When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage highlights that "understanding" the word isn't just intellectual assent, but a moral receptivity. The "evil one" doesn't just snatch away the word from those who don't understand; he targets those whose hearts are like a "hard path," unplowed and unreceptive, so the seed never truly takes root.
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just begun explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that the "seed" represents the word of God. This verse, and the verses that follow, interpret the different types of soil as various kinds of hearers. The explanation here focuses on those whose hearts are like a hardened path, unable to absorb anything, making them immediately vulnerable to the "wicked one."
Imagine the ground on a well-traveled road – it's packed hard, unyielding, and nothing can easily take root. This is the first type of listener Jesus describes.
The parable of the sower reveals different responses to God's Word. In this first category, the 'word of the kingdom' is sown, but it lands on a heart that's like a hardened path.
Why it Doesn't Stick:
This isn't a passive failure; it's an active loss, where the enemy seizes the opportunity presented by an unreceptive heart.
The moment the Word is sown, the enemy is already there, ready to steal it. How does he operate, and why is his speed so critical?
The parable emphasizes the active opposition we face in receiving God's Word. The 'evil one' isn't just a passive observer; he's an active thief.
Ask a follow-up
The Enemy's Methods:
His strategy is to intercept the seed before it can gain any traction, preventing belief and salvation.
Understand the original words
logos tou basileias · Greek Noun, Noun
The message of God's rule, sovereignty, and salvation through Jesus Christ, which is the central theme of the Gospel proclamation.
ponēros · Greek Noun
A title for Satan, emphasizing his active opposition to God, his malevolent nature, and his desire to corrupt humanity and thwart the advancement of the Gospel.
kardia · Greek Noun
The inner seat of human consciousness, will, and emotions; it is the center where spiritual truth is received, processed, and either accepted or rejected.
This passage directly parallels Matthew's account, clarifying that those who hear the word but don't believe are those from whom Satan takes the word, preventing them from believing and being saved. It highlights the active opposition of the 'evil one' to spiritual understanding.
John 10:10Jesus describes the thief (the devil) who comes only to steal and kill and destroy. This connects to the 'evil one' in Matthew 13:19 who snatches away the word sown, illustrating the devil's destructive intent against God's communication.
2 Corinthians 4:4This verse speaks of the 'god of this age' who has blinded the minds of unbelievers, preventing the light of the gospel from shining on them. This echoes the concept of the 'evil one' hindering understanding and snatching away the sown word before it can take root.
Ephesians 6:11-12Paul instructs believers to stand against the schemes of the devil, reminding them that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This broadens the understanding of the 'evil one's' activity as a pervasive spiritual warfare against God's word.
Hebrews 4:2This passage emphasizes that the word preached did not benefit those who heard it because it was not mixed with faith. This concept of not 'understanding' or taking the word in (as in Matthew 13:19) is crucial for the word to be beneficial rather than snatched away.
calvinMatthew 13:18-23: "Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower."
- 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 affliction o…
clarkeMatthew 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."
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom - Viz. the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. And understandeth it not - Μη συνιεντος, perhaps more properly, regardeth it not, does not lay his heart to it. The wicked one - Ο πονηρος, from πονος, labor, toil, he who distresses and torm…
This passage highlights that "understanding" the word isn't just intellectual assent, but a moral receptivity. The "evil one" doesn't just snatch away the word from those who don't understand; he targets those whose hearts are like a "hard path," unplowed and unreceptive, so the seed never truly takes root.
Jesus has just begun explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that the "seed" represents the word of God. This verse, and the verses that follow, interpret the different types of soil as various kinds of hearers. The explanation here focuses on those whose hearts are like a hardened path, unable to absorb anything, making them immediately vulnerable to the "wicked one."
Jesus has just begun explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that the "seed" represents the word of God. This verse, and the verses that follow, interpret the different types of soil as various kinds of hearers. The explanation here focuses on those whose hearts are like a hardened path, unable to absorb anything, making them immediately vulnerable to the "wicked one."
"When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path." — This passage highlights that "understanding" the word isn't just intellectual assent, but a moral receptivity. The "evil one" doesn't just snatch away the word from those who don't understand; he tar…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026