Matthew 13:22

Afrikaans (Contemporary Afrikaans Bible 2023)

Hy wat ook saad onder die dorings ontvang het, is hy wat die woord hoor; en die sorg van hierdie wêreld en die bedrog van rykdom verstik die woord, en hy word onvrugbaar.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Jesus' parable of the sower explains that some people hear God's message but get distracted by worries about everyday life and by chasing after wealth, which chokes out the good seed of God's word so they don't produce spiritual fruit.

Explained for Children

Imagine you plant a flower in your garden. But then weeds grow around it, blocking sunlight and water. The flower can't grow well because the weeds are choking it out. This verse says that sometimes our worries about money or life can be like those weeds, stopping us from growing strong in God's word.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this Gospel to a largely Jewish-Christian audience around AD 80-90. The parable is part of Jesus' teaching on different types of soil representing how people hear and respond to the message of the Kingdom of Heaven, set against the backdrop of agricultural life in first-century Palestine.

Living It Out Today

Consider a person who loves playing basketball but gets so busy with work and trying to make more money that they never practice or play games anymore. Their passion for basketball is choked out by other concerns. Similarly, someone might hear God's word but let the demands of daily life and the pursuit of wealth distract them from living it out.

Topics

• faith
• worldliness
• spiritual growth
• riches
• obstacles to faith
• hearing God's word

Related Verses

• Mark 4:19
• Luke 8:14
• Matthew 6:24
• Ecclesiastes 5:10-12
• 1 John 2:15-17

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 'thorns' mentioned in this verse?

The thorns represent distractions and worries of everyday life, as well as the pursuit of wealth that can choke out God's message.

How does hearing God's word differ from being fruitful with it?

Hearing God's word means understanding and accepting it. Being fruitful involves living out what you've heard in your daily life, leading to spiritual growth and good works.

What can I do if I feel my faith is being choked by worldly concerns?

You can prioritize prayer and Bible study, seek community support from believers, and set boundaries on time spent worrying about material things or pursuing wealth.

Does this mean all riches are bad according to Matthew 13:22?

The verse warns against the deceitfulness of riches. It's not that having money is inherently evil, but rather that our hearts can be deceived into putting trust in wealth instead of God.