Matthew 13:23

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ

G1909

into

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν

G1093

ground

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλὴν

G2570

the good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

σπαρείς,

G4687

he that received seed

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

οὗτός

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#10

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#11

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

λόγον

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#14

ἀκούων

G191

that heareth

to hear (in various senses)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

συνιών·

G4920

understandeth

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

#17

ὃ

G3739

it which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#18

δὴ

G1211

also

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

#19

καρποφορεῖ

G2592

beareth fruit

to be fertile (literally or figuratively)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

ποιεῖ

G4160

bringeth forth

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#22

ὃ

G3739

it which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#23

μὲν

G3303

some

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#24

ἑκατόν,

G1540

an hundredfold

a hundred

#25

ὃ

G3739

it which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#26

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#27

ἑξήκοντα,

G1835

sixty

#28

ὃ

G3739

it which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#29

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#30

τριάκοντα

G5144

thirty

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 13:23

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources