Nehemiah 8, the key concept repeated in Matthew 13:1–23 is understanding (vv. 13, 14, 15, 19, and 23). In His interpretation of the parable of the sower (vv. 19–23), Jesus makes it clear that dissemination of God’s Word depends upon understanding His words. If recipients of God’s Word do not understand the words, Satan (“the wicked one”) will be victorious (v. 19). On the other hand, if hearers and readers understand the Word, fruitfulness results and God will be victorious (v. 23). Believers normally