Definition: He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty rich and metaphorical one! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about how true faith and obedience to God can be blocked or hindered by the things we focus on – specifically, worldly possessions and distractions. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “He also that received seed among the thorns” : This refers to someone who starts with a small amount of faith or belief. Think of someone who doesn't have a strong foundation in their beliefs. “…is he that heareth the word…” : This means someone who listens to, reads, and understands God’s word. They are actively engaging with it. "...and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word…” : This is the key part. “This world” represents everything that tries to distract us – temptations, material things, gossip, etc. "Deceitfulness of riches" means that worldly possessions can be alluring and lead people astray. “Choke the word” means these things prevent the word of God from growing and flourishing within us. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that when we focus too much on the superficial – on wealth, pleasure, or fleeting things – our faith can wither and die. It becomes unproductive because it’s constantly pulling our attention away from what truly matters: God and His truth. It's like a plant that doesn’t get enough sunlight (God’s word) to grow strong. The overall message: True faith is about more than just believing – it’s about living according to God’s will, which requires focusing our attention on Him and His teachings. When we let the things of this world take over, our spiritual life suffers. In short, the verse warns us that worldly distractions can hinder our growth in faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give an example of how this applies to everyday life? Discuss what "this world" represents in a broader context?