Matthew 13:22

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive.

Cross References

Matthew 12:32

And whoever speaks an [abusive] word against the Son of man will be forgiven [of it], but whoever speaks [an abusive word] against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven [of it], not in this world nor the one to come.

Matthew 13:39

The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels.

Matthew 13:40

Just like the weeds were gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world.

Matthew 13:7

And other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and [eventually] choked out the tender sprouts.

Luke 12:15

And [then] He said to them, “Be careful and guard yourselves against [practicing] all forms of greed, for a person’s life does not consist of having a lot of possessions.”

Luke 12:21

This is [the way it will be with] the person who stores up treasures for himself, and [yet] is not rich toward God [i.e., does place enough importance on spiritual things].”

Luke 21:34

“But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts do not become overburdened by carousing, and drunkenness, and the worries of life. [If you do], that ‘day’ [i.e., Jesus’ second coming and judgment] will arrive suddenly, like a trap [i.e., which catches an animal by surprise].

Luke 8:14

And those people [represented by the seed] that fell among thorns are the ones who have heard [the word], and as they go about their business, they become choked by worry, by money and by worldly pleasures, and produce no mature crop.

Acts 8:18

Now when Simon saw that through the placing of the apostles’ hands [on people] the Holy Spirit was given [Note: The fact that Simon “saw” something happen suggests it was supernatural and therefore highly desirable by Simon], he offered to pay them money [for this power],

Romans 12:2

And you people must not be conformed to [the values and standards of] this age, but you should become transformed [i.e., changed in attitude and action] by having your mind renewed [i.e., to think in a totally different way]. Then you will be able to determine [and practice] God’s will, the thing that is good, and acceptable and perfect.

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise person? And where is the expert in the law? [And] where is the debater of this world?

1 Corinthians 2:6

However, we speak [divine] wisdom among people who are [spiritually] mature, yet it is not the wisdom of this current age, nor of [its] current rulers, who are coming to nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:8

None of the rulers of this age knew about this [divine] wisdom, for if they had [known it], they would not have crucified the glorious Lord [i.e., Jesus].

1 Corinthians 3:18

No one should fool himself. If any person among you thinks he is smart, by human standards, he should become a “fool,” so that he can become [really] wise.

2 Corinthians 4:4

For the god of this world [i.e., Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they would not see the light of the Gospel of the splendor of Christ, who is the image of God.

Galatians 1:4

who gave Himself to [save us from] our sins so that He might deliver us from [the control and condemnation of] this present evil world. [This is] according to the will of our God and Father,

Ephesians 2:2

You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God].

1 Timothy 6:17

[Solemnly] urge those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant, nor to place their hope in the uncertainty of [their] wealth, but in God, who generously supplies us with everything to enjoy.

2 Timothy 4:10

for Demas loved this world and [so] has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.