A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 8:14

"And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection." — Luke 8:14 (ASV)

They are choked (συνπνιγοντα). Present passive indicative of this powerfully vivid compound verb συνπνιγω used in Mr 4:19; Matthew 13:22, only there these worldly weeds choke the word while here the victims themselves are choked. Both are true. Diphtheria will choke and strangle the victim. Who has not seen the promise of fair flower and fruit choked into yellow withered stalk without fruit "as they go on their way" (πορευομενο).

Bring no fruit to perfection (ου τελεσφορουσιν). Compound verb common in the late writers (τελοσ, φορεω). To bring to completion. Used of fruits, animals, pregnant women. Only here in the N.T.