New Testament
Matthew 13:7
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 describes a scenario where seeds, representing the word of God, fall among thorn bushes.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Other seeds fell among thorn bushes, and the thorns grew up and choked them out.
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus describes a scenario where seeds, representing the word of God, fall among thorn bushes. The thorns symbolize distractions and worries of life that can hinder spiritual growth. When the seeds are choked by the thorns, they cannot grow and produce fruit. This illustrates how external pressures, such as materialism, anxiety, and the pursuit of worldly desires, can prevent individuals from fully embracing and nurturing their faith. The imagery of thorns serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing life's concerns to overshadow spiritual commitments. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart that is free from such distractions, enabling the seeds of faith to thrive and bear fruit in one's life.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 13:7 to your life
To avoid being choked by life's distractions, prioritize your spiritual life. Set aside time for prayer, meditation, and studying scripture. Identify what thorns may be hindering your faith and take steps to remove or manage them, allowing your spiritual growth to flourish.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:7 mean?
Matthew 13:7 describes how seeds, representing God's word, fall among thorns that choke them. This illustrates how life's distractions and worries can hinder spiritual growth and prevent individuals from fully embracing their faith.
What is the meaning of thorns in Matthew 13:7?
In Matthew 13:7, thorns symbolize distractions and worries that can obstruct spiritual development. They represent the challenges of materialism and anxiety that can prevent the seeds of faith from growing.
How can I avoid the thorns mentioned in Matthew 13:7?
To avoid the thorns that choke spiritual growth, prioritize your spiritual life by setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and studying scripture. Identify distractions in your life and take steps to manage them.
What lessons can we learn from Matthew 13:7?
Matthew 13:7 teaches the importance of being aware of distractions that can hinder faith. It encourages individuals to focus on their spiritual commitments and remove obstacles that prevent growth.

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.
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