Consider, then:This phrase invites the listener to reflect deeply on the teaching that follows. It suggests a call to attention and understanding, emphasizing the importance of the message. In biblical context, Jesus often used parables to convey spiritual truths, requiring the audience to engage thoughtfully. The word "consider" implies a need for discernment and contemplation, aligning with
Proverbs 2:2-5, which encourages seeking wisdom and understanding.
the parable of the sower:
This parable is one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus, found in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 13:3-9,Mark 4:3-9,Luke 8:5-8). It uses agricultural imagery familiar to a first-century agrarian society in Palestine. The sower represents Jesus or anyone who proclaims the Word of God. The different types of soil symbolize the varied responses of human hearts to the gospel message. Historically, sowing seeds was a common practice, and the audience would understand the challenges of farming, such as rocky soil and thorns. This parable also connects toIsaiah 55:10-11, where God's word is likened to rain and snow that nourish the earth, emphasizing the power and purpose of divine revelation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is the one teaching the parable. He is the Messiah and the Son of God, imparting divine wisdom through parables.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' explanation. They are followers of Christ, seeking to understand His teachings more deeply.
3.
The SowerWhile not a person in this specific verse, the sower represents anyone who spreads the Word of God. In the broader context, it can also symbolize Jesus Himself.
4.
The Parable of the SowerA teaching tool used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths through a simple account about a farmer sowing seeds.
5.
The SeedSymbolizes the Word of God, which is spread among different types of soil, representing the hearts of people.
Teaching Points
Understanding the WordIt is crucial to seek understanding of God's Word, as Jesus explains the parable to His disciples. Without understanding, the Word can be easily snatched away.
Condition of the HeartReflect on the condition of your heart. Are you receptive to God's Word, like good soil, or are there obstacles preventing growth?
Active ListeningJesus calls us to "consider" the parable, emphasizing the importance of active listening and reflection on His teachings.
Spiritual GrowthJust as seeds need the right conditions to grow, our spiritual lives require nurturing through prayer, study, and obedience to God's Word.
Evangelism and DiscipleshipAs sowers of the Word, we are called to spread the Gospel, trusting God for the growth and transformation in others' lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 13:18?
2.How can we better understand the "parable of the sower" in Matthew 13:18?
3.What steps can we take to avoid being the "path" in our faith?
4.How does Matthew 13:18 connect to other parables about spiritual growth?
5.In what ways can we ensure our hearts are fertile soil for God's Word?
6.How can we help others understand the message of Matthew 13:18 in their lives?
7.What is the significance of the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:18?
8.How does Matthew 13:18 challenge our understanding of spiritual receptivity?
9.Why did Jesus use parables like in Matthew 13:18 to convey His message?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?
11.What lessons do Jesus' parables teach us?
12.What is the musical 'Godspell' about?
13.What defines a parable?
14.Did Jesus speak secretly? John 18:20 says no, but Mark 4:34 and Matthew 13:10-11 suggest he explained parables privately to his disciples.What Does Matthew 13:18 Mean
Consider“Consider, then, the parable of the sower:” (Matthew 13:18) begins with a clear, personal command. The Lord is calling each hearer to stop, think, and weigh His words carefully.
•Psalm 119:15 affirms the same posture: “I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways.”
•Joshua 1:8 reminds us that meditation leads to obedience and blessing.
•2 Timothy 2:7 echoes Jesus’ appeal: “Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.”
Taking time to ponder Scripture is not optional; it is the pathway to understanding and fruitfulness.
ThenThe small word “then” links what Jesus is about to say with what He has already said. He has just spoken of eyes that see and ears that hear (Matthew 13:16-17), and now He moves to unfold the meaning behind His story.
•Mark 4:13 shows a similar progression: once the parable is told, explanation follows so disciples are not left in the dark.
•Proverbs 4:7 teaches, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom,” highlighting that understanding follows hearing when we pursue it step by step.
“Then” assures us that divine revelation comes in an ordered way: God speaks, we listen, and illumination follows.
The parableJesus did not choose a lecture but a parable—a story laid alongside daily life to convey eternal truth.
•Psalm 78:2 foretold, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from of old.”
•Matthew 13:34 notes that “He did not tell them anything without a parable,” underscoring the central place of storytelling in His teaching.
• Parables reveal truths to the receptive while concealing them from the indifferent (Matthew 13:10-13).
This literary form invites imagination yet demands spiritual insight, bridging the familiar with the unseen.
Of the sowerBy naming the story “of the sower,” Jesus spotlights the one who spreads the seed.
•Mark 4:14 identifies the sower plainly: “The farmer sows the word.”
•Luke 8:11 clarifies, “The seed is the word of God.”
•Isaiah 55:10-11 promises that God’s word never returns empty but accomplishes His purpose.
•1 Peter 1:23 explains that new birth itself springs from this imperishable seed.
The emphasis is not on the cleverness of the farmer but on the power of the seed and the varied responses of the soil—hearts that either receive or resist the living word.
summaryMatthew 13:18 is Jesus’ invitation to deliberate, sequential, Spirit-led reflection. First, heed His call to “consider”; next, follow the logical “then” into deeper insight; embrace the teaching method He chose—“the parable”; and finally, focus on the central figure, “the sower,” whose seed is the life-giving word of God. When we slow down to take this verse seriously, we position ourselves to understand the entire parable and to bear the thirty-, sixty-, and hundred-fold harvest He desires.
(18)
Hear ye therefore.--The "ye" is emphatic. The interpretation which is withheld from others is given to
you.Verses 18-23. -
The explanation of the parable of the sower. Parallel passages:
Mark 4:13-20;
Luke 8:11-15. Observe that after the preceding verses St. Matthew's readers would the more easily catch the lesson of the parable.
Verse 18. - Matthew only.
Hear ye therefore; Revised Version,
hear ye then, which leaves more room for the rightful emphasis on
ye (
ὑμεῖς) than the Authorized Version, but hardly gives the full force of
οϋν (
therefore)
, i.e. in accordance with the privileges that have been given you.
The parable of the sower.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Consider,ἀκούσατε(akousate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.then,οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.parableπαραβολὴν(parabolēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3850:From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sower:σπείραντος(speirantos)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4687:To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 13:18 Hear then the parable of the farmer (Matt. Mat Mt) 
