Definition: But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 13:23. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about faith and growth! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that those who truly believe in Jesus Christ are growing and producing good things. It’s not just about passively accepting the word, but actively understanding and applying it to their lives. Let's unpack each part: “But he who received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]” – This is the core of the message. Think of “seed” as a tiny bit of faith or belief. "Heareth the word" means listening to and understanding what Jesus says. "Understandeth [it]" means comprehending it deeply. “Which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” – This is where it gets really powerful. It describes the results of this faith. "Beareth fruit" : This means that believers produce good things - they are fruitful. They are growing in character and living a life that reflects God's will. “Bringeth forth” : This refers to producing these good things – like spreading joy, kindness, forgiveness, etc. It’s not just about having good things; it’s about making them happen. “Some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” : These are examples of the abundance of goodness that can come from faith. "An hundredfold" means a huge amount – like a really, really big harvest. “Sixty” and “thirty” are smaller amounts – representing good deeds or contributions. In essence: This verse tells us that faith isn't just about knowing the word; it’s about doing what the word calls for and resulting in a life of goodness. It's not enough to believe - you need to live it out. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that faith isn't passive. It’s an active process of growing, producing, and sharing good things with the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to our lives?