New Testament
Matthew 13:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He taught them many things through parables. He said, "Listen — a farmer went out to plant his seeds.
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And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
What Matthew 13:3 means
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.
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
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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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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 13:3 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.
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