Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Luke 8:14

τὸ δὲ εἰς τὰς�. Here the grand paradox which identifies the seed with its recipient is very marked. See especially Matthew 13:19, where “he that received the seed by the way-side, &c.” should be ‘he that was sown by the way-side, &c.’ The class here described are worldly, ambitious, preoccupied, luxurious listeners who feel the “expulsive power” of earthly careers and pleasures crowding out the growth of the good seed. The former class was more superficially touched; this class have not “broken up their fallow ground,” and therefore “sow among thorns.”

μεριμνῶν. Catullus talks of ‘sowing thorny cares in the heart.’

πλούτου. “The deceitfulness of riches” (Matt., Mk.).

πορευόμενοι συνπνίγονται. This seems to be intentionally altered from the expression used by St Mark, αἱ μέριμναι … εἰσπορευόμεναι συμπνίγουσι.

οὐ τελεσφοροῦσιν. Literally, ‘do not perfect’ (anything).

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Luke 8:14

Old Testament

New Testament