Luke 8:1-21 ▼

1 And it came to pass afterwards that He went through every city and village, preaching and declaring the good tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with Him;

2 and some women that had been cured of evil spirits and other infirmities, as Mary Magdalene, out of whom were cast seven demons,

3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who assisted Him with their substance.

4 And when a great multitude was gathered together, of those that came to Him out of every city, He spake a parable saying,

5 A sower went out to sow his seed, and as he was sowing, some fell by the way- side, and was trodden down, and the birds of the air devoured it.

6 And some fell upon stony ground, and as soon as it sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.

8 But some fell on good ground, and sprang up and yielded fruit an hundred-fold. And as He said these things He cried out, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

9 And his disciples asked Him, what might be the meaning of this parable.

10 And He said, To you it is granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but I speak to others in parables, that in seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.

11 Now this is the meaning of the parable, The seed is the word of God:

12 and those by the way- side, are such as hear indeed; but then the devil cometh and taketh away the word from their hearts, least they should believe and be saved.

13 And those on stony-ground are such as when they hear, receive the word with joy; but have no root, and so believe only for a while, and in the time of trial fall away.

14 And that which fell among thorns, are those who when they have heard the word go away and are choked with the cares and riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

15 But that on the good ground, are those who having heard the word, retain it in a good and honest heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.

16 No man when he hath lighted a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a couch; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light.

17 (For there is nothing secret, that shall not be made manifest: nor any thing concealed, which shall not be made known and come to light.)

18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever improveth what he hath, to him shall more be given; and whosoever hath not, even what he seemeth to have shall be taken from him.

19 Now his mother and his brethren came to Him, and could not come at Him for the croud:

20 and it was told Him, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without desiring to see thee.

21 And He answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God and do it.