5 and while he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the birds of the air devoured it.

6 And some fell upon a rock, and springing up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred fold. And saying these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

9 And his disciples asked him, What is this parable?

10 And he said, To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to others in parables, so that seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not understand.

11 Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.

12 Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

13 Those on the rock are they, who, when they hear, receive the word with joy. But they have no root, who for a while believe; but in time of temptation fall away.

14 That which fell among thorns are they, who, having heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.