As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about receiving the word, but about actively holding it fast in an "honest and good heart." This means not just hearing, but intentionally grasping the truth with a heart prepared for its depth, leading to patient, fruitful growth rather than fleeting interest.
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower, explaining that the "seed" is the word of God and the different types of "soil" represent various responses to hearing it. He then directly addresses his disciples, clarifying that the seed sown on good soil represents those who not only hear God's word but also internalize it, holding onto it with a genuine and noble heart. This leads to a patient and fruitful life, in contrast to the other responses that are quickly lost or choked out.
What does it mean for a heart to be 'honest' and 'good' when hearing God's Word?
Jesus describes the best kind of soil for God's Word as a heart that is both 'honest' and 'good'. These aren't just feelings, but deep qualities.
Noble Aims:
Generous Devotion:
This isn't about perfection, but about a readiness to truly receive and be shaped by God's Word.
Hearing the Word is just the first step. What happens next for the fruit to appear?
The parable highlights that the 'good soil' doesn't just hear the Word, but actively 'holds it fast' and 'bears fruit'. This is a process.
Active Retention:
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Patient Production:
This fruit isn't just about outward actions, but the evidence of the Word's deep work within.
Understand the original words
katechō · Greek,originalWord: Verb
To keep, guard, or retain firmly in one's possession; it signifies obedience and persistence in adhering to the truth of God's word.
hypomonē · Greek,originalWord: Noun
The capacity to remain steadfast, endure trials, and wait upon God without abandoning faith; it is a fruit of the Spirit necessary for Christian maturity.
This passage is the parallel account in Matthew's Gospel, also explaining the Parable of the Sower and emphasizing the 'good soil' listener who 'hears and understands' and thus 'bears fruit'.
James 1:21This verse echoes the importance of receptivity and internalizing the word, stating we should 'receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls,' paralleling the 'honest and good heart' needed to retain the seed.
John 15:5Jesus' teaching about abiding in Him and bearing fruit connects directly to the outcome of hearing and holding fast to God's word, illustrating the purpose of the seed taking root and flourishing.
Colossians 1:6This verse describes the gospel 'bearing fruit and increasing' in the world, showing the outward, visible result that the 'good soil' hearers are meant to produce through their patient endurance of the Word.
1 Peter 1:23Peter speaks of being 'born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God,' highlighting the enduring nature of the divine seed and the spiritual life it brings forth when received properly.
calvinLuke 8:11-15: "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."
- Hear therefore the parable of the sower. 19. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth not, that wicked one cometh, and taketh away what was sown in the heart. This is he who received seed near the road. 20. But he that received the seed thrown into stony places, is he that heareth the word, and immediately receiveth it with joy: 21. But hath not root in himself, but is of short duration: when afflic…
gillLuke 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."
But that on the good ground are they,.... The seed that fell on good ground design such hearers, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it: who hear with an honest and good intention, and faithfully keep it, and hold it fast: and bring forth fruit with patience; with great constancy, suffering much for the sake of it;…
This verse isn't just about receiving the word, but about actively holding it fast in an "honest and good heart." This means not just hearing, but intentionally grasping the truth with a heart prepared for its depth, leading to patient, fruitful growth rather than fleeting interest.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower, explaining that the "seed" is the word of God and the different types of "soil" represent various responses to hearing it. He then directly addresses his disciples, clarifying that the seed sown on good soil represents those who not only hear God's word but also internalize it, holding onto it with a genuine and noble heart. This leads to a patient and fruitful life, in contrast to the other responses that are quickly lost or choked out.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower, explaining that the "seed" is the word of God and the different types of "soil" represent various responses to hearing it. He then directly addresses his disciples, clarifying that the seed sown on good soil represents those who not only hear God's word but also internalize it, holding onto it with a genuine and noble heart. This leads to a patient and fruitful life, in contrast to the other responses that are quickly lost or choked out.
"As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." — This verse isn't just about receiving the word, but about actively holding it fast in an "honest and good heart." This means not just hearing, but intentionally grasping the truth with a heart prep…
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Last reviewed October 2026