Parable of the Sower
Jesus tells the parable of a sower whose seed falls on four types of soil, then privately explains it as an allegory of how people receive the word of God.
Parallel Accounts
Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
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Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Mark frames this parable with the strongest statement about parables hiding truth from outsiders (4:11-12, quoting Isaiah 6), which has troubled interpreters for centuries. Matthew softens this: the people do not understand because their hearts have grown dull. Luke is gentler still, saying the purpose is "so that seeing they may not see."
Places the parable within a collection of seven kingdom parables.
Emphasizes the mystery of the kingdom given to insiders.
Focuses on hearing the word with a good heart and bearing fruit with patience.
The bulk of Jesus's public work centered in Galilee: calling of the Twelve, the Sermon on the Mount, parables, miracles, and growing opposition.
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