BibleWord.ai› Bible› Matthew› Chapter 13› Verse 20

Matthew 13:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 13:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;
Matthew 13:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.
18Hear then ye the parable of the sower.
19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, [then] cometh the evil [one], and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.
20And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;
21yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.
22And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23And he that was sown upon the good ground, this is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; who verily beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
← Matthew 13:19Matthew 13:21 →
← Full Chapter 13 Matthew Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But he that receiveth the seed into stony places, etc.] Such a hearer, who is like to the stony ground on which the seed fell, is one that is not an accidental hearer of the word, as the former, but a settled constant hearer of it; and not one that is careless and negligent, but diligent and attentive, and has some understanding of what he hears; the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it: he is one that not only constantly attends upon it, but he receives it; he gives an assent to it, he believes in it historically, makes a profession of his faith in it, and holds it for a while, being under some convictions of the truth of it: and having some speculative notions…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15. “Hear ye, therefore, the parable of the sower.” That is, hear the “explanation” or the “spiritual meaning” of the narrative given before. Mark adds Mark 4:13, “Know ye not this parable? And how, then, shall ye know all parables?” By which it seems that the Saviour regarded this as one of the simplest and plainest of the parables, and gave an explanation of it that they might understand the general principles of interpreting others. Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth ... - The seed represents the word of God communicated in any manner to the minds of people - by the Scriptures, by preaching, by acts of Providence, or by the direct influences of the Holy…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The seed sown on stony places, therefore sprang up soon, because it did not sink deep, Mat 13:5. He receiveth it with joy - Perhaps with transport, with ecstacy: struck with the beauty of truth, and drawn by the preventing grace of God. Matthew 13:21”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:20-21 don’t have deep roots . . . don’t last long: The problem is a lack of persevering faith and obedience (see 7:13-27; 10:22), particularly when persecution arises.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“received: Mat 13:5, Mat 13:6 anon: Sa1 11:13-15; Ch2 24:2, Ch2 24:6, Ch2 24:14; Psa 78:34-37, Psa 106:12, Psa 106:13; Isa 58:2; Eze 33:31, Eze 33:32; Mar 4:16, Mar 4:17, Mar 6:20; Joh 5:35; Act 8:13; Gal 4:14, Gal 4:15 Matthew 13:21”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Matthew 13 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification