Matthew 13:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
into
G1909
ἐπὶ
into
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 30
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
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
ground
G1093
γῆν
ground
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
5 of 30
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλὴν
the good
G2570
καλὴν
the good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
7 of 30
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
σπαρείς,
he that received seed
G4687
σπαρείς,
he that received seed
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
8 of 30
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
οὗτός
he
G3778
οὗτός
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 30
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 30
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 #:
15 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνιών·
understandeth
G4920
συνιών·
understandeth
Strong's:
G4920
Word #:
16 of 30
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
ὃ
it which
G3739
ὃ
it which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 30
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖ
bringeth forth
G4160
ποιεῖ
bringeth forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
21 of 30
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὃ
it which
G3739
ὃ
it which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
22 of 30
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
some
G3303
μὲν
some
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
23 of 30
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ὃ
it which
G3739
ὃ
it which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
25 of 30
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Matthew 12:33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Matthew 13:8But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:Luke 13:9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Historical Context
The parable (13:1-9) was explained privately to disciples (13:18-23). The four soils represent responses to gospel preaching. Jesus taught in parables (13:10-17) to reveal truth to disciples while concealing it from hard hearts, fulfilling Isaiah 6:9-10. First-century agriculture used broadcast sowing; seed fell on various soils—paths, rocky ground, thorns, good soil. Modern farming is more precise, making the parable less immediately understandable, but the principle remains: gospel response varies. The early church used this parable to explain mixed responses to evangelism. Augustine wrestled with this: are non-persevering professors ever truly saved? Reformed theology says no—genuine salvation produces persevering faith and fruit (John 15:5).
Questions for Reflection
- What kind of soil represents your heart: genuine fruitfulness or temporary profession?
- How does your life's fruit demonstrate the gospel's genuine work in you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus explains the Parable of the Sower: '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.' Good soil represents genuine believers. Three characteristics mark them: hearing, understanding, and fruitbearing. 'Understandeth' (Greek syniēsin) means spiritual comprehension, not merely intellectual. The Spirit illuminates truth (1 Corinthians 2:14). 'Beareth fruit' (karpophorei) proves saving faith—transformation occurs. The varying yields (30, 60, 100-fold) show different degrees of fruitfulness while all are genuine. This teaches perseverance—true believers endure and produce fruit despite opposition. The previous soils (wayside, stony, thorny, 13:19-22) represent false professors who lack lasting fruit.