^{18 Ref} Hear then ye the parable of the sower.

^{19 Ref} When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, `then' cometh the evil `one', and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.

^{20 Ref} And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

^{21 Ref} yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.

^{22 Ref} And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

^{23 Ref} And he that was sown upon the good ground, this is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; who verily beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

^{24 Ref} Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:

^{25 Ref} but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away.

^{26 Ref} But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

^{27 Ref} And the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares?

^{28 Ref} And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

²⁹ But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them.

^{30 Ref} Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.