Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 13:22

"And 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." — Matthew 13:22 (ASV)

The seeds among thorns represent those who do not hear the word “with joy” (v.20) and never permit the message about the kingdom to control them: life has too many other commitments that slowly choke the struggling plant, so that it never matures and bears fruit. The competing “thorns” are summed up under two headings—the worries of this life and devotion to wealth (cf. 6:19–24; 1 Timothy 6:9). Such concerns snuff out spiritual life. “Deceitfulness” suggests that one may not be aware of the choking that is going on. This warning is timeless.