But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

MATTHEW 13:23KJV
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Matthew 13:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:23 mean?

Matthew 13:23 describes the person who hears and understands the message about God's kingdom, comparing them to good soil that produces a rich harvest—some yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. This verse highlights that true understanding leads to a fruitful and abundant response in a person's life.

In this verse, Jesus is explaining the meaning of the parable of the sower to his disciples. He uses the image of "good ground" to represent people who not only listen to his teaching but also grasp its meaning and let it shape their lives. The different amounts of fruit—hundredfold, sixty, thirty—show that the results can vary, but all are considered good outcomes.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:23

  • γῆ (gē, "ground"): This word means "earth" or "soil." Here, it points to the kind of person who is open and receptive, able to nurture what is planted.
  • συνίημι (syniēmi, "understandeth"): This word means more than just hearing; it carries the sense of truly grasping or putting together the meaning. Jesus emphasizes that understanding is what makes the difference between fruitfulness and barrenness.
  • καρποφορέω (karpophoreō, "beareth fruit"): This word means to produce or bear fruit, suggesting visible, tangible results from receiving and understanding the message.
  • ἑκατονταπλασίων (hekatontaplasion, "hundredfold"), ἑξήκοντα (hexēkonta, "sixty"), τριάκοντα (triakonta, "thirty"): These numbers show that the yield can differ, but the focus is on the abundance that comes from genuine understanding.

Why Matthew 13:23 matters

  • Matthew 13:23 clarifies that simply hearing Jesus' words is not enough; real change comes from understanding and letting the message take root.
  • The verse shows that spiritual growth and results can look different for each person, but all genuine responses are valuable.
  • This explanation connects back to the whole parable, where different soils represent different responses to Jesus' teaching, helping readers see the importance of being receptive and thoughtful listeners.

Where else these words appear

“also” Greek G1211 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

“fruit” Greek G2592 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
  • Luke 8:15 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.
  • Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

“sixty” Greek G1835 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
  • Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
  • 1 Timothy 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

“thirty” Greek G5144 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
  • Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
  • Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being(as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,