New Testament
Matthew 13:22
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The seed that fell among the thorns represents someone who hears the message, but the worries of life and the deceitfulness of riches choke it, and it becomes unfruitful.
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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.
What Matthew 13:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus explains the parable of the sower, focusing on the seed that falls among thorns. This seed symbolizes a person who hears God's message but is overwhelmed by life's worries and the lure of wealth. These distractions prevent the message from taking root and growing, leading to a lack of spiritual fruitfulness. The thorns represent the challenges and temptations that can choke out faith, making it difficult for individuals to fully embrace and live out the teachings of Jesus. This highlights the importance of being aware of what can hinder our spiritual growth and the need to prioritize our relationship with God over worldly concerns.
How to apply Matthew 13:22 to your life
To avoid becoming unfruitful, we should regularly assess our priorities and eliminate distractions that hinder our spiritual growth. This means being mindful of how worries and the pursuit of wealth can affect our relationship with God and our ability to live out His teachings.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:22 mean?
Matthew 13:22 explains that the seed among thorns represents a person who hears God's message but is overwhelmed by life's worries and the temptation of wealth. These distractions choke the message, preventing it from growing and producing spiritual fruit.
What is the meaning of 'the deceitfulness of riches' in Matthew 13:22?
In Matthew 13:22, 'the deceitfulness of riches' refers to the false sense of security and fulfillment that wealth can provide. It suggests that the pursuit of money can distract individuals from their spiritual growth and relationship with God.
How can I avoid becoming unfruitful like in Matthew 13:22?
To avoid becoming unfruitful, regularly evaluate your priorities and remove distractions that hinder your spiritual growth. Focus on nurturing your relationship with God and be mindful of how worries and the pursuit of wealth affect your faith.
What does 'choke the word' mean in Matthew 13:22?
'Choke the word' in Matthew 13:22 means that worries and the lure of riches can suffocate the message of God, preventing it from taking root in a person's life. This results in a lack of spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
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