He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

MATTHEW 13:22KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“choke” Greek G4846 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 4:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
  • Mark 4:19 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.

“care” Greek G3308 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 4:19 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

“deceitfulness” Greek G539 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 4:19 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.
  • Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
  • Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“unfruitful” Greek G175 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 4:19 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.
  • Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
  • 2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.