Matthew 13:8 But others fell into good ground,

Spoken to: 

audience

Parables, the Sower

KJV: 

Matthew 13:8 But others fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

NIV : 

Matthew 13:8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

LISTENERS HEARD: 

Another, however, fell on the ground, the good one, and produced fruit. This one, indeed, a hundred. That one, however, sixty. That one, however, thirty.

MY TAKE: 

Not everyone is productive and some produce more than others.

GREEK (Each Word Explained Bottom of Page): 

LOST IN TRANSLATION: 

Notice that in the three prior iterations, the seed fell "on" the ground, but in the KJV, it falls "into" the ground here. However, the same preposition is used here as the earlier versions in Matthew. Interestingly, however, the Mark 4:8  version of this verse does change use a different Greek preposition, one that means "into." 

The words translated as "some" in the last part of the verse are not the same Greek word translated as "some" in earlier iterations and "others" here, but rather it is a word meaning "the one" or "this one" from the Greek article standing without a noun. The quantities in this version decrease, which is humorous. This is even funnier if we imagine them spoken to describe people,. This humor is amplified in a series of words that are not translated in the verse, especially in more recent translations. This humor is repeated later in the explanation of the parable.

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

11
  • WN  - Wrong Number- The word "others" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "into" is not the common word usually translated as "into."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "good" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "ground" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "brought" should be something more like "gave."
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "forth" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "certainly" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "some" is not the common word usually translated as "some."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "however" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "some" is not the common word usually translated as "some."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "however" is not shown in the English translation.

# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

13
  • WN  - Wrong Number- The word "others" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "into" is not the common word usually translated as "into."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "good" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "soil" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "where" should be something more like "and."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "produced" should be something more like "gave."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "this one" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "indeed" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "this one" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "however" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "this one" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "however" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "times what was sown" doesn't exist in the source.

EACH WORD of KJV : 

But  - "But" is the Greek word for "but" that joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. It is the same word used in the related previous verses (Matthew 13:4, Matthew 13:5, Matthew 13:7 ) but it was either translated as "and" or not translated at all.

others  - (WN) The word translated as "others" means "other" and "different.' It is a more negative word than the English "some," also meaning "wrong," "untrue," and unworthy." The form here is feminine, singular. We see the form of this word change from feminine to masculine in the various interactions of this verse in different Gospels.

fell  - "Fell" is translated from a Greek word that means "to fall" and "to fall down." Like our word "to fall" it has a number of special meanings including "to fall into a given class," "to prostrate," "to fall from power," "to perish," and so on.

into  - (CW)  The word translated as "into" means "against," "before," "by" or "on." It is the same preposition as was translated as "on" in earlier verses. It is not one of two common Greek words translated as "in."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

good  - The word translated as "good" referring to the "fruit" means "beautiful," "noble," or "of good quality." It is different than the verb above. See this article on "good" and this one on "evil."" in the KJV. This words is introduced by its own article, "the good one."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

ground,  - The word translated as "ground" means the physical planet. Like our English word "earth," it means both dirt and the planet. See this article for more on the differences between the planet, the "world,"and "heaven."

and  -  The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").

brought  - (WW)  "Brought forth" is from the Greek word almost always translated as "give" in the KJV Gospels. It means "to give," "to offer," "to devote oneself," and "to propose."

forth  - -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "forth" in the Greek source.

fruit,  - The word translated as "fruit" primary meaning is "fruit," "seed," or "offspring," but its secondary meaning is "returns," specifically, "profit," as we would say "fruit of our labors." It has a stronger economic sense of return on an investment that our English "fruit," and is even used to mean taxes.

some    - (CW) The word translated as "some" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). This article is singular not plural.  See this article for more.

missing "indeed"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the expression generally used to express certainty and means "indeed," "certainly," "surely," and "truly."

an -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

hundredfold,  -  This is the number "a hundred."

some    - (CW) The word translated as "some" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). This article is singular not plural.  See this article for more.

missing "however"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is usually translated as "but"  "however," and "on the other hand." Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. 

sixtyfold,  - This Greek word means the number "sixty" or "the sixtieth part."

some   - (CW) The word translated as "some" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). This article is singular not plural.  See this article for more.

missing "however"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is usually translated as "but"  "however," and "on the other hand." Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. 

thirtyfold.  - "Thirtyfold" is the word that means "thirty."

EACH WORD of NIV : 

Still - (WW) "But" is the Greek word for "but" that joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. It is the same word used in the related previous verses (Matthew 13:4, Matthew 13:5, Matthew 13:7 ) but it was either translated as "and" or not translated at all.

other - The word translated as "others" means "other" and "different.' It is a more negative word than the English "some," also meaning "wrong," "untrue," and unworthy." The form here is feminine, singular. We see the form of this word change from feminine to masculine in the various interactions of this verse in different Gospels.

seed -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "seed" in the Greek source.

fell  - "Fell" is translated from a Greek word that means "to fall" and "to fall down." Like our word "to fall" it has a number of special meanings including "to fall into a given class," "to prostrate," "to fall from power," "to perish," and so on.

on - The word translated as "into" means "against," "before," "by" or "on." It is the same preposition as was translated as "on" in earlier verses. It is not one of two common Greek words translated as "in."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

good  - The word translated as "good" referring to the "fruit" means "beautiful," "noble," or "of good quality." It is different than the verb above. See this article on "good" and this one on "evil."" in the KJV. This words is introduced by its own article, "the good one."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

soil,  - The word translated as "soil" means the physical planet. Like our English word "earth," it means both dirt and the planet. See this article for more on the differences between the planet, the "world,"and "heaven."

where -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "where" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").

it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

produced - (WW)  "Produced" is from the Greek word almost always translated as "give" in the KJV Gospels. It means "to give," "to offer," "to devote oneself," and "to propose."

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

crop - The word translated as "crop" primary meaning is "fruit," "seed," "produce," "crop," or "offspring," but its secondary meaning is "returns," specifically, "profit," as we would say "fruit of our labors." It has a stronger economic sense of return on an investment that our English "fruit," and is even used to mean taxes.

missing "this one"  -- (MW) An untranslated word means "this one," the demonstrative pronoun, "this," and "that."

missing "indeed"  -- (MW) An untranslated word meaning "indeed" or "surely" appears in the first part of this phrase. It was not translated in Matthew 13:8 was preceded by its use in Matthew 13:4 where it was also untranslated.

a  - -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

hundred, -  "Hundred" is the number "a hundred."

missing "this one"  -- (MW) An untranslated word means "this one," the demonstrative pronoun, "this," and "that."

missing "however"  -- (MW)  Another untranslated word appears twice in this phrase, the conjunction that has the meaning "but," "however," or a weak "and" that begins the verse.

sixty,  - "Sixty" means the number "sixty" or "the sixtieth part."

missing "this one"  -- (MW) An untranslated word means "this one," the demonstrative pronoun, "this," and "that."

missing "however"  -- (MW)  Another untranslated word appears twice in this phrase, the conjunction that has the meaning "but," "however," or a weak "and" that begins the verse.

thirty. - "Thirty" is from the Greek number "thirty."

times what was sown.  - -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "times what was sown" in the Greek source.

IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "times what was sown" doesn't exist in the source.

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV : 

ἄλλα (adj sg fem nom) "Others" is from allos, which means "another," "one besides," "of another sort," "different," "other than what is true," "as well," "besides," {with numerals: "yet," "still," "further"), "of other sort," "other than what is," "untrue," "unreal," "other than right," "wrong," "bad," "unworthy," [with an article] "the rest," "all besides," and [in series] "one...another."

δὲ (partic) "But" is from de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").

ἔπεσεν (verb 3rd sg aor ind act) "Fell" is from the verb pipto, which means "to fall," "to fall down," "to be cast down," "fall upon," "intersect (geometry)," "meet," "pass through," "fall violently upon," "attack," "fall in battle," "sink{in water)," "fall short i.e. fail," " fall out of," "lose a thing," "escape from," "fall asleep," "to be accessible to perception," "to fall (between her feet, i.e. to be born)," "to let fall[dice)," "turn out," and "fall under (belong to a class)."

ἐπὶ (prep) The word translated as "upon" means "on," "over," "upon," "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" or "on."

τὴν (article sg fem acc)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").

γῆν (noun sg fem acc)  "Earth" is from ge, which means "the element of earth," "land (country)," "arable land," "the ground," and "the world" as the opposite of the sky.

τὴν (article sg fem acc)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").

καλὴν (adj sg fem acc) "Good" is from kalos, which means "beautiful," "good," "of fine quality," "noble," and "honorable." It is most often translated as "good" juxtaposed with "evil" in the New Testament, but the two ideas are closer to "wonderful" and "worthless," "noble" and "base."

καὶ (prep) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

ἐδίδου (3rd sg imperf ind act) "Brought forth" is from didomi, which means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "assign," "offer (to the gods)," "propose," "deliberate," "hand over," "deliver up," "appoint (a priest)," "establish," "concede (in argument)," "to give oneself," and "to describe."

καρπόν, (noun sg masc acc) "Fruit" is karpos, which means "fruit," "the fruits of the earth," "seed," "offspring," "returns for profit," and "reward."

(article sg masc nom) "Some" is from hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. -- The word translated as "that" is a demonstrative pronoun, but it often acts as a pronoun, especially a connective pronoun introducing a dependent clause.

μὲν (partic) Untranslated is men, which is generally used to express certainty and means "indeed," "certainly," "surely," and "truly."

ἑκατὸν ( numeral ) "An hundredfold" is from hekaton, which is the number "a hundred."

(article sg masc nom) "Some" is from hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "for which reason," and many similar meanings.

δὲ (conj) Untranslated is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").

ἑξήκοντα  ( numeral ) "Sixty" is from hexekonta, which means the number "sixty" or "the sixtieth part."

(article sg masc nom) "Some" is from hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "for which reason," and many similar meanings. Untranslated is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").

δὲ Untranslated is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").

τριάκοντα. ( numeral ) "Thirty" is from triakonta which means "thirty."

Wordplay: 

The word translated as "earth" means both the planet and dirt.

The word "brought forth" means "to give" and has a number of meanings including "to offer (to the gods)" and "to devote oneself." 

The word "fruit" also means "profit" or "reward." 

Related Verses: 

Possible Symbolic Meaning: 

This is the fourth and last place that the "seeds" fall. The four together have been "in the way," "the rocky places," "among thistles,' and "the good earth." In the previous chapter, Christ also discussed four "motivations" for people: religion, the belly (appetites), the head (wealth and wisdom), and the heart. There is a hidden parallel in that "the way" means philosophy or religion. The physical appetites of the belly (the "whale") are "hard places." The wealth and wisdom (Solomon's) of the head represents thorns. The good earth is the "heart," specifically, "the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).

Unimportant Opinions and Imaginings: 

“Another, however, fell on the ground, the good stuff,” the Master continued cheerfully, gesturing toward the fields on the green hillsides to the left of the shore. “And it produced fruit.”
Looking over to those fields, a farmer in the audience noticed that not all of the fields were not the same.
“Some of that ground,” the farmer called out, “Is better than other ground. Each parcel produces a different number of bushels.”
The Master nodded, laughed, and clapped in agreement.
“This one, indeed, a hundred,” he said enthusiastically, but instead of point at the greenest field, he pointed at one of his student on the boat known as the Johnny Boy.
The young Johnny Boy looked happy, stood up and took a bow. The crowd laughed
Then the Master pointed at another student in the boat, the fisherman known as Brother James. “That one, however,” he added, sounding  more subdued.  “Sixty?”
He made it sound like a guess, but Brother James took the praise happily and stood up to take a bow as well. The crowd laughed.
Then he pointed to the hard boiled Militant known as Flat Nose.
 “This one, however,” he said, sounding more dubious, but hopeful, “Thirty?”
Flat Nose stood as well, shrugging, and taking a bow.

The crowd laughed at shrug, bow, and the tone of the Master’s voice.

Front Page Date: 

Nov 28 2020