1. And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve,
2. and certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven devils had gone out,
3. and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto them of their substance.
4. And when a great multitude came together, and they of every city resorted unto him, he spake by a parable:
5. The sower went forth to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of the heaven devoured it.
6. And other fell on the rock; and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
7. And other fell amidst the thorns; and the thorns grew with it, and choked it.
8. And other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit a hundredfold. As he said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
9. And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.
10. And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
11. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12. And those by the way side are they that have heard; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.