Luke 8 11

Luke 8:11 kjv

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:11 nkjv

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:11 niv

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:11 esv

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:11 nlt

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word.

Luke 8 verses

Luke 8 11 Meaning

Luke 8:11 explicitly decodes a primary element of the Parable of the Sower, stating directly: "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." This declaration clarifies that the foundational truth for spiritual understanding and the growth of God's Kingdom is divine revelation itself, which is the message proclaimed by Jesus. It reveals the ultimate nature and origin of what is sown into the hearts of humanity, positioning the divine message as the intrinsic source of life and spiritual fruitfulness.

Luke 8 11 Context

Luke 8:11 initiates Jesus' private explanation of the Parable of the Sower to His disciples. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has presented the parable (Luke 8:4-8) and then responded to His disciples' query about its meaning by clarifying why He speaks in parables – to reveal truth to His inner circle while simultaneously concealing it from those outside who lack spiritual receptivity (Luke 8:9-10). Verse 11 directly commences the detailed interpretation of the parable's components, beginning with the foundational identification of the "seed." The broader context is Jesus' extensive teaching ministry throughout Galilee, where parables served as a primary pedagogical method for conveying profound spiritual truths about the nature and requirements of the Kingdom of God, discerning true seekers from casual listeners.

Luke 8 11 Word analysis

• Now (δέ - de): A Greek conjunction used here as a transitional particle, indicating a shift from the parabolic narration to its direct, explicit interpretation. It signals to the hearers that Jesus is about to provide clarity.
• the parable (ἡ παραβολή - hē parabolē): From para (alongside) and bolē (a throwing), literally meaning "a setting alongside" or "comparison." It refers to an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, used to illustrate a moral or spiritual truth. Its usage here signifies that the preceding narrative was a teaching tool requiring further explanation.
• is this (ἐστιν αὕτη - estin hautē): This phrase serves as a direct, declarative introduction to the interpretation. "Is" (estin) functions as a definitive statement of equivalence, emphasizing the authoritative nature of Jesus' explanation.
• The seed (Ὁ σπόρος - Ho sporos): Derived from speirō (to sow). In an agricultural society, a "seed" (σπόρος) was a fundamental component, symbolizing potential for growth, life, and multiplication. This concrete image grounds the abstract spiritual lesson in something relatable to daily life.
• is (ἐστιν - estin): Again, the simple copula, firmly stating a direct, non-metaphorical identity in the context of interpretation. It unequivocally declares that the "seed" of the parable is the "word of God."
• the word (ὁ λόγος - ho logos): A profound theological term. While it can simply mean a spoken word, a message, or reason, in the New Testament it often refers to God's specific revelation. Here, logos specifically denotes the divine message of the Kingdom, the gospel of salvation and the teachings of Christ. It carries the weight of authoritative, living communication from God Himself.
• of God (τοῦ θεοῦ - tou Theou): The genitive case "of God" indicates divine origin, ownership, and authority. This emphasizes that the "word" is not human philosophy, opinion, or tradition, but emanates from the supreme Creator. Its divine source inherently bestows upon it absolute truth, power, and effectiveness, distinguishing it from all other messages.

• "Now the parable is this:": This introductory clause immediately shifts the audience's focus from the storytelling itself to its meaning. It sets the stage for authoritative instruction, implying that Jesus is about to reveal a mystery that was previously veiled, reinforcing His role as the ultimate interpreter of divine truth.
• "The seed is the word of God": This is the interpretive key to the entire parable. It links a tangible, understood element (agricultural seed) to a profound, spiritual reality (God's message). This concise statement identifies the inherent nature of what brings forth spiritual life and growth. It emphasizes that the inherent power to germinate and produce fruit does not reside in the sower or the soil, but solely in the divine quality and origin of the message being proclaimed. It is God's active, living word that accomplishes His purposes when sown.

Luke 8 11 Bonus section

The concept of "the word of God" (logos tou Theou) as presented in Luke 8:11 is dynamic and potent. It transcends mere human communication, encompassing the active, life-imparting message that issues from the divine. This "word" is not passive but inherently carries the power to accomplish God's will (Isa 55:10-11) and to regenerate individuals into new life (Jas 1:18; 1 Pet 1:23). In this specific context, while certainly referring to God's revealed truth through the Scriptures, it most immediately points to the living gospel message, the authoritative teaching of Jesus Christ concerning the Kingdom, which He Himself was proclaiming. This "word" acts as the sole, divine source of true spiritual beginning and nourishment, active in separating, convicting, cleansing, and empowering those who truly hear and obey.

Luke 8 11 Commentary

Luke 8:11 provides the foundational interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, unequivocally declaring that the "seed" represents "the word of God." This divine explanation by Jesus highlights that the transformative power for spiritual life and growth originates not from human effort or method, but intrinsically from the perfect, powerful, and life-giving message of God Himself. It sets the stage for the remainder of the parable's explanation, which will then focus on the varied conditions of the "soil" – representing human hearts – emphasizing that the responsibility for fruitfulness lies not with the quality of the "seed" (which is always flawless) but with the receptivity and condition of the one hearing. It is the perfect divine seed awaiting a welcoming human heart to yield its intended spiritual harvest.

For example, when a believer diligently engages with Scripture (the Word), they are effectively planting the seed in their heart. If the heart is humble and open (good soil), the Word begins its transformative work, leading to growth in faith and Christ-like character, just as a well-planted seed germinates and produces a plant.