Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:22

What does Matthew 13:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:22 means

Jesus explains the thorny soil: the hearer is choked by life’s anxieties and the deceitfulness of wealth, becoming unfruitful. This diagnosis identifies the subtle, insidious dangers to faith: preoccupation with worldly concerns and trust in riches can displace devotion to God. The verse warns that prosperity and busyness are not neutral; they can gradually suffocate spiritual growth. It urges vigilance against divided loyalties and priorities that prevent the word from producing lasting fruit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that which was dropped among the thorns, this is he who has the word; and the cares of this life, and the deceits of wealth, put a stop to the growth of the word and it gives no fruit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And that sown toward the thorns, this is he who is hearing the word, and the anxiety of this age, and the deceitfulness of the riches, do choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that received the seed among thorns, is he that heareth the word, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choketh up the word, and he becometh fruitless.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he that is sown among the thorns — this is he who hears the word, and the anxious care of this life, and the deceit of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Context

This third explanation continues the pattern: the parable shows different human responses. It contrasts external pressures and internal temptations with the ideal response explained next—the good soil that both understands and bears fruit, leading to abundant results.

v.21yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.

v.22This passage

v.23And 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 2:15

    Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9

    But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

  • Acts 8:18

    Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,

  • Proverbs 11:28

    He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17

    Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Matthew 19:16

    And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

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