Matthew 13:19
When 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.
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 27
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
it not
G3361
μὴ
it not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
συνιέντος
understandeth
G4920
συνιέντος
understandeth
Strong's:
G4920
Word #:
9 of 27
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
ἔρχεται
then cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
then cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηρὸς
the wicked
G4190
πονηρὸς
the wicked
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
12 of 27
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπαρείς
he which received seed
G4687
σπαρείς
he which received seed
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
16 of 27
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
19 of 27
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὗτός
This
G3778
οὗτός
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
21 of 27
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρὰ
by
G3844
παρὰ
by
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
24 of 27
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὴν
that which
G3588
τὴν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 13:38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;Hebrews 2:1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.1 John 3:12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.Acts 20:25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.Acts 17:32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.Acts 18:15But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
Historical Context
Palestinian paths through grain fields were public rights-of-way (Matthew 12:1), trampled hard by constant traffic. Birds would immediately consume seed on these paths before plowing could cover it. Spiritually, this describes Jewish religious leaders whose traditions had hardened hearts against Jesus (Matthew 15:1-9), and Gentiles whose pagan practices had similarly calloused consciences.
Questions for Reflection
- What hardens hearts into 'pathways'—what makes people impervious to the gospel?
- How does Satan 'catch away' the word—what tactics does he use immediately after gospel presentation?
- Where might your heart be hardened to specific biblical truths you hear repeatedly but don't 'understand'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not (μὴ συνιέντος)—suniēmi means 'to bring together, comprehend.' Without understanding, hearing is useless. The wicked one (ὁ πονηρός)—Satan, the evil one—catcheth away that which was sown in his heart (ἁρπάζει)—harpazō means 'to seize, snatch violently, steal.' Like birds devouring exposed seed on a hardened path, Satan rapidly removes the gospel before it can take root.
Seed by the way side (παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν)—the packed-down pathway through the field where foot traffic has hardened soil into impenetrable surface. This represents hearts hardened by sin, tradition, pride, or indifference—gospel truth cannot penetrate, so Satan easily removes it. The urgency: immediate Satanic opposition to every gospel presentation.