Luke 8:11
What does Luke 8:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:11 means
Luke 8:11 gives the central interpretive key: the seed represents the word of God. This clear identification grounds the parable in spiritual reality: sowing is preaching, and the soils depict different human hearts. The verse emphasizes that the message sown is not simply moral advice but God’s revelation and saving truth. Understanding the seed’s identity helps readers evaluate how they respond and the consequences of that response, since the Word’s purpose is to produce life and growth in those who receive it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now this is the point of the story: The seed is the word of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And this is the simile: The seed is the word of God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the parable is this: The seed is the word ofGod.
Context
This verse begins Jesus’ systematic interpretation of the parable for his disciples. After explaining why parables are used, he defines the elements—starting with the most significant: the seed. Establishing the seed as the Word anchors each subsequent soil-type explanation and links the parable to themes in the chapter about hearing and fruitfulness.
v.10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
v.11This passage
v.12And those by the way side are they that have heard; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.
- Mark 4:14
The sower soweth the word.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
- 1 Peter 1:23
having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth.
- Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
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