¹⁹ When anyone hears the word of ^(A)the kingdom and ^(B)does not understand it, ^(C)the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. ²⁰ As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately ^(D)receives it with joy, ²¹ yet he has no root in himself, but ^(E)endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately ^(F)he falls away.^{[a] 22} As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but ^(G)the cares of ^(H)the world and ^(I)the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. ²³ As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and ^(J)understands it. He indeed ^(K)bears fruit and yields, in one case ^(L)a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

The Parable of the Weeds

²⁴ He put another parable before them, saying, ^(M)“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field,

³⁷ He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed is ^(A)the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are ^(B)the sons of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. ^(C)The harvest is ^(D)the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.