Matthew 13:19
What does Matthew 13:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:19 means
This verse explains the roadside soil: when someone hears the word but doesn’t understand, the evil one comes and snatches it away from the heart. The blunt depiction locates responsibility both in lack of comprehension and in active spiritual opposition. Hearing without understanding makes a person vulnerable to deception. It warns believers to pursue understanding and resist the enemy’s work, recognizing spiritual warfare in the arena of hearing and grasping God’s word.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When the word of the kingdom comes to anyone, and the sense of it is not clear to him, then the Evil One comes, and quickly takes away that which was put in his heart. He is the seed dropped by the wayside.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Every one hearing the word of the reign, and not understanding--the evil one doth come, and doth catch that which hath been sown in his heart; this is that sown by the way.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, there cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart: this is he that received the seed by the way side.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890From every one who hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand [it], the wicked one comes and catches away what was sown in his heart: this is he that is sown by the wayside.
Context
As the first of the four explanations, this verse clarifies the Sower’s first outcome. It follows Jesus’ invitation to hear and shows the disciple-level detail: each soil represents a type of hearer. Readers should note the interplay of human response and demonic opposition.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 18:1
He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
- Luke 10:9
and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
- Acts 20:25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.
- Proverbs 2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;
- Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; Butthe foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Matthew 13:38
and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;
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