What does Matthew 13:7 mean?

Using a parable, Jesus is describing the fate of various seeds that fall when sown into a new field (Matthew 13:1–3). Jesus will explain in the following verses that this parable is about what happens to the message of the kingdom of heaven when it is preached to various groups of Israelites. Some seed falls on the path and is eaten by birds (Matthew 13:4; 19). Other seed falls on rocky soil. It springs into a little plant that quickly dies from lack of roots and access to moisture (Matthew 13:5–6; 20–21).

The third group of seeds falls among thorns or weeds. The seeds sprout, and there is plenty of soil to develop roots. However, the plants lose the competition for sunlight and nutrients with the thorns. The grain does not survive.

As with the other metaphors, Jesus will later explain the meaning of this parable to His disciples (Matthew 13:22). The seeds that fall among the thorns or weeds represent those who hear the message of the kingdom and accept it, but worldly concerns such as money win the competition for their time, attention, and priority. Commitment to Jesus and the kingdom are lacking, so they are unfruitful.