What does Matthew 13:7 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 13:7 is part of a larger section often referred to as the Parable of the Sower or the Parable of the Soils.

In this particular verse, Jesus describes a situation where seeds, which the sower scatters, fall among thorns.

The seeds begin to grow, but the thorns that are also growing in the same soil choke them, preventing them from maturing and producing grain.

Literally, this illustrates how seeds cannot thrive when they compete with thorns for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

The deeper meaning of this verse is symbolic.

The seeds represent the word of God or the Kingdom of Heaven's message, and the thorns represent the cares, riches, and pleasures of life that can distract and overwhelm a person, preventing them from fully accepting and implementing the teachings of Jesus in their life.

The growth of the seed is symbolic of spiritual growth and the producing of fruit (good works, spiritual maturity).

The choking by thorns signifies the obstruction of spiritual progress due to worldly concerns and materialism.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a primarily Jewish context and addresses both Jewish and Gentile audiences.

The parables were a common teaching method used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths using familiar everyday situations that His listeners would understand.

In the agrarian society of first-century Palestine, people would have been familiar with the challenges of farming, including the problem of weeds and thorns overgrowing crops.

Jesus drew on this common knowledge as a way to impart a spiritual lesson that was relatable yet thought-provoking.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions place diverse emphasis on this parable.

In Calvinist or Reformed theology, this verse might be seen as a depiction of the doctrine of Irresistible Grace, suggesting that those predestined for salvation will produce fruit, while the rest may initially receive the word but will ultimately be unfruitful.

Arminian theology may use this verse to emphasize human free will and personal responsibility in responding to God’s word.

Catholic tradition often references this passage when discussing the concept of mortal sin, teaching that allowing the 'thorns' of sin to overgrow can choke off the life of grace within a person.

Practical Applications

The modern believer can apply this verse by examining their own life for 'thorns', distractions, excessive worries, and materialistic desires, that may hinder spiritual growth.

The verse serves as a warning to prioritize one’s spiritual life and to be vigilant about the influences that compete for attention and loyalty, potentially choking out one's commitment to faith and practice of the word of God.

Cross-References

• Mark 4:18-19 - "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, [19] And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
• Luke 8:14 - "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."
• Hebrews 6:7-8 - "For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: [8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse are:

• "fell" (epesen): This is a simple past tense verb indicating a past action, portraying the incidental nature of the seeds' final resting place.
• "thorns" (akanthais): Referring to various types of prickly plants or shrubs.

Historically, these would be common native plants understood by the audience to impede growth and productivity.

• "sprung up" (anebēsan): This verb indicates a growing action, often uncontested, reinforcing the natural process by which thorns would grow alongside sown seeds.
• "choked" (sypnigō): This verb is much more intense, meaning to suffocate or strangle.

It vividly portrays the detrimental effect the thorns have on the seeds.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, agricultural metaphors were widely understood and utilized in various religious texts to represent life, prosperity, and divine-human relationships.

The use of such a parable by Jesus would not have been unique in religious teaching but was impactful due to its simplicity and depth.

Comparatively, other ancient myths might use the imagery of plants and growth to represent divine favor or disfavor.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern agronomical perspective, this verse accurately represents the competition that plants face in a shared environment.

Weeds and thorns compete with crops for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, and without proper management, the less competitive crops can indeed be 'choked' out, resulting in poor yields or failure to thrive.

Commentaries

Experts reflect a consensus that Matthew 13:7 serves as an allegory about spiritual receptiveness and the danger of allowing life's worries and material pursuits to dominate one's priorities.

Various commentaries emphasize the importance of preparing one's heart to receive the word of God akin to preparing soil for planting.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests this represents a heart preoccupied with worldly concerns.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the historical and cultural setting that brings the parable to life, as thorns and weeds were a common problem in Ancient Near Eastern agriculture.