The Parable of the Sower and Its Interpretation
Matthew 13:1-23
Matt.13.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εκεινη: DEM,dat,sg,f
- εξελθων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- οικιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εκαθητο: VERB,impf,mp,ind,3,sg
- παρα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- θαλασσαν·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Mark 4:1-2 (verbal): Mark 4:1 uses very similar language (ʼagain he began to teach by the sea') and Mark 4:2 continues with the teaching of parables — a direct synoptic parallel to the scene in Matthew 13.
- Luke 8:4-8 (thematic): Luke places the parables (beginning with the sower) at the lakeside with a great multitude gathered; parallels Matthew 13 in setting (by the water) and in the teaching of parables.
- Matt.13:2 (structural): Immediate continuation in Matthew: the following verse describes Jesus sitting in the boat and teaching the crowds in parables, showing this verse is the opening of the parable-dispatch scene.
- Matt.5:1 (structural): Jesus’ posture of taking a place to teach (ʼwhen he was set') recurs in Matthew 5:1 (Sermon on the Mount); thematically similar motif of Jesus sitting to instruct the multitudes.
Alternative generated candidates
- That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
- On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea.
Matt.13.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- συνηχθησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- προς: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m,3
- οχλοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- πολλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ωστε: CONJ
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m,3
- εις: PREP
- πλοιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εμβαντα: PART,aor,act,acc,sg,m
- καθησθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- και: CONJ
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- οχλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αιγιαλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ειστηκει: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Mark 4:1-2 (verbal): Closest synoptic parallel—Mark also describes a very large crowd gathering, Jesus getting into a boat and sitting while the crowd stands on the shore; many of the same verbs and setting are shared.
- Luke 8:4-5 (thematic): Luke gives the parable-setting in similar terms—‘a great crowd gathered’ and Jesus speaks a parable—matching Matthew’s context of teaching the assembled multitude.
- Luke 5:3 (structural): Luke records Jesus boarding Simon’s boat and putting out from shore to address the pressing crowd, the same narrative device of using a boat as a preaching platform.
- John 6:1-2 (thematic): John describes large crowds following Jesus around the Sea of Galilee because of his signs; while not a direct synoptic parallel, it echoes the motif of crowds by the sea and Jesus addressing them from a different vantage.
Alternative generated candidates
- And great crowds gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
- Large crowds gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.
Matt.13.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ελαλησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- παραβολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- λεγων·Ιδου: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- εξηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- σπειρων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σπειρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Mark 4:3 (verbal): Near-verbatim synoptic parallel: Jesus begins the Sower parable with the same wording about the sower going out to sow.
- Luke 8:5 (verbal): Synoptic parallel in Luke’s account, using the same basic formula about the sower who went out to sow.
- Matt.13:18 (structural): Immediate Matthean parallel: the introductory sentence is repeated when Jesus explains the parable—linking the narrative sower to its interpretation.
- Luke 8:11 (thematic): Clarifies the parable’s meaning elsewhere in Luke: the seed represents the word of God, connecting the sower image to the proclamation of the word.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 (thematic): Uses agricultural imagery to describe how God’s word produces its intended effect—thematic background for understanding seed/word dynamics in the parable.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he told them many things in parables, saying, "Behold, a sower went out to sow."
- And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying, "Behold, a sower went out to sow."
Matt.13.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σπειρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- α: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- μεν: PART
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- παρα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ελθοντα: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,n
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- πετεινα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- κατεφαγεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Mark 4:4 (verbal): Nearly identical parallel in Mark's version of the Parable of the Sower: seed falls by the roadside and birds devour it (verbal correspondence).
- Luke 8:5 (verbal): Luke's account of the same parable uses the same image—seed falling along the path and birds eating it (direct parallel).
- Matthew 13:19 (structural): Immediate Matthean interpretation of the 'seed by the wayside' explaining that it represents hearers from whom the evil one snatches away the word (explicit exposition of v.4).
- Mark 4:15 (structural): Mark's interpretive gloss on the parable identifying the roadside seed as people from whom Satan takes away the word (parallel explanation to Matthew 13:19).
- Luke 8:12 (structural): Luke's explanation of the roadside seed: the word is taken away by the devil so that they may not believe and be saved (parallel interpretive tradition).
Alternative generated candidates
- And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
- As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
Matt.13.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- πετρωδη: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- οπου: ADV
- ουκ: PART
- ειχεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- πολλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ευθεως: ADV
- εξανετειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- μη: PART
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- βαθος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- γης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Mark 4:5-6 (verbal): Near-verbatim synoptic parallel recounting seed on rocky places with little soil that springs up immediately because it has no depth of earth.
- Luke 8:6 (verbal): Synoptic parallel describing the seed on rocky ground that springs up at once and withers for lack of root/depth of soil.
- Matt.13:20 (quotation): Internal explanation within Matthew: explicitly identifies the rocky-soil seed as those who receive the word with joy but have no root (no depth of soil), so they fall away under trial.
- Mark 4:16-17 (verbal): Mark’s parallel explanation: the rocky-ground hearer receives the word with joy, endures only for a time and then withers because he has no root—the same causal link to 'no depth'.
- Luke 8:13 (verbal): Luke’s explanatory parallel: those on rocky ground believe for a while but in time of testing fall away, connecting the immediate growth and subsequent loss to lack of root/depth.
Alternative generated candidates
- Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.
- Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil; and immediately it sprang up, because the soil was shallow.
Matt.13.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ηλιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ανατειλαντος: VERB,aor,act,part,gen,m,sg
- εκαυματισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- μη: PART
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ριζαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εξηρανθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Mark 4:6 (verbal): Nearly identical report in Mark’s Parable of the Sower: the sun rises, the plants are scorched, and because they have no root they wither.
- Luke 8:6 (verbal): Luke’s parallel to Matthew 13:6 uses the same imagery of the sun scorching the plant and its withering for lack of root.
- Mark 4:17 (verbal): Mark’s explanation of the rocky-ground hearer uses the same motif — no root — to explain why the plant/faith withers under testing.
- Luke 8:13 (verbal): Luke’s explanatory comment on the rocky soil repeats the theme: those with no root believe for a while but fall away in time of testing.
- Matt.13:21 (structural): Immediate Matthean explanation of the rocky-ground seed: explicitly links 'no root' to temporary endurance and falling away under tribulation or persecution.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away.
- But when the sun rose it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.
Matt.13.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ακανθας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- ανεβησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- ακανθαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- επνιξαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Mark 4:7 (verbal): Direct synoptic parallel: same wording about seed falling among thorns and the thorns choking it.
- Luke 8:7 (verbal): Luke's parallel of the Sower uses the identical image of seed choked by thorns.
- Matthew 13:22 (structural): Immediate Matthean explanation of the parable identifies the thorns as the cares of the world and riches that choke the word.
- Mark 4:18-19 (thematic): Mark's explanation parallels Matthew's, describing how the cares, riches, and pleasures of life choke the word.
- Luke 8:14 (thematic): Luke's interpretation likewise explains the thorny ground as being choked by cares, riches, and pleasures, preventing fruitfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.
- Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.
Matt.13.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- καλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εδιδου: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- εκατον: NUM,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εξηκοντα: NUM,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τριακοντα: NUM,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 4:8 (verbal): Synoptic parallel of the Sower: same wording about seed falling on good ground and yielding a hundred, sixty, and thirtyfold.
- Luke 8:8 (verbal): Luke’s parallel of the Sower shares the same summary statement about seed on good soil producing abundant fruit.
- Matthew 13:23 (structural): Immediate interpretation within Matthew: the ‘good ground’ represents those who hear and understand the word, who then bear fruit.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 (thematic): Paul’s sowing-and-reaping principle (‘whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly…’) echoes the idea of differing yields from seed.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 (allusion): Prophetic image of seed/word producing its intended fruit—God’s word/seed returns with abundant effect, paralleling the fruitful seed on good soil.
Alternative generated candidates
- Other seed fell on good soil and produced grain: it yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
- Other seed fell into good soil and produced grain: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Matt.13.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εχων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ωτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ακουετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
Parallels
- Matt.11:15 (verbal): Same brief concluding injunction (“He who has ears, let him hear”) used earlier by Jesus to call for attentive hearing.
- Mark 4:9 (verbal): Word-for-word parallel in Mark’s version of the Parable of the Sower—same short formula concluding the parable.
- Luke 8:8 (verbal): Parallel wording in Luke’s account of the Sower parable; identical exhortation to listen attentively.
- Mark 4:23 (verbal): Another Markan instance of the same admonition (used when Jesus teaches in parables), reinforcing the verbal tradition.
- Rev.2:7 (allusion): Adapted and expanded formula in the Johannine letters (“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”), echoing Jesus’ call for attentive, discerning hearing.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who has ears, let him hear.
- He who has ears, let him hear.
Matt.13.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- προσελθοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μαθηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ειπαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτω·Δια: PRON,dat,sg,m+PREP
- τι: ADV
- εν: PREP
- παραβολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- λαλεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Mark 4:10 (verbal): Marks's parallel narrative: the disciples privately ask Jesus about the parables—language and situation closely mirror Matthew 13:10.
- Luke 8:9-10 (verbal): Luke records the disciples' question and Jesus' explanation about the purpose of parables, paralleling Matthew's account of the disciples asking why he speaks in parables.
- Matthew 13:11 (structural): Immediate Matthean continuation in which Jesus explains to the disciples why he uses parables ('to you it has been given to know the secrets...'), directly answering the question of 13:10.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Old Testament passage later cited (in Matthew/Mark) as the theological rationale for Jesus' use of parables—speaking so that some hear but do not understand.
- Matthew 13:34-35 (quotation): Matthew's summary note that Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables and cites Scripture (Psalm/prophetic formula) to show parabolic teaching as fulfillment of Scripture and a deliberate method.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the disciples came and asked him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
- The disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"
Matt.13.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- αποκριθεις: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις·Οτι: PRON,dat,pl,m
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,m
- δεδοται: VERB,perf,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- γνωναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- μυστηρια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- βασιλειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ουρανων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εκεινοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ου: PART
- δεδοται: VERB,perf,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Mark 4:11 (verbal): Close Gospel parallel: same saying that the mysteries/secrets of the kingdom are given to the disciples but not to others (Mark's version of the Matt. 13 teaching).
- Luke 8:10 (verbal): Parallel wording in Luke: Jesus explains that the secrets of the kingdom of God are given to the disciples, while others receive parables — same core distinction as Matthew 13:11.
- Matt.11:25-27 (thematic): Thematic parallel: Jesus speaks of revelation granted to 'little children' and hidden from the wise—same motif of selective divine revelation.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Direct OT source quoted in Matthew 13:14–15 immediately after v.11; explains the prophetic basis for people's inability to understand (seeing/hearing but not perceiving).
- 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (thematic): Paulic echo of the theme: the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing and the god of this age has blinded unbelievers, paralleling the motif of spiritual blindness/inability to understand. }]}
Alternative generated candidates
- And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
- He answered, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
Matt.13.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οστις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: CONJ
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δοθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- περισσευθησεται·οστις: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg+PRON,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αρθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- απ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 4:25 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel in Mark's version of the sayings about hearing and judgment: 'For whoever has, to him will more be given...'.
- Luke 8:18 (verbal): Luke's parallel to Matthew's context of receiving and hearing: repeats the same principle that the one who has will receive more, and the one who has not will lose even what he has.
- Matthew 25:29 (verbal): In the Parable of the Talents Jesus uses virtually identical wording to teach that those who are faithful with what they have will receive more, while the unfaithful lose even their present portion.
- Luke 19:26 (verbal): In the Parable of the Minas Luke preserves the same formula about increase and loss—'to everyone who has will more be given...,' applying the principle to stewardship and accountability.
Alternative generated candidates
- For whoever has, more will be given and he will have abundance; but whoever has not, even what he has will be taken away from him.
- For whoever has will be given more, and they will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
Matt.13.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,acc,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- παραβολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- λαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- βλεποντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- ου: PART
- βλεπουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ακουοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- ουκ: PART
- ακουουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ουδε: CONJ
- συνιουσιν·: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Matthew's wording echoes and explicitly cites Isaiah's commission about people who 'see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand' (cf. Matt 13:14–15).
- Mark 4:12 (verbal): Synoptic parallel with nearly identical language explaining why Jesus speaks in parables — seeing they do not see, hearing they do not hear, nor understand.
- Luke 8:10 (verbal): Luke's parallel account preserves the same explanation of parables and uses comparable vocabulary about perception and understanding.
- John 12:40 (quotation): John applies Isaiah's words about hardened eyes/hearts to unbelief, using language closely parallel to Matthew's explanation.
- Acts 28:26-27 (quotation): Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 to describe Israel's failure to perceive and understand, echoing the same judgment Matthew attributes to Jesus' parables.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear nor understand.
- Therefore I speak to them in parables: because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
Matt.13.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αναπληρουται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- προφητεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- Ησαιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- λεγουσα·Ακοη: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,f
- ακουσετε: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART
- μη: PART
- συνητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- βλεποντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- βλεψετε: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART
- μη: PART
- ιδητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Direct source of Matthew's wording (via the LXX): Isaiah's oracle about people hearing without understanding and seeing without perceiving.
- Mark 4:12 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: Mark records the same Isaiah quotation in Jesus' explanation of the parable, matching Matthew's language and context.
- Luke 8:10 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: Luke preserves the same Isaiah citation in Jesus' interpretation of the parable of the sower, emphasizing judicial hardening.
- John 12:40 (quotation): John explicitly cites Isaiah's words about blindness and deafness to explain Israel's unbelief, echoing Matthew's use of the Isaiah oracle.
- Romans 11:8 (allusion): Paul alludes to Isaiah's prophecy (cf. 'spirit of stupor' / 'spirit of slumber') to explain Israel's partial hardening, reflecting the same theological motif as Matthew 13:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.'
- In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says, 'You will hear and will not understand; you will see and will not perceive.'
Matt.13.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επαχυνθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λαου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τουτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,m
- ωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- βαρεως: ADV
- ηκουσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- οφθαλμους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εκαμμυσαν·μηποτε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- ιδωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,m
- οφθαλμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,m
- ωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- ακουσωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- συνωσιν: VERB,pres,act,sub,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- επιστρεψωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ιασομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Matthew is directly citing Isaiah 6:9-10 — the language about hardening the heart, dulling the ears, and closing the eyes so they will not see/hear/understand and turn to be healed.
- Mark 4:12 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: Mark's explanation of the parable uses essentially the same wording and serves the same function as Matthew 13:15.
- Luke 8:10 (verbal): Luke's parallel to the parable includes similar language and likewise cites Isaiah to explain the purpose of parabolic speech and the people's spiritual hardness.
- John 12:40 (quotation): John explicitly cites Isaiah 6:10 in the context of unbelief; the wording about blinded eyes and hardened hearts parallels Matthew's citation.
- Acts 28:26-27 (quotation): Paul, speaking to Jews in Rome, quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 (same theme and imagery) to explain Israel's present hardness and lack of sight/hearing.
Alternative generated candidates
- For this people's heart has grown dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and turn — and I would heal them.
- For the heart of this people has grown dull, their ears are heavy, and they have shut their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn—and I would heal them.
Matt.13.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- οφθαλμοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- βλεπουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- ωτα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- ακουουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Luke 10:23-24 (verbal): Closely parallel wording: Jesus blesses the disciples for seeing/hearing the things others have not — a near-verbatim parallel to Matt 13:16 in the Lukan travel/mission context.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Matthew 13:14-15 cites Isaiah’s words about hearing but not understanding and seeing but not perceiving; Matt 13:16 functions as the counterpoint blessing for those who do perceive.
- Mark 4:9-12 (verbal): Mark’s parable-material contains the same admonition (“he who has ears to hear…”) and the Mark 4:12 citation of Isaiah parallels Matthew’s explanation and the contrast between those who see/hear and those who do not.
- Matt 11:25-26 (thematic): Jesus gives thanks that hidden truths are revealed to ‘babes’ rather than the wise — thematically linked to Matt 13:16’s blessing of those who are given sight and hearing to receive revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
- But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
Matt.13.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αμην: PART
- γαρ: CONJ
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- πολλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- προφηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- δικαιοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- επεθυμησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- ιδειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- α: PRON,acc,pl,n
- βλεπετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART
- ειδαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ακουσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- α: PRON,acc,pl,n
- ακουετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART
- ηκουσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Luke 10:23-24 (verbal): A near-verbatim parallel in Luke: Jesus tells the disciples that many prophets and kings longed to see and hear what they see/hear. Lukan context and wording closely match Matthew's saying.
- 1 Peter 1:10-12 (thematic): Peter speaks of prophets who searched and inquired about the salvation to come and longed to know the time of these things—echoing the theme that earlier prophets and the righteous longed for the revelation now experienced by the hearers.
- Hebrews 11:13-16 (thematic): The heroes of faith are described as longing for a heavenly country and not having received the promises—paralleling the motif of righteous predecessors who desired the future realities now disclosed to Jesus' audience.
- John 8:56 (thematic): Jesus says Abraham 'saw' his day and was glad—this links to the idea that patriarchs/righteous longed for the messianic day that the disciples are witnessing, underscoring continuity between their longing and the present revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous ones longed to see what you see and did not see it, and to hear what you hear and did not hear it.
- For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see and did not see it, and to hear what you hear and did not hear it.
Matt.13.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- ουν: CONJ
- ακουσατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παραβολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σπειραντος: PART,aor,act,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 4:13-20 (verbal): Mark records the Parable of the Sower and its interpretation using language and soil-types parallel to Matthew 13:18–23 (the sower, the seed as the word, and the four responses).
- Luke 8:11-15 (verbal): Luke gives a near‑verbatim version of the sower parable and its interpretation (seed as the word of God; the four kinds of ground), directly paralleling Matthew's transition to the interpretation.
- Matt.13:3,9 (structural): Matthew 13:3 contains the original telling of the sower parable and 13:9 uses the same exhortation ('He who has ears to hear, let him hear'), framing the call to listen that 13:18 resumes when introducing the interpretation.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Matthew 13:14-15 later cites Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain Jesus' use of parables; this Old Testament citation illumines the purpose and effect of Jesus' parabolic 'hear' instructions, including the sower parable.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear then the parable of the sower:
- Hear, then, the parable of the sower.
Matt.13.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παντος: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- ακουοντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- βασιλειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- συνιεντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,m
- ερχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πονηρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αρπαζει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- εσπαρμενον: VERB,perf,pass,part,acc,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αυτου·ουτος: PRON,gen,sg,m+DEM,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- παρα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σπαρεις: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 4:15 (verbal): Near-verbatim synoptic parallel of the Sower explanation: the 'evil one' comes and takes away the sown word from the heart, matching Matthew's wording and function.
- Luke 8:12 (verbal): Another synoptic parallel with very similar language—Luke's version also explains that the devil snatches the word from those along the path so they do not believe and be saved.
- Isaiah 6:9–10 (quotation): Matthew 13 elsewhere (13:14–15) explicitly cites Isaiah 6:9–10 to explain why Jesus speaks in parables—people hear but do not understand—providing prophetic background for the parable's emphasis on hardened hearts.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 (thematic): Paul describes the 'god of this age' as having blinded unbelievers' minds so they cannot see the gospel's light—theologically parallel to the evil one preventing understanding of the sown word.
- John 10:10 (thematic): Uses thief imagery to describe destructive activity (one who comes to steal, kill, destroy); thematically resonates with the Sower's account of an adversary seizing away the scattered seed.
Alternative generated candidates
- When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart — this is the seed sown along the path.
- When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the Evil One comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart—this is the sowing along the path.
Matt.13.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- επι: PREP
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- πετρωδη: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- σπαρεις: PART,aor,pass,nom,sg,m
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ακουων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ευθυς: ADV
- μετα: PREP
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- λαμβανων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Mark 4:16-17 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: the same parable of the sower describes the seed on rocky ground—those who hear the word and immediately receive it with joy but have no root and endure only a short time.
- Luke 8:13 (verbal): Luke’s version of the parable likewise depicts hearers who receive the word with joy yet fall away when persecution or tribulation arises, closely matching Matthew’s account.
- James 1:21 (thematic): Both passages emphasize how the word is to be received; James calls for receiving the implanted word with meekness, contrasting inward, lasting reception with the superficial, transient reception portrayed in the rocky-soil hearer.
- Hebrews 6:4-6 (thematic): The warning about those who have been enlightened and then fall away resonates with the rocky-ground motif—initial experience of the word or enlightenment without rooted perseverance leading to loss or falling away.
Alternative generated candidates
- The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
- As for what was sown on rocky ground: this is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy,
Matt.13.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουκ: PART
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ριζαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- εαυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- προσκαιρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- γενομενης: VERB,pres,mid,part,gen,f,sg
- δε: CONJ
- θλιψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- διωγμου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ευθυς: ADV
- σκανδαλιζεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Mark 4:17 (verbal): Direct Synoptic parallel in the Parable of the Sower: same language about having no root and immediately stumbling when tribulation or persecution on account of the word arises.
- Luke 8:13 (verbal): Another Synoptic parallel with essentially the same description of hearers who have no root and fall away under tribulation or persecution for the word.
- James 1:6-8 (thematic): Depicts the believer who doubts under trial as unstable and wavering—themewise close to the image of lacking root and failing when pressure comes.
- Hebrews 3:12-14 (thematic): Warnings against an unbelieving, apostatizing heart and failing to persevere under testing echo the parable’s concern that some fall away when tribulation or persecution occurs.
Alternative generated candidates
- yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while; when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, he immediately falls away.
- yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a time; when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
Matt.13.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ακανθας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- σπαρεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,sg,m
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ακουων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- μεριμνα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αιωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τουτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- απατη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πλουτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- συμπνιγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ακαρπος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Mark 4:18-19 (verbal): Almost identical wording: seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the word, but the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches and desires choke the word, rendering it unfruitful.
- Luke 8:14 (verbal): Parallel Synoptic version: the thorns scenario and the choking effect of worldly cares and riches on the word are expressed in comparable language.
- Matthew 6:24 (thematic): Jesus’ teaching that one cannot serve God and mammon echoes the theme that attachment to wealth undermines commitment to God and spiritual fruitfulness.
- Luke 12:15-21 (thematic): Parable of the rich fool warns that greed and trust in possessions are deceptive and spiritually destructive, paralleling the idea that riches choke the word.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (thematic): Paul’s warning that desire for wealth leads to ruin and spiritual harm complements the Matthean theme that the deceitfulness of riches chokes spiritual vitality.
Alternative generated candidates
- The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
- And the one sown among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the cares of the age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he proves unfruitful.
Matt.13.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- καλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σπαρεις: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- ουτος: PRO,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ακουων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συνιεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ος: PRO,nom,sg,m
- δη: PART
- καρποφορει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ποιει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- εκατον: NUM,nom,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εξηκοντα: NUM,nom,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τριακοντα: NUM,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Mark 4:20 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: Mark's account of the Sower repeats the language of 'good soil'—hearing, understanding—and the fruiting in measures of 100, 60, 30.
- Luke 8:15 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: Luke likewise records the 'good soil' as those who with perseverance produce fruit, emphasizing hearing, holding fast, and bearing fruit.
- John 15:5-8 (thematic): Thematic parallel: Jesus' teaching on abiding in him so that believers 'bear much fruit' resonates with the link between receiving the word, remaining, and fruitfulness.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 (allusion): Conceptual/allusive parallel: God's word is likened to rain/seed that accomplishes its purpose and yields a harvest—echoing the idea that the word sown in receptive hearts produces fruit.
- Psalm 1:3 (thematic): Thematic parallel: The righteous person is compared to a tree planted by streams that yields fruit—similar imagery connecting flourishing under God's word to productive, fruitful life.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit and yields — some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
- But the one sown on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
Large crowds gathered around him, so he went out and sat in a boat; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying, 'Behold, a sower went out to sow.
As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds of the air came and devoured it.
Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth. And when the sun rose it was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away.
Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.
Other seed fell on good soil and produced grain: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Whoever has ears, let him hear.'
The disciples came and said to him, 'Why do you speak to them in parables?'
He answered them, 'To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.
For to the one who has, more will be given, so that he will have abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
Therefore I speak to them in parables: because though they see they do not perceive, and though they hear they do not understand.
In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says, 'You will indeed hear but never understand, you will indeed see but never perceive;'
for the heart of this people has grown dull, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn—and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous ones longed to see what you see and did not see it, and to hear what you hear and did not hear it.
Hear then the parable of the sower:
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart—this is the seed sown along the path.
The one who was sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy,
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while; and when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, he immediately falls away.
The one sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But the one sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit and yields: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.