Section 8:9–15

Jesus explained the parable about four types of soil

In 8:9–10 Jesus explained why he taught in parables. Then in 8:11–15 he explained the meaning of the parable in 8:1–8b. The basic meaning of Jesus’ explanation is clear. However, there are questions about the meaning of the seed in this section. In 8:11 the seed refers to the word of God. In 8:12–15 what is sown seems to refer to the people who hear the word. This has led to several interpretations for the seed in 8:12–15.

The interpretation that the Notes follows is that in 8:12–15 the seed continues to represent the word. The introductory expressions such as “those on/beside/in…are…” (Revised Standard Version) refer generally to four different ways in which people hear and respond to the word.

Many scholars support this interpretation in their commentaries. In some versions the seed appears to refer to the people. However, even in these versions, the text implies that the seed of the word has different results in different kinds of people.

Here is the meaning of the main metaphors in the parable:

(a) The seeds represent the word, which is the message from God.

(b) The sowing of the seed represents telling the message to people.

(c) The different kinds of soil represent the way different people hear the message.

This section heading should be similar to the section heading for 8:1–10. You may use the word “explained” or “Jesus explained” (instead of “Jesus told”).

Some other possible headings for this section are:

Jesus explained the parable of the sower ⌊and the soils⌋
-or-
The parable/story/illustration about the four soils explained
-or-
The explanation of the parable about four kinds of people
-or-
The meaning of the parable of a man scattering seed

There are parallel passages for this section in Matthew 13:18–23 and Mark 4:13–20.

Paragraph 8:9–10

8:9

Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant: The disciples wanted Jesus to explain what he was teaching through the parable of the sower.

His disciples: In this context the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as His disciples probably includes the twelve apostles and other followers of Jesus. This includes the women mentioned in 8:1–2.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as disciples means “learners” who are in a special relationship with a teacher. Some ways to translate this are:

students/learners
-or-
followers

See also disciple in the Glossary for more information.

this parable: The phrase this parable refers to what Jesus said in 8:1–8b. For advice on translating the word parable, see the note in 8:4b.

General Comment on 8:9

In some languages it may be more natural to use direct speech in this verse. For example:

His disciples asked him, “What does the parable mean?”

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