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Luke 8

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

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

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

What does Luke 8:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Luke 8:11, contains Jesus' own explanation of a parable he had just told, known as the Parable of the Sower.

He is clarifying to his disciples that the 'seed' in his story represents the word of God.

In the broader context of the parable, the 'seed' is scattered on various types of ground, which symbolize the different ways people receive and respond to God's message.

This particular verse emphasizes the nature of the 'seed', illustrating that Jesus' teachings (the word of God) are intended to be sown in the hearts of listeners.

The 'seed' needs to find fertile soil (a receptive heart) to grow and bear fruit, which signifies a fruitful, faithful life.

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Historical Context

Luke 8:11 was written in a first-century Greco-Roman context, where agriculture was a common part of daily life and easily understood by Jesus' audience.

Parables were a common teaching tool used by rabbis during this time.

They conveyed spiritual truths through simple stories, often drawn from everyday occurrences.

Jesus used parables to both reveal and conceal the truth about the Kingdom of God, depending on the openness of the audience.

The parable of the sower was shared with a crowd by the Sea of Galilee, a rural area where farming was a significant part of life.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse brings to light the sovereignty of God in salvation and the human responsibility to respond to God's word.

Some Calvinistic interpretations may emphasize God's role in preparing the 'soil' of the heart to receive the 'seed.' In contrast, Arminian viewpoints might focus more on the individual's free-will response to the message of the gospel.

Another angle is the perspective of the 'seed' representing the logos (Word), which is a concept prevalent in the Gospel of John relating to Jesus as the living Word of God.

Practical Applications

Application of Luke 8:11 in daily life involves being conscious of the state of one's heart.

Are we receptive to God's word, or are we letting the worries, riches, and pleasures of life choke out what we have heard? Additionally, for those who teach or share the word of God, there is an encouragement to sow generously, despite knowing that not all seed will take root and grow.

Christians are also responsible for nurturing their spiritual 'soil' through prayer, study, and community to ensure they are receptive to spiritual growth.

Cross-References

Matthew 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."

Mark 4:14: "The sower soweth the word."
Isaiah 55:10-11: "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
Jeremiah 31:27: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast."
1 Peter 1:23: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for 'seed' used in Luke 8:11 is "σπέρμα" (sperma), which figuratively can mean "something sown," i.e., "word or message." 'Word of God' translates to "λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ" (logos tou Theou), where "λόγος" (logos) is a significant term in Hellenistic philosophy and Judaism, often connoting the divine reason or plan.

The use of "σπέρμα" here underscores the active and life-giving quality of the word of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the idea of a seed often symbolizes life, fertility, and creation.

In Egyptian mythology, for example, the god Osiris is associated with rebirth and the growth of crops.

Within Hinduism, the metaphor of seeds can represent the potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The usage of agricultural metaphors in religious texts speaks to their universality and relatability across cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, understanding the growth process of seeds can enrich the interpretation of this parable.

Just as seeds require suitable conditions (appropriate soil, water, light) to grow, the word of God needs a receptive 'environment' in individuals.

Modern studies in psychology and sociology could also delve into how ideas spread and take root in human communities, drawing parallels to the dissemination of religious beliefs.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered insights into Luke 8:11.

John Calvin, for instance, might emphasize the efficacy of God's word in the hearts of the elect.

Matthew Henry would likely highlight the importance of understanding the word to prevent Satan from snatching away the seed.

Contemporary commentators often focus on the transformative power of the word of God when it is received with an open heart, emphasizing the need for ongoing personal reflection and commitment to spiritual growth.

Luke 8

Luke 8

What does Luke 8:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 8:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?