Matthew 13:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:22 mean?

Matthew 13:22 describes a person who hears the message about God, but worries about daily life and the desire for wealth crowd out that message, so it does not produce any lasting result in their life. The verse uses the image of seed falling among thorns to show how outside pressures and distractions can prevent spiritual growth.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, explaining the meaning of his parable about a farmer sowing seed. He says that some people, like seed sown among thorns, hear his teaching but let concerns about the world and the pursuit of riches take over. This keeps the message from changing them or bearing any good results.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:22

• The word for "care" is μέριμνα (merimna), which means anxiety or worry. This highlights that everyday concerns can be powerful enough to "choke" spiritual growth.
• The word for "deceitfulness" is ἀπάτη (apatē), meaning trickery or being misled. The verse points out that wealth can be misleading, promising more than it delivers.
• The verb "choke" is συμπνίγω (sympnigō), which literally means to crowd or press together so tightly that something cannot breathe. This shows how worries and riches can suffocate the message, leaving it no room to grow.
• The word for "unfruitful" is ἄκαρπος (akarpos), meaning without fruit or result. The focus is on the lack of any visible or lasting change in a person’s life.

Why Matthew 13:22 matters

• Matthew 13:22 clarifies that simply hearing spiritual truth is not enough; outside pressures can prevent it from making a difference.
• The verse warns that both anxiety about life and the pursuit of wealth are not just distractions but can actively prevent spiritual growth.
• This explanation fits into Jesus’ larger teaching in the parable, showing different ways people respond to his message and why some responses do not lead to lasting change.