reality (Jesus/preacher, Word of God, types of hearers). The use of the imperative "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) serves as a **Call to Attention**, drawing the listener in and signaling the importance of the narrative to follow. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; while the crowds hear the story, only the disciples, and those with receptive hearts, will grasp its deeper, allegorical meaning, a point Jesus clarifies later in the chapter. The entire narrative is built upon **Symbolism**, where the physical act of sowing and the agricultural context symbolize the spiritual act of proclaiming the Gospel and the varying responses to it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:3, by introducing the Parable of the Sower, lays theological groundwork concerning the nature of God's Word and its dissemination. It underscores the divine initiative in revealing truth, as the sower actively goes forth to sow. Theologically, it highlights the inherent power and vitality of the "seed"—the word of the kingdom—which possesses life-giving potential regardless of the external conditions. However, it also introduces the critical theme of human responsibility and the diverse ways individuals respond to divine revelation, setting the stage for the subsequent exploration of different heart conditions. This verse thus connects the sovereign act of God in providing His Word with the human freedom to receive or reject it, emphasizing that spiritual fruitfulness is a co-operative endeavor between divine grace and human receptivity.

* [Luke 8:11](/luke/8-11 "Luke 8:11 - The Seed is the Word of God")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - The Efficacy of God's Word")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:3, though a brief opening, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the Gospel message, the "word of the kingdom," is actively being sown in the world. For us, this means we are both potential "soil" and potential "sowers." As "soil," the verse challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts. Are we hardened by the path of indifference, shallow by the rocks of superficiality, or choked by the thorns of worldly anxieties? Our spiritual growth and fruitfulness depend entirely on our receptivity to God's Word. As "sowers," this verse serves as a powerful commission. Just as the sower went forth, we too are called to actively and generously proclaim the Good News, understanding that the outcome is ultimately in God's hands, yet our faithfulness in sowing is paramount. It encourages us to persist in sharing the Word, knowing that while not all soil will be receptive, the act of sowing itself is a divine mandate and a testament to God's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the sower and the seed challenge my understanding of how God's Word operates in the world today?**
* **In what ways might my own heart resemble the different types of soil described in the full parable, and what steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart?**
* **How does this verse inspire or convict me regarding my personal responsibility to "sow" the Word of God in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus begin teaching in parables at this point in His ministry?**

Answer: Jesus began teaching in parables in a more concentrated way at this point for several key reasons. Firstly, it allowed Him to convey profound spiritual truths about the Kingdom of Heaven in a way that was accessible and memorable to the common people, using relatable agricultural and everyday imagery. Secondly, as He explains later in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - The Purpose of Parables"), parables served a dual purpose: to reveal truth to those whose hearts were open and receptive (His disciples and sincere seekers) and to conceal truth from those whose hearts were hardened by unbelief and resistance (the religious leaders and indifferent crowds). This act also fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, as noted in [Matthew 13:34-35](/matthew/13-34-35 "Matthew 13:34-35 - Jesus Speaks in Parables to Fulfill Prophecy"), that the Messiah would speak in parables.

**Who is the "sower" in this parable?**

Answer: While the parable initially presents a generic "sower," Jesus later clarifies the identity in His explanation to His disciples. In [Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - Jesus Explains the Sower"), Jesus states, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man." Therefore, the primary sower is Jesus Himself, who came to proclaim the word of the kingdom. However, by extension, the sower can also represent anyone who faithfully proclaims the Gospel message, as they participate in the ongoing mission of sowing the divine seed.

**What is the significance of the word "Behold" at the beginning of the parable?**

Answer: The word "Behold" (Greek: _idoú_) is an imperative that functions as an attention-grabbing exclamation. It serves to immediately draw the listener's focus to what is about to be said, signaling that the following statement is of great importance and requires careful consideration. It's an invitation to observe, to pay close attention, and to prepare for a revelation of significant spiritual truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:3, by introducing the sower and the act of sowing, profoundly points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Sower of the Kingdom of God. He is not merely a teacher of parables; He is the living embodiment of the "seed" itself, the Word made flesh who came to dwell among us, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus' entire earthly ministry was an act of "going forth to sow"—proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom")), healing the sick, and demonstrating the power of God. His parables, initiated here, are not just stories but revelatory insights into the nature of His Kingdom, its growth, and the responses it would elicit. The very act of Jesus speaking in parables, as prophesied, highlights His divine authority and His unique role as the one who reveals the mysteries of God ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). Ultimately, the "seed" that He sows culminates in His own sacrificial death and resurrection, which is the very core of the Gospel message that continues to be sown into the hearts of humanity, bringing forth eternal life and abundant fruit in those who receive Him ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - A Grain of Wheat Must Die")).

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

Mark 4:2

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Mark 4:9

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Mark 4:33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].

Luke 8:5

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Luke 8:8

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Psalms 78:2

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: