¹⁸ Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;

¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches^(A) and pleasures, and they do not mature.

³ This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:

⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.

²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth^(A) choke the word, making it unfruitful.