Matthew 13:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπαρείς,
that received seed
G4687
σπαρείς,
that received seed
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
6 of 29
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
οὗτός
he that
G3778
οὗτός
he that
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 29
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
11 of 29
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνος
world
G165
αἰῶνος
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
17 of 29
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλούτου
of riches
G4149
πλούτου
of riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
23 of 29
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
συμπνίγει
choke
G4846
συμπνίγει
choke
Strong's:
G4846
Word #:
24 of 29
to strangle completely, i.e., (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
26 of 29
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;Luke 8:14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.Luke 12:15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.Psalms 52:7Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.Matthew 13:7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:Luke 12:21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.Psalms 62:10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Jeremiah 4:3For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
Historical Context
Palestinian thornbushes (probably darnel or thistles) had extensive root systems that aggressively competed with crops. Farmers fought constant battles against thorns reclaiming cultivated land. Jesus's audience in prosperous Galilee faced real temptation toward materialism—Rome's Pax Romana brought economic opportunity that could distract from kingdom priorities, just as modern affluence chokes Western Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'cares of this world' are slowly choking your spiritual fruitfulness—what worries dominate your thoughts?
- How does wealth deceive—what false promises does materialism make that steal your devotion to Christ?
- Where is your life unfruitful despite hearing God's word—what thorns need removing to restore productivity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He also that received seed among the thorns (ὁ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς)—thorny ground where weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water, sunlight. Unlike stony ground (which withers), thorny ground grows but remains unfruitful. The care of this world (ἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος)—merimna means 'anxiety, worry, distraction.' The deceitfulness of riches (ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου)—apatē means 'delusion, fraud.' Wealth promises security but delivers anxiety; promises satisfaction but delivers craving.
Choke the word (συμπνίγει τὸν λόγον)—sumpnigō means 'to strangle completely, suffocate.' Thorns don't uproot the word; they slowly suffocate it through competition. He becometh unfruitful (ἄκαρπος γίνεται)—fruitlessness, not apostasy, characterizes thorny-ground hearers. They may remain 'in the church' but produce nothing for God's kingdom, spiritually strangled by divided loyalties.