Matthew 13:8

KJV

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} other {G243} fell {G4098} into {G1909} good {G2570} ground {G1093}, and {G2532} brought forth {G1325} fruit {G2590}, some {G3739}{G3303} an hundredfold {G1540},{G1161} some {G3739} sixtyfold {G1835},{G1161} some {G3739} thirtyfold {G5144}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But others fell into rich soil and produced grain, a hundred or sixty or thirty times as much as had been sown.

Berean Standard Bible

Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.

American Standard Version

and others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:8 concludes the initial description of the Parable of the Sower by highlighting the successful outcome of the seed sown on fertile soil. This verse contrasts sharply with the unproductive grounds previously mentioned, emphasizing the transformative power of the Word of God when it encounters a receptive heart, leading to varying but abundant degrees of spiritual fruitfulness as evidence of genuine understanding and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13:8 serves as the culmination of Jesus's initial description of the four types of soil in the Parable of the Sower, immediately following His portrayal of the seed falling by the wayside, on stony ground, and among thorns in [Matthew 13:4-7](/matthew/13-4-7 "Matthew 13:4-7 - The Unproductive Soils"). This verse shifts the narrative focus from failure to success, setting the stage for Jesus's subsequent private explanation of the parable to His disciples in [Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"), where He explicitly interprets the "good ground" as those who hear, understand, and bear fruit. The parable itself is part of a larger discourse on the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, presented by Jesus to the crowds from a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, agriculture was the backbone of society, making the imagery of a sower, seed, and various types of soil immediately relatable to Jesus's audience. Farmers would often broadcast seed by hand over unplowed fields, which naturally contained paths, rocky patches, and thorny weeds, before plowing the seed under. The concept of a "hundredfold" harvest, while exceptional, was understood as a sign of divine blessing and extraordinary fertility, far exceeding typical yields (which might be seven to ten-fold). This context underscores the miraculous nature of the spiritual fruitfulness described, indicating a divinely enabled abundance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **receptivity to God's Word**, highlighting that the effectiveness of the divine message is contingent not on the sower or the seed, but on the condition of the hearer's heart. It also emphasizes **spiritual fruitfulness** as the natural and expected outcome of genuine faith and understanding, a theme echoed in Jesus's teachings on abiding in Him in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Abiding in the Vine"). Furthermore, the varying yields (hundredfold, sixtyfold, thirtyfold) introduce the theme of **diverse levels of spiritual productivity**, affirming that while all true believers bear fruit, the quantity and impact may differ according to God's sovereign design and individual faithfulness, without diminishing the value of any genuine yield.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** This term signifies more than mere physical quality; it denotes that which is inherently beautiful, noble, excellent, and morally upright. In the context of "good ground," it implies a heart that is not only fertile and capable of receiving the seed but also possesses a spiritual and moral receptivity, aligning itself with God's purposes and demonstrating a willingness to obey.
* **ground (Greek, _gē'_):** While literally referring to soil or land, in this parable, "ground" serves as a powerful metaphor for the human heart or the spiritual condition of an individual. It represents the inner disposition and readiness to receive, understand, and respond to the divine message, determining whether the Word of God takes root and flourishes.
* **fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** This term, often used literally for agricultural produce, is employed figuratively here to represent the spiritual outcomes of a life transformed by the Word of God. This includes righteous character, obedient actions, the spread of the Gospel, and all forms of spiritual growth that glorify God, as seen in passages like [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But other fell into good ground":** This clause marks a crucial turning point in the parable, shifting from the unproductive scenarios to the ideal outcome. The "good ground" represents those individuals whose hearts are prepared—receptive, understanding, and willing—to receive the Word of God without the hindrances of indifference, superficiality, or worldly concerns that plagued the other soils.
* **"and brought forth fruit":** This phrase describes the immediate and expected result of the seed (the Word) landing on fertile soil. It signifies that genuine reception of God's message leads to tangible spiritual productivity and transformation in the life of the believer. The "fruit" is the evidence of the Word taking root and growing, demonstrating an active response to divine truth.
* **"some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold":** This final part of the verse illustrates the varying degrees of spiritual fruitfulness that will manifest among those who genuinely receive the Word. While all good ground produces fruit, the quantity of that yield differs, emphasizing that God blesses and enables fruitfulness in diverse measures, yet all are abundant beyond natural expectations, signifying divine blessing and impact.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:8 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the entire parable functions as an extended metaphor. The "seed" represents the Word of God, the "sower" is Jesus (or anyone proclaiming the Word), and the "ground" symbolizes the human heart or the spiritual condition of the hearer. The varying yields of "an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold" serve as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. While a hundredfold harvest was exceptionally rare in ancient agriculture, its inclusion here underscores the extraordinary, divinely empowered abundance of spiritual fruit that can be produced when the Word is genuinely received. This also subtly introduces **Symbolism**, where the numbers themselves (100, 60, 30) symbolize different levels of spiritual productivity, all of which are considered successful and blessed in God's eyes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:8 powerfully articulates the theological truth that the effectiveness of God's Word is deeply intertwined with the receptivity of the human heart. It highlights divine sovereignty in sowing the seed generously, yet emphasizes human responsibility in preparing the "ground" of one's heart. The varying yields suggest that while salvation is uniform, spiritual maturity and impact are not; all genuine faith produces fruit, but the measure of that fruitfulness is diverse, reflecting individual faithfulness, circumstances, and God's unique calling. This verse underscores that true discipleship is evidenced by a life that actively produces spiritual fruit, demonstrating the transformative power of the Kingdom of God within.

* [Matthew 13:23](/matthew/13-23 "Matthew 13:23 - Jesus's Interpretation of the Good Ground")
* [Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Soil in Luke's Account")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:8 serves as a profound call to introspection, prompting us to honestly evaluate the condition of our own hearts as "ground" for God's Word. Are we truly hearing, understanding, and allowing the divine message to penetrate deeply, taking root and transforming our lives from the inside out? This verse challenges us to actively cultivate a receptive heart, diligently removing the "weeds" of worldly distractions, the "rocks" of superficiality, and the "hard paths" of indifference that hinder spiritual growth. It reminds us that our spiritual fruitfulness is not merely an option but the natural and expected outcome of genuine engagement with the Word. As we strive to be "good ground," we are encouraged that while our yield may vary, God values every measure of fruit produced, and our lives, empowered by His Spirit, can bring forth abundant glory to Him and impact His Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "soil conditions" might be preventing God's Word from taking deep root and bearing fruit in my life?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more receptive and understanding heart to the truths of Scripture?**
* **In what ways am I currently bearing spiritual fruit, and how might I seek to increase my yield for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What does "good ground" symbolize in the Parable of the Sower?**

Answer: In the Parable of the Sower, the "good ground" symbolizes a heart that is truly receptive to the Word of God. As Jesus Himself explains in [Matthew 13:23](/matthew/13-23 "Matthew 13:23 - Jesus's Explanation of the Good Ground"), it represents "he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit." This heart is not hardened by indifference, shallow in its commitment, or choked by worldly anxieties and desires. Instead, it is prepared, open, and willing to receive, comprehend, and obey the divine message, allowing it to take deep root and produce spiritual transformation.

**Why are there different yields (hundredfold, sixtyfold, thirtyfold)?**

Answer: The varying yields of "an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold" indicate that while all genuine reception of God's Word leads to fruitfulness, the *degree* or *measure* of that fruitfulness can differ among believers. This does not imply that some are "better" Christians than others, but rather acknowledges the diversity in spiritual gifts, callings, circumstances, and individual faithfulness. It teaches that God honors all levels of sincere fruit-bearing, and that even the "thirtyfold" yield is a miraculous and abundant return compared to no fruit at all, signifying divine blessing and productivity beyond natural expectations. This concept is also seen in other parables, such as the Parable of the Talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), where servants are entrusted with different amounts but are all expected to be faithful with what they are given.

**Does "fruit" refer only to evangelism?**

Answer: While evangelism and leading others to Christ are certainly important aspects of spiritual fruitfulness, the concept of "fruit" in the New Testament is much broader. In Matthew 13:8, it primarily refers to the internal transformation and external manifestation of a life lived in obedience to God's Word. This includes the development of Christ-like character, often referred to as the "fruit of the Spirit" in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). It also encompasses righteous living, acts of service, worship, and any behavior that brings glory to God and advances His Kingdom. Jesus emphasizes the comprehensive nature of fruit-bearing in [John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Glorifying God by Bearing Much Fruit"), stating, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:8, while describing the varying responses to the Word, points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate Sower, the perfect "good ground," and the source of all true fruitfulness. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the Word made flesh, the one who perfectly received and lived out the Father's will, demonstrating ultimate fruitfulness in His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. He is the true Vine, and believers are the branches; it is only by [abiding in Him](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in the Vine") that we can "bear much fruit" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")). The hundredfold, sixtyfold, and thirtyfold yields are not merely human effort but a supernatural outpouring of life from Christ, who empowers His followers to live lives that reflect His character and advance His Kingdom. Ultimately, the "good ground" is not just a receptive heart, but a heart transformed and empowered by the indwelling Christ, who enables us to produce the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") and participate in His redemptive work, bringing glory to God the Father, just as [Jesus Himself glorified the Father](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father") through His perfect obedience and fruitful life.

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

Luke 8:15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

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.

John 15:8

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Genesis 26:12

¶ Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

Philippians 1:11

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

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.