Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:23

What does Matthew 13:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:23 means

The good ground represents the person who hears, understands, and bears fruit—sometimes greatly, sometimes less so. Understanding here implies both intellectual grasp and heartfelt acceptance, leading to transformed life and productive service. The varying yields reflect God’s sovereign blessing and the diversity of stewardship. The verse celebrates the possibility of genuine, fruitful discipleship when the word is received into a prepared heart, producing spiritual multiplication for the kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the seed which was put in good earth, this is he who gives ear to the word, and gets the sense of it; who gives fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty times as much.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And that sown on the good ground: this is he who is hearing the word, and is understanding, who indeed doth bear fruit, and doth make, some indeed a hundredfold, and some sixty, and some thirty.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that received the seed upon good ground, is he that heareth the word, and understandeth, and beareth fruit, and yieldeth the one an hundredfold, and another sixty, and another thirty.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he that is sown upon the good ground — this is he who hears and understands the word, who bears fruit also, and produces, one a hundred, one sixty, and one thirty.

Context

This concluding explanation of the Sower parable contrasts failure with flourishing. It completes the set of four soil-types and summarizes the desired outcome of hearing: understanding and fruitfulness. The chapter then moves to other parables that further describe the kingdom’s nature and destiny.

v.22And 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.

v.23This passage

v.24Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 92:13

    They are planted in the house of Jehovah; They shall flourish in the courts of our God.

  • Luke 13:9

    and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.

  • John 17:7

    Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:10

    And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

  • Ezekiel 18:31

    Cast away from you all your transgressions, wherein ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

  • Matthew 3:10

    And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

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