New Testament
Matthew 13:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus begins to teach the crowd using parables, which are simple stories that convey deeper spiritual truths.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
He taught them many things through parables. He said, "Listen — a farmer went out to plant his seeds.
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus begins to teach the crowd using parables, which are simple stories that convey deeper spiritual truths. He introduces the story of a farmer who goes out to sow seeds. This imagery is relatable to the audience, as many would have been familiar with farming practices. The act of sowing seeds symbolizes the spreading of God's word and the different responses it can receive. By using a parable, Jesus engages his listeners, inviting them to think critically about the message he is sharing. The farmer's actions set the stage for a deeper discussion about faith, growth, and the various conditions that affect how people receive and nurture the teachings of Jesus. This method of teaching encourages reflection and personal application, as listeners are prompted to consider their own hearts and how they respond to spiritual truths.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 13:3 to your life
As we hear teachings about faith, we should reflect on how we receive and nurture these messages in our lives. Like the seeds, our hearts can be in different conditions. We must strive to cultivate a receptive heart that allows God's word to grow and flourish within us.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:3 mean?
Matthew 13:3 describes Jesus teaching the crowd using parables, specifically introducing the story of a farmer sowing seeds. This method of teaching helps convey deeper spiritual truths in a relatable way.
What is the meaning of the farmer in Matthew 13:3?
The farmer in Matthew 13:3 represents those who spread God's word. His actions symbolize the act of sharing spiritual teachings and the various ways people may respond to them.
Why did Jesus use parables like in Matthew 13:3?
Jesus used parables to make complex spiritual concepts more understandable and relatable to his audience. Parables engage listeners and encourage them to reflect on their own lives.
How does Matthew 13:3 relate to spiritual growth?
Matthew 13:3 relates to spiritual growth by illustrating how the act of sowing seeds symbolizes the spreading of God's word and the varying responses it can elicit, which affects individual faith development.
The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.