Matthew 13:22
New International Version
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

New Living Translation
The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.

English Standard Version
As for what was sown among thorns, this 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.

Berean Standard Bible
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Berean Literal Bible
And that having been sown among the thorns, this is the one hearing the word, and the anxiety of this age and the deceit of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

New American Standard Bible
And the one sown with seed among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the anxiety of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

NASB 1995
“And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

NASB 1977
“And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Amplified Bible
And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit.

Berean Annotated Bible
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Christian Standard Bible
Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

American Standard Version
And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Contemporary English Version
The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.

English Revised Version
And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The seed planted among thornbushes [is another person who] hears the word. But the worries of life and the deceitful pleasures of riches choke the word so that it can't produce anything.

Good News Translation
The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear the message; but the worries about this life and the love for riches choke the message, and they don't bear fruit.

International Standard Version
As for what was sown among the thorn bushes, this is the person who hears the word, but the worries of life and the deceitful pleasures of wealth choke the word so that it can't produce a crop.

NET Bible
The seed sown among thorns is the person who hears the word, but worldly cares and the seductiveness of wealth choke the word, so it produces nothing.

New Heart English Bible
And what was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
He who has received the seed among the thorns is the man who hears the Message, but the cares of the present age and the delusions of riches quite stifle the Message, and it becomes unfruitful.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

World English Bible
What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And that sown toward the thorns, this is he who is hearing the word, and the anxiety of this age, and the deceitfulness of the riches, chokes the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Berean Literal Bible
And that having been sown among the thorns, this is the one hearing the word, and the anxiety of this age and the deceit of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Young's Literal Translation
'And that sown toward the thorns, this is he who is hearing the word, and the anxiety of this age, and the deceitfulness of the riches, do choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having sown among thorns, this is he hearing the word; and the care of this time, and the deceit of riches, choke the word, and it is unfruitful.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he that received the seed among thorns, is he that heareth the word, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choketh up the word, and he becometh fruitless.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And whoever has received the seed among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the falseness of riches suffocate the word, and he is effectively without fruit.

New American Bible
The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.

New Revised Standard Version
As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That which was sown among thistles, this is he who hears the word, but worldly thoughts and the deception caused by riches choke the word, and it becomes fruitless.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That which was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deception of wealth choke the word, and that one is fruitless.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
He that received seed among the thorns, is he that hears the word; and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Godbey New Testament
But the one sown among the thorns, is he who heareth the word; and the care of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke out the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Haweis New Testament
But the sown among the thorns, is he who heareth the word, and the anxiety about this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choketh the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Mace New Testament
he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful:

Weymouth New Testament
He who has received the seed among the thorns is the man who hears the Message, but the cares of the present age and the delusions of riches quite stifle the Message, and it becomes unfruitful.

Worrell New Testament
And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that hears the word; and the anxiety of the age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Worsley New Testament
And he that received the seed among the thorns, is one that likewise heareth the word; but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choketh the word, and so it becometh unfruitful.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Parable of the Sower Explained
21But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.”…

Cross References
The seed sown among the thorns

Luke 8:7
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the seedlings.

Mark 4:7
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings, and they yielded no crop.

Hebrews 6:8
But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.
is the one who hears the word,

Luke 11:28
But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

James 1:22
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.
but the worries of this life

Luke 21:34
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

Matthew 6:25-27
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
and the deceitfulness of wealth

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

Luke 12:15
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Mark 10:23-25
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” / And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! / It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
choke the word,

Mark 4:19
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Luke 8:14
The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.

James 1:21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.
and it becomes unfruitful.

2 Peter 1:8
For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

seed.

Matthew 13:7
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

Mark 4:18
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Luke 8:14
And 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.

the care.

Matthew 6:24,25
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon…

Matthew 19:16-24
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? …

Genesis 13:10-13
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar…

the deceitfulness.

Psalm 52:7
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Psalm 62:10
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

choke.

Luke 8:14
And 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.

2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Jude 1:12
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Jump to Previous
Age Anxiety Anxious Care Cares Choke Deceit Deceitfulness Deceits Delight Delusions Dropped Fruit Gives Growth Heareth Hearing Hears Life Making Message Present Proves Quite Received Riches Seed Sown Stifle Stop Thorns Unfruitful Word World Worries Worry
Jump to Next
Age Anxiety Anxious Care Cares Choke Deceit Deceitfulness Deceits Delight Delusions Dropped Fruit Gives Growth Heareth Hearing Hears Life Making Message Present Proves Quite Received Riches Seed Sown Stifle Stop Thorns Unfruitful Word World Worries Worry
Matthew 13
1. The parable of the sower and the seed;
18. the explanation of it.
24. The parable of the weeds;
31. of the mustard seed;
33. of the leaven;
36. explanation of the parable of the weeds.
44. The parable of the hidden treasure;
45. of the pearl;
47. of the drag net cast into the sea.
53. Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.












The seed sown among the thorns

The seed sown among the thorns represents those who hear God’s Word in hearts crowded by competing desires. In Palestine, fields required continual clearing because thorns and weeds could quickly overtake cultivated plants.

Luk 8:7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it…
Mrk 4:7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up…
Heb 6:8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless,…

is the one who hears the word,

The message of the Gospel is received and understood at some level, but it does not gain lasting control over the person’s life.

Luk 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word…
Rom 10:17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing…
Jas 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.…

but the worries of this life

This phrase refers to the burdens of survival, security, family, work, and uncertain circumstances that can consume attention and weaken spiritual priorities.

Luk 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down…
Mat 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,…
Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer…

and the deceitfulness of wealth

“The deceitfulness of wealth” refers to the false promise that possessions and financial success can provide lasting security, meaning, or independence from God.

1Ti 6:17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age…
Luk 12:15 And he said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves…
Mrk 10:23-25 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,…

choke the word,

As thorns deprive a plant of space, light, and nourishment, worldly anxieties and the pursuit of riches suppress the Word’s influence.

Mrk 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness…
Luk 8:14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear,…
Jas 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth…

and it becomes unfruitful.

The result is a life in which the Gospel does not produce the obedience, endurance, and visible spiritual fruit God intends.

2Pe 1:8 For if you possess these qualities…
Tit 3:14 And our people must also learn to devote themselves…
Jhn 15:2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of the parable, teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven through parables to His disciples and the crowd.

2. The Sower
Represents anyone who spreads the Word of God.

3. The Seed
Symbolizes the Word of God.

4. The Thorns
Represent the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth that choke the Word.

5. The Crowd
The audience listening to Jesus' parables, including His disciples and others gathered around Him.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Distractions
The thorns symbolize distractions that can prevent spiritual growth. Believers must be vigilant against allowing life's worries and the pursuit of wealth to overshadow their faith.

The Deceitfulness of Wealth
Wealth can be deceptive, promising security and happiness but often leading to spiritual barrenness. Christians are called to seek first the Kingdom of God rather than material riches.

Cultivating a Fruitful Life
To avoid being unfruitful, believers should focus on nurturing their relationship with God, prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly concerns.

The Importance of Perseverance
Spiritual growth requires perseverance and the intentional removal of obstacles that hinder the Word from taking root in our lives.

Active Faith
Hearing the Word is not enough; believers must actively apply it to their lives to produce fruit. This involves a commitment to living out biblical principles daily.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 13:22?

2. How do "worries of this life" hinder spiritual growth in Matthew 13:22?

3. What are "deceitfulness of wealth" and its impact on faith in Matthew 13:22?

4. How can we guard against being "choked by the worries" in our lives?

5. Compare Matthew 13:22 with 1 Timothy 6:10 on wealth's spiritual dangers.

6. What practical steps can we take to prioritize God's Word over life's worries?

7. How does Matthew 13:22 relate to modern materialism and its impact on faith?

8. What does Matthew 13:22 suggest about the dangers of wealth and worldly concerns?

9. How can believers overcome the "deceitfulness of wealth" mentioned in Matthew 13:22?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?


(22) He also that received seed among the thorns.--See Note on Matthew 13:19. Here there is no over-rapid growth, and there is some depth of earth. The character is not one that wastes its strength in vague emotions, but has the capacity for sustained effort. The evil here is, that while there is strength of purpose, there is not unity of spirit. The man is double-minded, and would fain serve two masters. The "care of this world" (the word is the root of the verb "take no thought" in Matthew 6:25), the deceitfulness of earthly riches--cheating the soul with its counterfeit shows of good--these choke the "word" in its inner life, and it becomes "unfruitful." There may be some signs of fruitfulness, perhaps the "blade" and the "ear" of partial reformation and strivings after holiness, but there is no "full corn in the ear." In St. Luke's words, such men "bring no fruit to perfection" (Luke 8:14). To the simpler root-forms of evil in St. Matthew, St. Mark adds "the lusts (or desires) about other things"--i.e., the things that are other than the true life--and St. Luke, "the pleasures of life" to which wealth ministers, and for the sake of which, therefore, men pursue it.

Verse 22. - And the care (ἡ μέριμνα); Matthew 6:25, note. Of this world (of the world, Revised Version, τοῦ αἰῶνος, omitting the τούτου of the Received Text). (For αἰών ["age," Revised Version margin], cf. Matthew 12:32, note.) Choke the word. Which is no unchanging thing, but is always affected for good or evil, however great progress it has made.

Matthew 13:22 warns that a heart can welcome the Word yet let daily anxieties and the lure of riches grow unchecked. These thorns quietly suffocate spiritual life until no lasting fruit appears. The remedy is active: uproot cares by trusting God, expose wealth’s lies by treasuring Christ, and keep the soil of the heart clear so the Word can flourish and bear enduring fruit.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The [seed]
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sown
σπαρείς (spareis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4687: To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.

among
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

thorns
ἀκάνθας (akanthas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 173: A thorn-bush, prickly plant; a thorn. Probably from the same as akmen; a thorn.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hears
ἀκούων (akouōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word,
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

but
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

worries
μέριμνα (merimna)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3308: Care, worry, anxiety. From merizo; solicitude.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

world
αἰῶνος (aiōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

deceitfulness
ἀπάτη (apatē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 539: Deceit, deception, deceitfulness, delusion. From apatao; delusion.

of wealth
πλούτου (ploutou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4149: From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment.

choke
συμπνίγει (sympnigei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4846: To choke utterly, as weeds do plants; I crowd upon. From sun and pnigo; to strangle completely, i.e. to drown, or to crowd.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word,
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

it becomes
γίνεται (ginetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

unfruitful.
ἄκαρπος (akarpos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 175: Unfruitful, barren, profitless. Barren.


Additonal Resources
Matthew 13:22 Blue Letter Bible
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Matthew 13:22 Study Bible
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Matthew 13:22 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 13:22 What was sown among the thorns this (Matt. Mat Mt)

Matthew 13:21
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