His students began questioning him as to what this parable meant. And he said, "To you, it has been granted to know the mysteries of the malchut shamayim [the kingdom of heaven], but to the rest, it is in parables so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND (Jeremiah 5:21). Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of HaShem.
Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart so that they will not believe and be spared.
Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for only an hour, and in time of temptation turn back.
The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.
Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. So take care how you listen; for whoever has something, to him, more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him."
This is the teaching of the Rabbi.
