Matthew 13:7

“And some fell among thorns, etc.] On a spot of ground which was full of the roots of thorns, and briars, which was not cleared of them as it should be. We often read f778 of hxwqtnç hdç, “a field cleared of thorns”; but such was not this piece of ground, it was overrun with them, not on the surface of the earth, but within it: for it follows, and the thorns sprung up: naturally, being neither sown nor planted; either before the seed, or, at least, as soon; and however grew faster, and higher, and choked them; so that they came to nothing; hence the advice, “sow not among thorns”, (<240403>Jeremiah 4:3) and a lost kindness, or what is bestowed in vain, is expressed in this proverbial manner…”

“In parables - The word “parable” is derived from a Greek word signifying “to compare together,” and denotes a similitude taken from a natural object to illustrate a spiritual or moral subject. It is a narrative of some fictitious or real event, in order to illustrate more clearly some truth that the speaker wished to communicate. In early ages it was much used. Pagan writers, as Aesop, often employed it. In the time of Christ it was in common use. The prophets had used it, and Christ employed it often in teaching his disciples. It is not necessary to suppose that the narratives were strictly true. The main thing - “the inculcation of spiritual truth” - was gained equally, whether it was true…”

“Mat 13:22; Gen 3:18; Jer 4:3, Jer 4:4; Mar 4:18, Mar 4:19 Matthew 13:8”