FocusReceiving the word
Connection to the wholeThe parable and explanation make differing responses to the kingdom's word central to understanding the discourse.
interpretation Matthew 13:11
KJVHe answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Read it in context
The sower and the hearers
Start reading at Matthew 13:1 (Matthew 13:1 to Matthew 13:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The parable and explanation make differing responses to the kingdom's word central to understanding the discourse.
- 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
- 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
- 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
- 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
- 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
- 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
- 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
- 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
- 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
- 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
- 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
- 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
- 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
- 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
- 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
- 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
- 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
- 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
- 13:19 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.
- 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
- 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
- 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
- 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 13:1–13:58): Jesus teaches the crowds in parables and explains their meaning privately to His disciples; the chapter ends with the response in His own country. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The sower and the hearers. Read Matthew 13:1 through Matthew 13:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The parable and explanation make differing responses to the kingdom's word central to understanding the discourse. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The sower and the hearers (Matthew 13:1 to Matthew 13:23). Start reading at Matthew 13:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 13:1, Matthew 13:23, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
Hearing without understanding
NT explicitly identifies fulfillment
- Old Testament: Isaiah 6:9–10
- New Testament: Matthew 13:10–17 (current passage)
- New Testament: Mark 4:10–12
- New Testament: Luke 8:9–10
- New Testament: John 12:37–41
- New Testament: Acts 28:23–28
The New Testament applies Isaiah's words to resistant hearing. Matthew uses fulfillment language; John connects the unbelief to Isaiah; Acts records Paul's later application. These are related applications, not one single incident.
Related passages
- Because Matt 11:25-26 Matt 16:17 Ps 25:8-9,14 Isa 29:10 Isa 35:8 Mark 4:11 Luke 8:10 Luke 10:39-42
- mysteries Rom 16:25 1 Cor 2:7 1 Cor 4:1 1 Cor 13:2 1 Cor 15:51 Eph 1:9,18 Eph 3:3-9 Eph 5:32
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 13
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Growth and final separation
Matthew 13:24–43FocusWheat, tares, and kingdom growth
Connection to the wholeFurther parables describe the kingdom's present conditions and future judgment without making human appearance the final measure.
interpretation Value, judgment, and understanding
Matthew 13:44–52FocusTreasure and the net
Connection to the wholeThe treasure, pearl, and net stress the kingdom's worth and coming separation; the discourse closes by addressing instructed understanding.
interpretation Rejection at home
Matthew 13:53–58FocusFamiliarity and unbelief
Connection to the wholeThe return to Jesus' own country gives a narrative example of the unbelief the preceding teaching has explored.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.