Matthew 13 18

Matthew 13:18 kjv

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Matthew 13:18 nkjv

"Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

Matthew 13:18 niv

"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:

Matthew 13:18 esv

"Hear then the parable of the sower:

Matthew 13:18 nlt

"Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds:

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 18 Meaning

Matthew 13:18 serves as an explicit directive from Jesus to His disciples to actively and deeply understand the Parable of the Sower, which He had just concluded. It signals a pivotal shift from the general audience, who heard the parable without its interpretation, to a select group of listeners whom Jesus will now grant insight into the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." The verse underscores the necessity of spiritual receptivity for true comprehension of divine truth, preparing them for His subsequent explanation.

Matthew 13 18 Context

Matthew 13:18 is situated immediately after Jesus concludes the telling of the Parable of the Sower to large crowds gathered by the sea (Matt 13:1-9). It precedes Jesus' detailed explanation of the parable to His disciples (Matt 13:19-23). The surrounding verses (Matt 13:10-17) highlight a crucial interlude where Jesus explains why He speaks in parables to the crowds (to conceal from those who refuse to hear) but explains them to His disciples (to reveal to those given to understand). This verse therefore acts as a transition point, calling the "inner circle" of listeners to attentive reception, distinguishing them from the general populace who merely heard but did not grasp. Historically, parables were a common teaching method in the ancient Near East, often employed to convey complex truths through relatable everyday experiences, yet Jesus' use uniquely veiled truths for some while unveiling for others, serving as an indirect polemic against those with hardened hearts and closed minds among His contemporaries.

Matthew 13 18 Word analysis

• Hear: Greek: Akouete (ἀκούετε). An imperative verb, commanding action in the present tense and plural form, indicating an address to more than one person, specifically His disciples. It signifies not merely perceiving sound, but actively listening, attending, giving heed, and seeking to understand. This is a recurring command from Jesus for spiritual receptivity (e.g., Matt 11:15, Rev 2:7). It emphasizes that understanding divine truth requires more than passive hearing; it demands active engagement and spiritual perception.
• then: Greek: Oun (οὖν). A conjunctive particle functioning as an inference or a transition marker. Here, it indicates a logical consequence or progression, tying the disciples' prior questioning (why speak in parables?) and Jesus' explanation about spiritual discernment (Matt 13:10-17) directly to the upcoming interpretation of the parable. It signals a move from theoretical discussion to practical instruction.
• the parable: Greek: Tēn parabolēn (τὴν παραβολὴν). From para (beside) + ballō (to throw or cast), literally "a placing alongside" for comparison. It refers to a metaphorical narrative, simile, or riddle that conveys a deeper spiritual truth. In the Gospels, parables served to both illustrate and conceal divine mysteries, challenging listeners to delve beyond the surface. This highlights the nature of Jesus' teaching — an earthy story with a heavenly meaning.
• of the sower: Greek: Tou speirantos (τοῦ σπείραντος). Genitive singular, masculine, referring to "the one sowing." It identifies the subject of the preceding parable. Biblically, the "sower" primarily refers to Christ Himself, who first proclaimed the Word, and by extension, all who faithfully spread the Gospel. The significance here is not merely identifying the character, but recognizing the source and nature of the Word being dispersed, establishing a direct link to Jesus as the prime communicator of spiritual truth.

Matthew 13 18 Bonus section

The placement of Matthew 13:18 is significant, occurring precisely after Jesus differentiates His teaching approach between the crowds and His disciples. This distinction is crucial to understanding Jesus' parabolic method. The "hearing" requested in this verse is a discerning hearing, not simply an auditory one, akin to "He who has ears, let him hear" often repeated by Jesus (Matt 11:15, Mk 4:9, Lk 8:8). The immediate call for deeper attention ("then") connects directly to the spiritual capacity given to the disciples — to know the "mysteries" of the Kingdom of God (Matt 13:11). This contrasts sharply with the "outsiders" who saw and heard but failed to perceive (Matt 13:13), fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Isa 6:9-10). The interpretation of the parable, introduced by this verse, provides the blueprint for understanding how the Word of God impacts individuals differently, based on the spiritual condition of their hearts, making it a foundational passage for discerning spiritual fruitfulness.

Matthew 13 18 Commentary

Matthew 13:18 serves as a pivotal invitation within Jesus' discourse on the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a direct command, "Hear then," urging active, attentive listening, particularly significant after Jesus' explanation to His disciples regarding why He speaks in parables – to reveal truth to them while veiling it from the unresponsive crowds (Matt 13:11-17). The imperative akouete emphasizes not just the act of hearing sounds but profound comprehension and spiritual discernment. This verse marks the beginning of the crucial interpretation, clarifying that "the parable of the sower" is not merely an agricultural illustration but a profound exposition of how God's Word is received (or rejected) by human hearts. It is a call to recognize the immense value of divine teaching and to align one's spiritual disposition with that of a fruitful recipient, contrasting with those who hear superficially or are unwilling to perceive.

Practical Usage:

• Active Listening: This verse encourages believers to approach scripture and spiritual teaching not with passive ears but with hearts eager to understand and apply.
• Spiritual Receptivity: It underscores the need for a prepared heart, a "good soil" disposition, to truly grasp and benefit from God's Word, acknowledging that true understanding is a gift.