Matthew 13: First kingdom parable: sower

Review from 2023-07-02:

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [kjv]

τι ουν ερουμεν προς ταυτα ει ο θεος υπερ ημων τις καθ ημων [gnt]

… haec … pro … contra … [v]

Connective paraphrase: Since God is above us (verses before - these things - above in the text), then who (might it be that) is down on us (following verses and chapters - down below in the text)?

The word slide started with the Latin.

"pro" ≈ "for, on behalf of, in front of".
"contra" ≈ "against, contrary".

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 1)

Review from 2023-07-09:

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [kjv]

8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [kjv]

Some pastors will make the bold claim that "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ". From the Greek text, the only "other (different)" "creature" that can separate "you" from the "love of Christ" is "you". So, Paul's list omits "false teaching", "deception", and other things that he covers in following chapters.

Discussion: What might be an ulterior motive as to why a pastor would make such a claim that does not fit the text?

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

Review from 2023-07-16:

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]

10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]

10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "στρουθός" ≈ "sparrow". The "sparrow" bird appears two times in the LXX (Septuagint) and four times in the GNT (Greek New Testament). In the GNT, the translation is of humans being of "more value" than the "sparrows" but the Greek says that you are (or should be) "different".

Paraphrase: All the sparrows (of the evil one) who sell themselves (or others) out for earthly gain will fall on that earthly ground because they are without God the Father.

More: Matthew 6: The missing part worked out for the birds

More: Matthew 10: Taking care of the sparrows

Is this wasp spray good for wasps?

No. It kills them.

God is good. Is God good for you?

(discuss)

Might this change the meaning of "God will take care of you"? Is that "reward" good or bad? What is a "just reward"? What is "recompense"? Do you get "stressed" thinking about just "desserts"?

Details are left as a future topic.

More: Matthew 10: Taking care of the sparrows

The song "God will take care of you" was written in 1904 by Civilla D. Martin (1866-1948). Her husband, W. S. Martin (1862-1925) wrote the music. Because of her health, she remained home most of the time.

In 1905 she wrote "His eye is on the sparrow". Charles H. Gabriel wrote the music.

Born in Canada, she spent most of her life in Atlanta, GA, as a member of the First Christian Church.
Music: God will take care of you

More: Song: His eye is on the sparrow

More: Song: God will take care of you

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
through ev'ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
through ev'ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of evil men. [bs3]

μακιαριος ανηρ ος ουκ επορευθη εν βουλη ασεβων και εν οδω αμαρτωλων ουκ εστη και επι καθεδραν λοιμων ουκ εκαθισεν [lxx]

Psalms 1 presents an interesting bottom-up forward-chaining progression of the toleration and acceptance of sin. It is a slippery slope. From the "not" and "nor", there are three ways to avoid.

Walk stand sit

1. walking in the counsel of the ungodly (associate like "fish")
2. standing with (in the way of) sinners (condone like "pigs")
3. sitting in the seat of scornful (participate like "birds")

Barnabas makes these connections but Jesus uses each of "fish", "pigs", "birds" and "sheep" (and others) in corresponding roles.

More: Psalms 1: Here come the pigs

▶

1 Fish

2 Pig

3 Bird

4 Sheep

The first kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is the "parable of the sower". The explanation provided by Jesus covers three ways that one can be separated from the love of Christ.

seed by the wayside (birds, false teaching and deception)
seed among the stones (pigs, standing in the way, persecution)
seed in the thorns (fish, swimming in worldly cares and concerns)

Each of these is part of a problem-solving scenario. Let us go through an idealized problem solving scenario and then adapt it to this parable. Jesus says to "use our ears" so we must listen for play-on-word meanings in addition to the obvious meaning.

Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [kjv]

Planting seeds is a way in which to reproduce the essential part of the seed. Using creative and funny techniques, I may have "planted" some "seedy" "artichokes".

Mark 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. [kjv]

αυτοματη η γη καρποφορει πρωτον χορτον ειτεν σταχυν πληρη σιτον εν τω σταχυι [gnt]

The earth bringeth forth fruit of herself - automatically. The ancient Greek word "αὐτόματος" ≈ "self-willed, self-moving" and is the source of the English word "automatic" and comes from two Greek words.

The ancient Greek word "αὐτο" ≈ "self" (and is a pronoun for masculine "it" or "he").
The ancient Greek word "μένος" ≈ "mind" as in thinking.

The GNT uses the word for "automatic" to refer to fruit growing automatically on trees and for automatic doors.

More: Genesis 1: A seed within itself, the chicken or the egg

More: Stoics and Epicureans

Mark 4:28

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KJV: For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

Greek: αυτοματη γαρ η γη καρποφορει πρωτον χορτον ειτα ειτεν σταχυν ειτα ειτεν πληρη σιτον εν τω σταχυι

Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. [kjv]

και ειπεν ο θεος βλαστησατω η γη βοτανην χορτου σπειρον σπερμα κατα γενος και καθ ομοιοτητα και ξυλον καρπιμον ποιουν καρπον ου το σπερμα αυτου εν αυτω κατα γενος επι της γης και εγενετο ουτως [lxx]

In general, the question, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg" refers to a situation where there are two objects that each depend on the other and the problem is to determine which came first.
Somehow, the information for the egg needs to be within the chicken. This is a self-referential system.

In Genesis 1:11-12 we have an example of this with fruit, "whose seed is in itself". Modern self-replicating programs provide an example of this idea.

More: Genesis 1: A seed within itself, the chicken or the egg

Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; [kjv]

και ελαλησεν αυτοις πολλα εν παραβολαις λεγων ιδου εξηλθεν ο σπειρων του σπειρειν [gnt]

13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]

και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ελθοντα τα πετεινα κατεφαγεν αυτα [gnt]

Both the "birds" (by Jesus) and the "lion" (by Peter) have been used as the "evil one" ready to "devour".

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [kjv]

νηψατε γρηγορησατε ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων καταπιειν [gnt]

Matthew 13:3

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KJV: And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

Greek: και ελαλησεν αυτοις πολλα εν παραβολαις λεγων ιδου εξηλθεν ο σπειρων του σπειρειν

Matthew 13:4

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KJV: And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

Greek: και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ηλθεν ελθοντα τα πετεινα και κατεφαγεν αυτα

1 Peter 5:8

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KJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Greek: νηψατε γρηγορησατε οτι ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων τινα καταπιη καταπιειν

Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι τα πετρωδη οπου ουκ ειχεν γην πολλην και ευθεως εξανετειλεν δια το μη εχειν βαθος γης [gnt]

13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. [kjv]

ηλιου δε ανατειλαντος εκαυματισθη και δια το μη εχειν ριζαν εξηρανθη [gnt]

What are the "stony places"?
What is the "deepness" of "earth"?

In the "stony places" one might end up "between a rock and a hard place". The corresponding Greek word is one of those things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ.

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

Matthew 13:5

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KJV: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

Greek: αλλα δε επεσεν επι τα πετρωδη οπου ουκ ειχεν γην πολλην και ευθεως εξανετειλεν δια το μη εχειν βαθος γης

Matthew 13:6

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KJV: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Greek: ηλιου δε ανατειλαντος εκαυματισθη και δια το μη εχειν ριζαν εξηρανθη

Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding there in with thanksgiving. [kjv]

ερριζωμενοι και εποικοδομουμενοι εν αυτω και βεβαιουμενοι τη πιστει καθως εδιδαχθητε περισσευοντες εν αυτη εν ευχαριστια [gnt]

radicati … superaedificati … didicistis … gratiarum … [v]

The ancient Greek word "ῥίζα" ≈ "root" of a plant and, later, as a math root such as the square root of two. It is related to the Latin word "radix" ≈ "root" and the English word "root" from the Old English word "wyrt" ≈ "root".
The English word "radical" comes from the Latin word "radicalis" ≈ "pertaining to the root, having roots".

The Gothic word "waurts" ≈ "root".

More: Radical square and other roots

The song "Jesus loves the little children" is by Clare Woolton (1856-1927), a Baptist minister who lived in New Jersey and Philadelphia. The tune is by George Frederick Root (1820-1895) that was used for the American Civil War song "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" or "Prisoner's hope". His pseudo-name was "Wurzel", German for "root" (his last name). Music: Jesus loves the little children

More: Song: Jesus loves the little children

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world;
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in his sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Colors 1

A square root of a tree may not be obvious. How about a cube root? In the Bible:

Mountains represent empires.
Trees represent the human infrastructure of an empire.
The birds represent people who make nests in the tree.
The root represents the human leader of the tree.
A fox may have to settle for a den near the tree root.

More: Radical square and other roots

Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [kjv]

ηδη δε η αξινη προς την ριζαν των δενδρων κειται παν ουν δενδρον μη ποιουν καρπον καλον εκκοπτεται και εις πυρ βαλλεται [gnt]

To what is Matthew referring?

fish fry

root

rude

root

What could this "tree" refer to historically?

More: Radical square and other roots

Matthew 3:10

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KJV: And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Greek: ηδη δε και η αξινη προς την ριζαν των δενδρων κειται παν ουν δενδρον μη ποιουν καρπον καλον εκκοπτεται και εις πυρ βαλλεται

Latin: iam enim securis ad radicem arborum posita est omnis ergo arbor quae non facit fructum bonum exciditur et in ignem mittitur

Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι τας ακανθας και ανεβησαν αι ακανθαι και απεπνιξαν αυτα [gnt]

13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι την γην την καλην και εδιδου καρπον ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

Can a seed be "choked"? (not an artichoke seed)
Can "thorns" "choke" a growing seed?

For fun, someone once tried to strangle me.

I guess the choke was on me.

Note the decreasing productivity of the seeds: 100 then 60 then 30. Why?

Matthew 13:7

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KJV: And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

Greek: αλλα δε επεσεν επι τας ακανθας και ανεβησαν αι ακανθαι και απεπνιξαν αυτα

Matthew 13:8

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KJV: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Greek: αλλα δε επεσεν επι την γην την καλην και εδιδου καρπον ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? [kjv]

και προσελθοντες οι μαθηται ειπαν αυτω δια τι εν παραβολαις λαλεις αυτοις [gnt]

13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. [kjv]

ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν οτι υμιν δεδοται γνωναι τα μυστηρια της βασιλειας των ουρανων εκεινοις δε ου δεδοται [gnt]

In the GNT, the words "parable" and "proverb" are used interchangeably.

$Expanded$

What Jesus says is to be a "mystery" or remain "secret" from some listeners until they are "initiated" into the faith. The word "mystery" was "rooted" in Pythagoras and his "secret" society.

More: Parables and secret codes explained by Jesus

More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery

Matthew 13:9

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KJV: Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Greek: ο εχων ωτα ακουειν ακουετω

Matthew 13:10

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KJV: And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Greek: και προσελθοντες οι μαθηται ειπον ειπαν αυτω δια τι εν παραβολαις λαλεις αυτοις

Matthew 13:11

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KJV: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις οτι υμιν δεδοται γνωναι τα μυστηρια της βασιλειας των ουρανων εκεινοις δε ου δεδοται

$Expanded$

In about 500 B.C., Pythagoras had a secret society who membership was a mystery to anyone outside the group. It was a closed group and required a special initiation.
Pythagoras had a simple proof (omitted) to show the irrationality of the square root of two. This secret was not to be revealed to anyone outside the group. The punishment for revealing this secret was death.

The Greek word for "mystery" is based on the Greek word for "initiation" as in a member to a group that is "shut" until one is "initiated". The term "mystery cult" is still heard today.

Do whole numbers exist? Do real numbers exist? Explain.

More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery

Matthew 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. [kjv]

οστις γαρ εχει δοθησεται αυτω και περισσευθησεται οστις δε ουκ εχει και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου [gnt]

When is the last time you have heard this verse covered in church?
No winners! Everyone gets a participation trophy!

How does what Jesus says here compare to the idea of humanistic "socialism"? How about "capitalism"?

In general, the "humanistic" ideas of "socialism" are directly opposed to the Bible. Some, but not all, aspects of "capitalism" agree with the Bible.

Matthew 13:12

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KJV: For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Greek: οστις γαρ εχει δοθησεται αυτω και περισσευθησεται οστις δε ουκ εχει και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. [kjv]

13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: [kjv]

Here are some definition from the field of security (from the last few hundred years).

A "code" is a message where words are exchanged with other words to get the meaning. This is done using a "code book".
A "secret code" is a coded message where not everyone is to be able to understand the message.

Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. [kjv]

Jesus often uses code words so that sayings have more than one meaning. All the meanings can be true. The encoded (literal) form makes (some) sense and the decoded form makes sense. In general:

Noun words can be code words. Pronouns can be ambiguous.
Verb words are carefully chosen to work in both contexts.

By definition, in the security field, a code word is a word that needs to be substituted with another word (e.g., using a code book) to determine the meaning. By definition, in the security field, a secret code is a code whose meaning is to be obscured to anyone without the code book.

So Jesus, by definition, uses secret codes. However, these codes appear to provide only authentication information (and warnings about certain heresies) but no special salvation knowledge - which is always is clear text.

More: Parables and secret codes explained by Jesus

Codes
Parable	Meaning	Example	Example	Example	Example
encoded	hidden	field	mountain	mustard seed	tree
decoded	clear	world	empire	?	?

Example: Parable #3 - mustard seed

Encoded text: "The mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds". Reality: It is not. Does not matter. This is the encoded text.
Encoded text: "It grows into a tree". Reality: It does not. Does not matter. This is the encoded text.
Decoded text: Need to know the code words for "mustard seed" and "tree".

Jesus provides many of the code word meanings, but not all of them. Let us follow the advice of Jesus and "use our ears".

More: Matthew 13: Third kingdom parable: mustard seeds and trees

Matthew 13:13

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KJV: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Greek: δια τουτο εν παραβολαις αυτοις λαλω οτι βλεποντες ου βλεπουσιν και ακουοντες ουκ ακουουσιν ουδε συνιουσιν

Matthew 13:14

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KJV: And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Greek: και αναπληρουται επ αυτοις η προφητεια ησαιου η λεγουσα ακοη ακουσετε και ου μη συνητε και βλεποντες βλεψετε και ου μη ιδητε

Isaiah 6:9

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KJV: And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Hebrew: ויאמר לך ואמרת לעם הזה שמעו שמוע ואל תבינו וראו ראו ואל תדעו׃

Greek: και ειπεν πορευθητι και ειπον τω λαω τουτω ακοη ακουσετε και ου μη συνητε και βλεποντες βλεψετε και ου μη ιδητε

Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [kjv]

13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. [kjv]

13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. [kjv]

Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. [kjv]

Isaiah 6:10

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KJV: Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Hebrew: השמן לב העם הזה ואזניו הכבד ועיניו השע פן יראה בעיניו ובאזניו ישמע ולבבו יבין ושב ורפא לו׃

Greek: επαχυνθη γαρ η καρδια του λαου τουτου και τοις ωσιν αυτων βαρεως ηκουσαν και τους οφθαλμους αυτων εκαμμυσαν μηποτε ιδωσιν τοις οφθαλμοις και τοις ωσιν ακουσωσιν και τη καρδια συνωσιν και επιστρεψωσιν και ιασομαι αυτους

Matthew 13:15

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KJV: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Greek: επαχυνθη γαρ η καρδια του λαου τουτου και τοις ωσιν βαρεως ηκουσαν και τους οφθαλμους αυτων εκαμμυσαν μηποτε ιδωσιν τοις οφθαλμοις και τοις ωσιν ακουσωσιν και τη καρδια συνωσιν και επιστρεψωσιν και ιασωμαι ιασομαι αυτους

Matthew 13:16

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KJV: But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Greek: υμων δε μακαριοι οι οφθαλμοι οτι βλεπουσιν και τα ωτα υμων οτι ακουει ακουουσιν

Matthew 13:17

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KJV: For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Greek: αμην γαρ λεγω υμιν οτι πολλοι προφηται και δικαιοι επεθυμησαν ιδειν α βλεπετε και ουκ ειδον ειδαν και ακουσαι α ακουετε και ουκ ηκουσαν

Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [kjv]

υμεις ουν ακουσατε την παραβολην του σπειραντος [gnt]

Jesus will now explain this parable. He does so for three of the seven parables. In doing so, Jesus uses nouns as code words. He does this so the people will not understand. By definition in the security field, this is a "secret code".

Codes that are obviously codes: (draws attention)

Is the purple cold?
Is it loud?

Codes that are not obvious: (blends in, steganograhpy) [collect calls, telegraph]

Is the pizza ready?
Is it hot?

More: Parables and secret codes explained by Jesus

Matthew 13:18

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KJV: Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Greek: υμεις ουν ακουσατε την παραβολην του σπειροντος σπειραντος

▶

1 What goal?

2 Wrong goal

3 Give up

4 Distracted

5 Indirect to goal

6 Direct to goal

Let us now apply these problem solving approaches to the parable of the sower.

Some never get the word or do not recognize the goal. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is to make sure everyone who needs to hear the Good News will hear it.

These are fish where Jesus says to be "fishers of men".

No: "Come and see" (visual, deceptive).
Yes: "Come and understand".

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [kjv]

28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. [kjv]

No: "Go and show" (visual, deceptive). Yes: "Go and teach".

Matthew 28:19

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KJV: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Greek: πορευθεντες ουν μαθητευσατε παντα τα εθνη βαπτιζοντες αυτους εις το ονομα του πατρος και του υιου και του αγιου πνευματος

Matthew 28:20

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KJV: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Greek: διδασκοντες αυτους τηρειν παντα οσα ενετειλαμην υμιν και ιδου εγω μεθ υμων ειμι πασας τας ημερας εως της συντελειας του αιωνος αμην

Some fall by the wayside. The birds, representing the evil one and those who work for him (functionally the same) use deception and false teaching to create a false goal. The seed do not understand and follow that wrong goal.

They may be happy in pursuing that wrong goal, but will be surprised in the end (as in the parable of the sheep and goats).

The Greek for "hear" assumes "understanding".

Matthew 13:19 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. [kjv]

παντος ακουοντος τον λογον της βασιλειας και μη συνιεντος ερχεται ο πονηρος και αρπαζει το εσπαρμενον εν τη καρδια αυτου ουτος εστιν ο παρα την οδον σπαρεις [gnt]

The temptation is to be "willingly ignorant" and become a "bird" in the "pecking order".

The "wicked one" is functionally the same as someone who "does the work" of the "wicked one".

In Philippians 3, after covering the futility of "works" and the glory of Christ, Paul marks the "bishops" (leadership) as walking as enemies of Christ. Their "purpose" or "end" is "destruction" , as in the "destruction" of themselves and of those who follow them.

Philippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [kjv]

πολλοι γαρ περιπατουσιν ους πολλακις ελεγον υμιν νυν δε και κλαιων λεγω τους εχθρους του σταυρου του χριστου [gnt]

3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. [kjv]

More: Philippians 3:17-19 walk of destruction

Talking about false teachers, early church father Ignatius writes the following to the Trallians (part 6.2, underlining added).

The Greek for "unsuspecting" is "ignorant". One needs to study the truth to not be "ignorant".

English: ... these people, while pretending to be trustworthy, mix Jesus Christ with themselves - like those who administer a deadly drug with honeyed wine, which the unsuspecting victim accepts without fear and so with final pleasure drinks down death. Holmes, M. (2007). The Apostolic Fathers. 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, p. 219.

What is the functional difference between the following?

Someone who says "I am Christ. Do this." (false Christ).
Someone who says "I represent Christ. Christ says to do this.".

More: The taste of false teaching

More: Book: Apostolic Fathers

Ignatius, in his letter to the Ephesians (part 16), warns not to be misled by bad (or evil) teachers (underlining added).

The Greek for "unquenchable" is that of "quick lime" and was later mistranslated by Pliny into Latin as "asbestos".

English: ... Such a person, having polluted himself, will go to the unquenchable fire, as will also the one who listens to him.

Greek: ... ὁ τοιοῦτος ῥυπαρὸς γενόμενος, εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ ἄσβεστον χωρήσει, ὁμοίως καὶ ὁ ἀκούων αὐτου.

Holmes, M. (2007). The Apostolic Fathers. 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, p. 197.

More: Unquenchable fire

More: Book: Apostolic Fathers

Proverbs 1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. [kjv]

ου γαρ αδικως εκτεινεται δικτυα πτερωτοις [lxx]

for nets are not without cause spread for birds. [bs3]

The Epistle of Barnabas interprets birds and nets from Proverbs 1:17 in the LXX.

A bird net works much better if there is some food on which the birds desire to eat. It might be "deceptive" food.

English: Now the scripture says: "Not unjustly are nets spread out for the birds". This means that people deserve to perish if, having knowledge of the way of righteousness, they ensnare themselves in the way of darkness. (1.4, Holmes, p. 393)

Greek: [1.4] λέγει δὲ ἡ γραφή Οὐκ ἀδίκως ἐκτείνεται δίκτυα πτερωτοῖς. τοῦτο λέγει, ὅτι δικαιως ἀπολεῖται ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἔχων ὁδοῦ δικαιοσύνης γνῶσιν ἑαυτὸν εἰς ὁδὸν σκότους ἀποσυνέχει.

More: The taste of false teaching

More: Epistle of Barnabas

Proverbs 1:17

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KJV: Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

Hebrew: כי חנם מזרה הרשת בעיני כל בעל כנף׃

Greek: ου γαρ αδικως εκτεινεται δικτυα πτερωτοις

Brenton: for nets are not without cause spread for birds.

A young Zacchaeus had made a nice birds nest in the tree of Rome. A bird with a nest in a tree can change..

In Luke 19, Zacchaeus, who was young and not necessarily short, climbs a tree. Jesus calls him down and Zacchaeus has his life changed - all for the climbing of a tree.
This is an early documented instance of "climb-it change". And, indeed, the climate has changed for anyone listening to the call of Jesus - no matter how high they think they have climbed the ladder of (worldly) success. Are you climbing the right ladder? Do not be wrong later ("rung ladder").

A young Zacchaeus had made a nice birds nest in the tree of Rome. A bird with a nest in a tree can change..

How can one get climate change?

Try mountaineering. But you should approach it with the proper altitude.

More: Luke 19: A short discussion on stature

At the request of the disciples, Jesus provides the code-word meaning of the "birds" or "fowls" as those of the "wicked one". This happens when one does "not understand" as in "deception" (including self-deception).

Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]

13:19 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. [kjv]

The "catcheth away" is related to the word for "rapture". The KJV (King James Version) translates as "evil" or "wicked" the Greek word that means "oppression" or "oppressor".

More: Matthew 6: The missing part worked out for the birds

More: Matthew 10: Taking care of the sparrows

More: Crying wolf for the search and seizure of the rapture

More: Overly burdened in the cares and concerns of evil

More: Evil training is toilsome work: no pain no gain

Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]

και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ελθοντα τα πετεινα κατεφαγεν αυτα [gnt]

The Greek for "snatch away" is the word used for "rapture" and the source of the English word "harpoon". It is also used as "ravenous" in terms of "wolves".

More: Rapture: Snatching the goods from the strong man

More: Exodus 18: Hierarchy as a man-made tree structure

Matthew 13:19

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KJV: 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.

Greek: παντος ακουοντος τον λογον της βασιλειας και μη συνιεντος ερχεται ο πονηρος και αρπαζει το εσπαρμενον εν τη καρδια αυτου ουτος εστιν ο παρα την οδον σπαρεις

Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

We now have the admonition to use our "ears" to "hear". The Greek word for "hear" assumes "understanding".
Video can be deceptive. You are to "hear" the word of God or "read" the word of God. Satan is the deceiver who uses appearance and "video".

It is not "come and see". Rather, it is "come and understand" (hear, read)
It is not "go and show". Rather, it is "go and teach".

Perhaps there is more to the story than meets the "eye".

For that, we need to use our "ears".

[hear vs. listen]

Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. [kjv]

ο εχων ους ακουσατω τι το πνευμα λεγει ταις εκκλησιαις ο νικων ου μη αδικηθη εκ του θανατου του δευτερου [gnt]

Man to wife: No, you're wrong... It doesn't even go in one ear!

God had to call both Moses and Samuel by name twice to get their attention. Moses required a fire to get him going.

More: Exodus 3:1-4: Moses and the burning bush

1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. [kjv]

και ηλθεν κυριος και κατεστη και εκαλεσεν αυτον ως απαξ και απαξ και ειπεν σαμουηλ λαλει οτι ακουει ο δουλος σου [lxx]

… שמואלשמואל … שמואל … [he]

Samuel was called by God as a child, four times until the message got through. And each time God had to say his name twice.

Wives should realize that this is not uncommon in men. To get their attention, you may need to say their name twice and you may need to do it multiple times.

In fact, God not only had to call Moses twice, but had to light a fire to get his attention.

More: Exodus 3:1-4: Moses and the burning bush

More: 1 Samuel: Saul and the witch of Endor

Revelation 2:11

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KJV: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Greek: ο εχων ους ακουσατω τι το πνευμα λεγει ταις εκκλησιαις ο νικων ου μη αδικηθη εκ του θανατου του δευτερου

Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [kjv]

… עיני … [he]

αποκαλυψον τους οφθαλμους μου και κατανοησω τα θαυμασια σου εκ του νομου σου [lxx]

The hymn "Open my eyes that I may see" was based on Psalms 119:18. Additional verses cover the "ears", "mouth" and "mind".

It was written in 1895 by Clara Scott (American composer) . Growing up on a farm in the mid-west, the family moved to Chicago. She was the first woman to publish a volume of anthems. In 1897, returning from a funeral with some friends, she was thrown from her carriage and died instantly from the accident at age 55.

More: Song: Open my eyes that I may see

Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [kjv]

… עיני … [he]

αποκαλυψον τους οφθαλμους μου και κατανοησω τα θαυμασια σου εκ του νομου σου [lxx]

The sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet "ע" (ayin) ≈ "eyes, salvation" with a numerical value of 70. The Hebrew word "עין" (ayin) ≈ "eye". Thus, the letter and the word are related.

More: Song: Open my eyes that I may see

Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear,
and while the wave notes fall on my ear,
ev’rything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Before the "children playing music in the marketplace":

Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

In the middle of the "kingdom parables":

13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

Jesus sometimes uses a phrase such as "he that hath an ear ... hear" . That "hear" in Greek assumes with "understanding". Otherwise, some clarification is needed. Jesus appears to use a phrase such as this when there is some deeper meaning that needs to be uncovered - often a play-on-word meaning in Greek. Jesus wants us to "hear" with our "ears". The ancient Greek word "φωνή" ≈ "voice", as in "phonograph", and comes from "φως" ≈ "light" and "νους" ≈ "mind". That is, the "sound" of a "voice" is "light" into the "mind".

More: He that hath ears

The ancient Greek word "συνίημι" ≈ "send together, understand".

The Greek for "understandeth" used here appears to be more like "internalizes". It is not a usual Greek word. It appears to have a play on word meaning.

The ancient Greek word "ἁρπάζω" ≈ "snatch, carry away, seize" and is related to the English word "harpoon". This Greek word is used for the "rapture" from the Latin word "raptura" ≈ "rapture".

More: Rapture: Snatching the goods from the strong man

*G4920 *26 συνίημι (soon-ee'-ay-mee) : from G4862 and hiemi (to send); to put together, i.e. (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously:-- consider, understand, be wise.

Usage

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συνηκαν *6

Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware ...
Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them ...
Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for ...
Luke 2:50 And they understood not the saying which ...
Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and ...
Acts 7:25 ... his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

συνιετε *4

Matthew 15:10 ... unto them, Hear, and understand:
Mark 8:17 ... perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart ...
Mark 8:21 ... unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
Ephesians 5:17 ... not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

συνητε *2

Matthew 13:14 ... ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ...
Acts 28:26 ... ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ...

συνωσιν *2

Matthew 13:15 ... with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and ...
Acts 28:27 ... with their ears, and understand with their heart, and ...

συνιωσιν *2

Mark 4:12 ... they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and ...
Luke 8:10 ... and hearing they might not understand.

συνιεναι *2

Luke 24:45 ... their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Acts 7:25 ... his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

συνιουσιν

Matthew 13:13 ... they hear not, neither do they understand.

συνιεντος

Matthew 13:19 ... the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked ...

συνιεις

Matthew 13:23 ... that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, ...

συνηκατε

Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say ...

συνετε

Mark 7:14 ... unto me every one of you, and understand:

συνιων

Romans 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

συνησουσιν

Romans 15:21 ... they that have not heard shall understand.

συνιασιν

2 Corinthians 10:12 ... themselves among themselves, are not wise.

*G4920 *26 συνίημι (soon-ee'-ay-mee) : from G4862 and hiemi (to send); to put together, i.e. (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously:-- consider, understand, be wise.

Words: συνετε συνηκαν=6 συνηκατε συνησουσιν συνητε=2 συνιασιν συνιεις συνιεναι=2 συνιεντος=1 συνιετε=4 συνιουσιν συνιων συνιωσιν=2 συνωσιν=2

This Greek word for "understandeth" appears to be more like "internalizes". It appears to have a play on word meaning since this exact Greek word used in Matthew 13:19 appears only once and does not fit the other words. What is going on?

The ancient Greek prefix "συν" ≈ "together".
The ancient Greek word "εντός" ≈ "within, inside" which can be a time period.
The ancient Greek word "ἀετός" ≈ "eagle".

The play on words appears to be "together with the eagles" as in "collaborating with Rome". The "eagle" is a bird of prey and was a symbol of the Roman Empire (and following empires). Had the religious establishment conspired or worked with the Roman government for their own personal benefit (as a bird in the pecking order) and against the best interests of the people and God?

Rome often used the letters SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) which means "The Roman Senate and People".

The "two birds sold (selling themselves) for a farthing" uses the Roman name for the coin and a play on words on the sound made by a bird.

More: Matthew 10: Taking care of the sparrows

Some fall among the stones and have not enough root. To avoid persecution, they may "misinterpret" the "word" to make life easier. As "pigs", they may block others from repentance and life. The stones fit in with the pigs who eat while the going is good but then squeal and go to wherever the food is best - trampling anything in their way.

These are those that give up and never reach the goal.

Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [kjv]

ο δε επι τα πετρωδη σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και ευθυς μετα χαρας λαμβανων αυτον [gnt]

13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. [kjv]

ουκ εχει δε ριζαν εν εαυτω αλλα προσκαιρος εστιν γενομενης δε θλιψεως η διωγμου δια τον λογον ευθυς σκανδαλιζεται [gnt]

The "offended" has a meaning of "misinterprets" as in being "deceived" or "deceiving oneself". Rationalization can be part of this process.

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

More: Matthew 11:5: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus

*G4075 *4 πετρώδης (pet-ro'-dace) : from G4073 and G1491; rock-like, i.e. rocky:--stony.

Usage

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πετρωδη *3

Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not ...
Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth ...
Mark 4:16 ... likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard ...

πετρωδες

Mark 4:5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not ...

*G4075 *4 πετρώδης (pet-ro'-dace) : from G4073 and G1491; rock-like, i.e. rocky:--stony.

Words: πετρωδες πετρωδη=3

This is an uncommon word in ancient Greek and is used only in the GNT in this parable and not in the LXX. Mark has a simplified version of this parable.

The ancient Greek word "πετρωδη" ≈ "rocky" as used in some other ancient Greek manuscripts. The ancient Greek word "πετράς" ≈ "rock" as in the name "Peter" or the English word "petrify".

Herod the Great ruled at the time of the birth of Christ.

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [kjv]

ακουσας δε ο βασιλευς ηρωδης εταραχθη και πασα ιεροσολυμα μετ αυτου [gnt]

Herod Antipas, called Herod the Tetrach, son of Herod the Great, ruled at the time of the crucifixion of Christ.

14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, [kjv]

εν εκεινω τω καιρω ηκουσεν ηρωδης ο τετρααρχης την ακοην ιησου [gnt]

*G2264 *43 Ἡρώδης (hay-ro'-dace) : compound of heros (a "hero") and G1491; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod.

The Herodians appear to have had some connection or sympathy with Herod.

Details are left as a future topic.

Matthew 2:3

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KJV: When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Greek: ακουσας δε ηρωδης ο βασιλευς ηρωδης εταραχθη και πασα ιεροσολυμα μετ αυτου

Matthew 14:1

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KJV: At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Greek: εν εκεινω τω καιρω ηκουσεν ηρωδης ο τετραρχης τετρααρχης την ακοην ιησου

*G2264 *43 Ἡρώδης (hay-ro'-dace) : compound of heros (a "hero") and G1491; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod.

Usage

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ηρωδης *25

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and ...
Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, ...
Matthew 2:13 ... thee word: for Herod will seek the young child ...
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of ...
Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
Matthew 14:3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, ...
Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his ...
Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is ...
Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, ...
Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he ...
Mark 6:21 ... a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made ...
Luke 3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
Luke 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all ...
Luke 9:9 And Herod said, John have I ...
Luke 13:31 ... depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding ...
Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set ...
Luke 23:12 ... day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: ...
Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you ...
Acts 4:27 ... whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, ...
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands ...
Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him ...
Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him ...
Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, ...

ηρωδου *13

Matthew 2:1 ... of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came ...
Matthew 2:15 ... there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken ...
Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord ...
Matthew 2:22 ... in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: ...
Matthew 14:6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
Mark 8:15 ... of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain ...
Luke 3:1 ... being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and ...
Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, ...
Luke 23:7 ... he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also ...
Acts 12:11 ... me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation ...
Acts 13:1 ... and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 23:35 ... him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

ηρωδη *3

Matthew 14:6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful ...
Mark 6:22 ... danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, ...

ηρωδην *2

Matthew 2:12 ... not return to Herod, they departed into their own ...
Luke 23:7 ... he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also ...

*G2264 *43 Ἡρώδης (hay-ro'-dace) : compound of heros (a "hero") and G1491; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod.

Words: ηρωδη=3 ηρωδην=2 ηρωδης=25 ηρωδου=13

Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [kjv]

ο δε επι τα πετρωδη σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και ευθυς μετα χαρας λαμβανων αυτον [gnt]

*G4075 *4 πετρώδης (pet-ro'-dace) : from G4073 and G1491; rock-like, i.e. rocky:--stony.

*G2264 *43 Ἡρώδης (hay-ro'-dace) : compound of heros (a "hero") and G1491; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod.

Given that the "birds" appear to have a play on words with the "Romans", the use of "stony places" could be a play on words "Herod".

"πετρώδη" as "pe-tro-thee" for "stony places".
"Ἡρώδης" as "he-ro-thees" for "Herod".

The play on words on "rocky places" and "Herod" would be better, in Greek, with the "s" at the end.

Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [kjv]

ο δε επι τα πετρωδη σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και ευθυς μετα χαρας λαμβανων αυτον [gnt]

As an inflected language, word order in Greek is very flexible.

English: "he that" "received the seed" (one word) "into stony places" (three words)
Greek: "he that" "into stony places" (three words) "received the seed" (one word)

That change in word order provides the ending "s" and, removing the "s" from that next word, provides another play on words. There were no spaces in the Greek and people talk fast such that those spaces are not pronounced (both meanings intended).

Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [kjv]

ο δε επι τα πετρωδη σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και ευθυς μετα χαρας λαμβανων αυτον [gnt]

As written: ... received the seed into stony places ...

"πετρώδη" ≈ "stony places" as "pe-tro-thee".
"σπαρείς" ≈ "having been sown" as "spa-rees"

Play on words: ... take Herod (for example) ...

"Ἡρώδης" ≈ "Herod" as "hee-ro-thees".
"παρείς" ≈ "take, get, move" as "pa-rees".

Herod did "take the word" by putting John the Baptist into prison and liked to listen to him. Herod (as a sly fox) only kept his token power as Rome (as a bird) saw fit.

Note: Jesus is not making hidden political or social change statements. He is embedding authentication codes in his messages so that, when those prophecies happen and the codes are discovered, one has (statistical) proof that the word is the true word from the creator.

Jesus mentions foxes and birds together and connects a "fox" with "Herod" using the derogatory word for the hybrid of a fox and dog.

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη [gnt]

Luke 13:31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. [kjv]

εν αυτη τη ωρα προσηλθαν τινες φαρισαιοι λεγοντες αυτω εξελθε και πορευου εντευθεν οτι ηρωδης θελει σε αποκτειναι [gnt]

13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. [kjv]

και ειπεν αυτοις πορευθεντες ειπατε τη αλωπεκι ταυτη ιδου εκβαλλω δαιμονια και ιασεις αποτελω σημερον και αυριον και τη τριτη τελειουμαι [gnt]

Jesus did not come to "reside" in the law. He came to "reside" with sinners so they could be saved. The "reside" is often mistranslated as "destroy" or "abolish", etc.

More: Matthew 5: 17 Leave the light on but do not use the law as a residence inn

More: Foxes and birds and nests

Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. [kjv]

Herod received his power from Rome through conniving, etc. He was not a "root" in and of himself, but had to settle, as a fox, with a hole near the tree.

Herod will "endure for a while". Whose "word"? Herod received the "word" from John the Baptist. The "ariseth" could be the "tribulation" or "persecution" caused by Herod himself.

But when difficulties come from Rome (or his wife), he will "misinterpret" or "deceive" or "entrap" himself - by his own "word". This part happens after Jesus says this.

Note: Any second or third meaning may not be important. But it may be interesting.

Matthew 13:20

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KJV: But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

Greek: ο δε επι τα πετρωδη σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και ευθυς μετα χαρας λαμβανων αυτον

Matthew 13:21

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KJV: Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Greek: ουκ εχει δε ριζαν εν εαυτω αλλα προσκαιρος εστιν γενομενης δε θλιψεως η διωγμου δια τον λογον ευθυς σκανδαλιζεται

Some fall among thorns that choke them. The thorns represent to cares and concerns of the world such as pursuit of riches. These are fish that return to swim in the depths being diverted here and there in search of food.

Some churches add many rules that create extra unneeded work.

These are those who miss the goal.

Matthew 13:22 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. [kjv]

ο δε εις τας ακανθας σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και η μεριμνα του αιωνος και η απατη του πλουτου συμπνιγει τον λογον και ακαρπος γινεται [gnt]

Do you know people who are so busy "swimming" through life that they lose track of purpose? They lose focus. This may result in mental health issues.

Matthew 13:22

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ο δε εις τας ακανθας σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και η μεριμνα του αιωνος τουτου και η απατη του πλουτου συμπνιγει τον λογον και ακαρπος γινεται

Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [kjv]

וקוץודרדר … [he]

ακανθας και τριβολους ανατελει σοι και φαγη τον χορτον του αγρου [lxx]

Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι τας ακανθας και ανεβησαν αι ακανθαι και απεπνιξαν αυτα [gnt]

Today, most people would classify a thorn, in a figurative sense, as something that is bothersome or painful or annoying (or all of these and more).
Other definitions include a thorn tattoo or something involving pain and/or sacrifice. In Genesis, the "thorn" represents part of the "curse". In the first Kingdom parable in Matthew 13, Jesus uses the term "thorns" as the "cares" and "concerns" of the "present age".

More: Matthew 13: A pointed discussion of thorny riches

Matthew 13:22 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. [kjv]

ο δε εις τας ακανθας σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και η μεριμνα @CZ(t=[ του αιωνος ]) και η απατη του πλουτου συμπνιγει τον λογον και ακαρπος γινεται [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "μέρος" ≈ "part, portion, share" and is the source of "μέριμνα" ≈ "portion, part" and is related to the Greek words for "care" is in the "cares of this world" as in "anxious" about "getting one's share".

Are people deceived by (worldly) riches? Has the church ever been deceived by (worldly) riches?
The modern Greek word "μέρος" (MEH-ros) ≈ "part" and is part of the modern Greek word "διαμέρισμα" (thee-a-MEH-ree-sma) ≈ "apartment" where one occupies "part" of a building.

The Greek for "choke" is that of "suffocate". A "pig" or "sheep" or other animal that is suffocating may want to return to being a "fish" and swimming with the other sinners of the world. Can you safely return to being a "fish"?

The ancient Greek word "μέριμνα" ≈ "care, pursuit" and is related to the Latin word "memor" ≈ "mindful" and the Old English word "mimor" ≈ "mindful" as in remembering. The PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "*(S)MER" ≈ "remember" is the root word of the English word "memory".

In the first Kingdom Parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Jesus compares the "care" of the "age" (not world) with the "deceitfulness of riches"

Matthew 13:22 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. [kjv]

The modern Greek word "μέριμνα" (MEH-ree-mna) ≈ "care, pursuit".

More: Matthew 13: A pointed discussion of thorny riches

Some fall on good ground and produce fruit, but may do a lot more work than necessary since additional rules, etc., may use some of the effort that could be better used elsewhere. These are sheep.

Some churches add many rules that create extra unneeded work.

The Greek for "bringeth forth" is that of "doing" or "making".

Matthew 13:23 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. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

It appears that the word whose meaning is "understand" is similar to the word used earlier. However, that earlier word differs in an important way.

Matthew 13:23

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ο δε επι την γην την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιων συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα

Some fall on good ground and produce fruit, getting a lot of results for the effort expended. These are sheep.

Matthew 13:23 … some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

Greek, like Hebrew, associated letters with numbers. The study of this is called gematria. The most famous instance of gematria is the 666 from Revelation 13.

100 = "Ρ" or "ρ" or "rho".
60 = "Ξ" or "ξ" or "ski".
30 = "Λ" or "λ" or "lambda".

Any gematria meaning of 100, 60 and 30 is not clear but may indicate some interesting connections.
Keep in mind that the historical connection of this parable is that of the time of Jesus in Judea where the Romans ruled and had let Herod (and descendent's) have some local rule.

From a Biblical perspective, Rome at the time was the ruling power of the world. The symbol of Rome in letters was SPQR or "The Roman Senate and People". The Latin words "Senatus" ≈ "Senate", "Populusque" ≈ "people and", and "Romanus" ≈ "Rome". The ancient Greek words "και" ≈ "and" and "λαός" ≈ "people".

Gematria
value	upper	lower	letter	connection
100	Ρ	ρ	rho	R for "Rome" (Latin and Greek)
60	Ξ	ξ	ski	(composite letter KS)
‑	Κ	κ	kappa	K for "and" (Greek)
‑	Σ	σ	sigma	S for "Senate" (Latin)
30	Λ	λ	lambda	L for "people" (Greek)

This is just one of many possible gematria connections. There may be no gematria meaning to the numbers. There may be many meanings to the numbers - all of which can be true.

▶

1 What goal?

2 Wrong goal

3 Give up

4 Distracted

5 Indirect to goal

6 Direct to goal

In the historical interpretation, the parable of the sower fits into the first century.

$Churches in Revelation$	$Beatitudes$
$Kingdom parables$	The probability that all three would be ordered together is 1 in 504050405040 or 1 in 128,024,064,000 ≈ 128 billion. Some people prefer to just use church history to help remember the order of the churches, parables and beatitudes.

The horizontal scale is time. The vertical scale is the proportion that history evidences the traits of those verses. The historical interpretation is like a linear combination in mathematics in that what the verses say is more valid in some time periods than other time periods.

The probability that any 7 objects would be ordered at random in a given order is 7! = 7*6*5*4*3*2*1 or 1 in 5040. Note that there were many more possible churches or parables or beatitudes than used by Jesus.

More: Church history and linear combinations

		Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]
		13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: [kjv] 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. [kjv]
		13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: [kjv]