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 13:19KJV
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Matthew 13:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:19 mean?

Matthew 13:19 describes how, when someone hears the message about God’s kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and removes what was planted in their heart, like seed that falls on a hard path and gets snatched away. This verse explains why some people hear spiritual truth but it never takes root in their lives.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, explaining the meaning of the parable of the sower. He describes a situation where the message about the kingdom of God is given, but the listener’s heart is not open or able to grasp it. The “wicked one” refers to a spiritual enemy who actively works to prevent understanding, so the message does not have a chance to grow.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:19

  • λόγος (logos, G3056): This word means “word” or “message.” Here, it refers specifically to the message about the kingdom of God, showing that what is being sown is not just any information, but a significant spiritual truth.
  • βασιλεία (basileia, G932): This means “kingdom.” The focus is on the kingdom of God, which is central to Jesus’ teaching—so the message being lost is about God’s rule and presence.
  • πονηρός (ponēros, G4190): Translated as “wicked one,” this word often refers to an active force of evil, not just general badness. In this context, it points to a personal enemy (often understood as the devil) who opposes spiritual understanding.
  • συνίημι (syniēmi, G4920): This verb means “to understand” or “to put together.” The verse highlights that simply hearing the message is not enough; real understanding is needed for it to take root.

Why Matthew 13:19 matters

  • Matthew 13:19 clarifies that spiritual truth can be lost if it is not truly understood, even if someone hears it clearly.
  • The verse emphasizes the active role of spiritual opposition in preventing people from grasping the message about God’s kingdom.
  • By connecting this explanation to the parable of the sower, Jesus helps listeners see why some people seem unaffected by spiritual teaching, even when they are exposed to it.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G726 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
  • John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

“understandeth” Greek G4920 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
  • Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

“sown” Greek G4687 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
  • Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

“wicked” Greek G4190 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.