Matthew 13:19

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

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus explains the parable of the sower to his disciples, opening with the first of four seed-types (v. 18). This is the least fruitful case, presented first.

The words — μὴ (mē), "not," is the hinge of the verse; the entire failure rests on the negation of understanding that follows hearing.

The thread — Luke 8:11 confirms the seed is "the word of God," and Hebrews 2:1 warns against drifting from what has been heard, echoing the same danger of passive reception.

Why it lands — It names a specific failure: hearing without comprehension, which leaves the word exposed to being snatched away. The reader is asked to test whether their own hearing produces understanding or merely registers sound.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Luke 8:11 Now this is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
Hebrews 2:1 We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Matthew 13:38 The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,
1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.
Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,
1 John 3:12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 17:16 Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
Proverbs 18:1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.