Luke Chapter 8 · Verse 11
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Original Language Analysis
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 12
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολή·
the parable
G3850
παραβολή·
the parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
5 of 12
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπόρος
The seed
G4703
σπόρος
The seed
Strong's:
G4703
Word #:
7 of 12
a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 12
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
Matthew 13:19When 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.James 1:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Historical Context
Farming parables resonated with first-century agrarian audiences. Palestinian farming involved broadcasting seed on various terrains—path, rocky ground, thorny areas, good soil—making the parable immediately understandable. Jesus' explicit interpretation (unusual—He typically let parables stand without explanation) shows the importance of this teaching. The four soils represent four responses to gospel preaching—rejection, superficial acceptance, worldly distraction, genuine faith producing fruit. This parable warns that not all hearing produces salvation; reception quality determines results.
Questions for Reflection
- What does identifying the seed as 'the word of God' teach about Scripture's power and the importance of how we receive it?
- How do the four soils illustrate different heart conditions and responses to the gospel message?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus explains the parable of the sower: 'The seed is the word of God.' This simple declaration establishes that parables concern God's word and its reception. The 'seed' (Greek 'sporos,' σπόρος) represents Scripture, gospel message, divine truth. Just as seed contains life potential requiring proper soil, God's word contains transformative power requiring receptive hearts. The parable isn't primarily about sowing technique but soil condition—how different hearts receive the same message produces vastly different results. Understanding this interpretive key unlocks the parable's meaning.