Matthew 13 19

Matthew 13:19 kjv

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Matthew 13:19 nkjv

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

Matthew 13:19 niv

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Matthew 13:19 esv

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.

Matthew 13:19 nlt

The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 19 Meaning

Matthew 13:19 provides Jesus' own interpretation of the first type of soil described in the Parable of the Sower—the wayside or hardened path. It explains that the "word of the kingdom" is sown in the heart of "anyone who hears it but does not understand it." Due to this lack of understanding or spiritual receptivity, the evil one (Satan) immediately intervenes, forcefully taking away the message that was planted in their heart, preventing it from taking root or producing any fruit. This describes those who are completely unreceptive to God's message, allowing the enemy to steal it before it can make any impact.

Matthew 13 19 Context

Matthew chapter 13 focuses heavily on Jesus' teaching through parables, specifically "the parables of the kingdom of heaven." Jesus begins by teaching from a boat to large crowds gathered on the shore, using the agrarian imagery familiar to His audience. The Parable of the Sower (verses 1-9) is the first and foundational parable, acting as a key to understanding all subsequent parables in the chapter. The disciples later ask Jesus why He speaks in parables (v. 10), prompting His explanation (v. 11-17) that understanding the mysteries of the kingdom is granted to some but concealed from others, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Immediately after this, Jesus provides His own detailed interpretation of the Parable of the Sower to His disciples (verses 18-23). Verse 19 specifically addresses the first type of soil, explaining what happens when the word fails to take root, thus laying the groundwork for understanding spiritual receptivity or the lack thereof, in the context of the coming Kingdom.

Matthew 13 19 Word analysis

• When anyone hears (akouontos): The Greek term denotes the act of physical hearing but also implies a perceptive sense, though in this case, it is specifically contrasted with true understanding.
• the word (ton logon): Refers to the divine message, the gospel, the truth revealed by God. It is God's active, spoken, life-giving truth (compare 1 Pet 1:23).
• of the kingdom (tēs basileias): Points to the central theme of Jesus' preaching: God's sovereign rule and reign, inaugurated through Christ, encompassing spiritual and future realities. This distinguishes the message as God's specific revelation.
• and does not understand it (kai mē synientas): This is a critical distinction. Synientas implies a deep, comprehensive grasp, an intelligent putting together of facts, leading to genuine insight and intellectual assimilation. It's not just intellectual deficiency, but often spiritual disinterest or unreadiness to grasp divine truth, preventing a transformative encounter.
• the evil one (ho ponēros): In Greek, this is a definite article, signifying "the wicked one" or "the Evil One," which specifically refers to Satan (compare Mt 6:13; Jn 17:15; 1 Jn 2:13, 3:12, 5:18-19). He is the personal antagonist of God and humanity.
• comes (erchetai): Indicates an active, purposeful movement. The evil one does not wait; he acts immediately.
• and snatches away (kai harpazei): A forceful and violent act, meaning to seize, carry off, or steal suddenly and forcibly. It portrays Satan as a thief who plunders what is most valuable. This immediate action prevents any possibility of the word taking root.
• what was sown in his heart (to esparmen en tē kardia autou):
  • "sown": Reinforces the imagery of the seed (the word).
  • "in his heart" (en tē kardia autou): In biblical thought, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of a person's being—the center of intellect, will, reason, and moral choice. This indicates that the word at least reached the mind and conscience but was not integrated into the core being.
• This is he who received seed by the wayside (houtos estin ho para tēn hodon sparapeis): Jesus links the abstract interpretation directly back to the imagery of the parable. The "wayside" (a hardened path) metaphorically represents a hardened or unreceptive heart where the message cannot penetrate or be covered, thus easily snatched.

Word Group Analysis:

• "hears... but does not understand it": This phrase highlights the critical spiritual deficiency. It is possible to hear the physical sound of the gospel message (e.g., attending church, reading the Bible) without truly internalizing or comprehending its significance for one's life. This "non-understanding" is often rooted in spiritual dullness, indifference, or preoccupation with worldly matters, rendering the heart impervious to the Word's transformative power.
• "the evil one comes and snatches away": This portrays a dynamic, immediate spiritual battle. Satan is an active enemy who preys on unpreparedness and lack of understanding. He strategically intervenes to prevent conversion and spiritual growth, using methods such as distraction, immediate doubts, temptations, or fostering apathy to effectively "steal" the nascent seed of the Word before it can penetrate and sprout.

Matthew 13 19 Bonus section

• The rapidness of Satan's intervention highlights his awareness of the transformative power of "the word of the kingdom." He knows that if it is allowed even a little foothold, it can change everything, so he acts instantly to remove it.
• This interpretation by Jesus is vital as it prevents us from over-spiritualizing the parable's elements, providing direct, non-allegorical understanding. It clarifies that "the birds" of the parable are explicitly the evil one.
• The emphasis on "understanding" (synientas) suggests that true reception of the Word involves cognitive engagement, not just passive hearing. It's an active process of perceiving the spiritual implications and meaning of what is heard.
• The verse implies a warning about casual hearing or indifference to spiritual truth. While external factors (the evil one) play a role, the initial lack of internal receptivity makes the person vulnerable.

Matthew 13 19 Commentary

Matthew 13:19 serves as Jesus' authoritative exposition of the first type of unproductive soil in the Parable of the Sower. It reveals that the "wayside" listener is one who hears the message of God's kingdom superficially. The Greek word for "understand" (synientas) denotes more than intellectual recognition; it implies a cognitive grasp that leads to acceptance and ethical response. Without this deeper understanding and acceptance, the heart remains hard, like a well-trodden path.

In such a state, the "evil one" – Satan, God's archenemy – swiftly intervenes. The term "snatches away" (harpazei) is a strong verb indicating forceful, immediate theft or plundering. Satan acts quickly, before the truth can penetrate and take root in the core of the person's being (the "heart," representing the mind, will, and conscience). His goal is to ensure that the divine word never takes hold, preventing conversion, faith, and the beginning of a transformed life.

This verse emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the adversary's immediate intent to sabotage the spread of the kingdom message. It also underscores human responsibility in hearing and understanding; while Satan acts, the foundational problem is a lack of genuine understanding and receptivity on the part of the listener. It's not a failure of the seed (the Word) or the sower (Jesus/preacher), but of the unplowed, unsoftened "soil."Practical examples: Someone who hears the gospel but immediately dismisses it as irrelevant; someone whose mind is distracted by immediate concerns or entertainment, preventing contemplation of spiritual truth; a person who harbors prejudices or hardens their heart against change.