Parable of the Soils

The chief purpose of this parable seems to be to describe the various heart conditions of people which affect the hearing and receptivity or lack of it to the Gospel message and teachings. Four spiritual heart conditions are described, only the latter being receptive and able to receive Jesus' teaching with profit. Part of this passage (v. 10-12) explains why some hear the parables but don't understand them so as to receive spiritual benefit. Some hear the Word with their ears but not their hearts, and others, on the other hand, hear it with spiritual profit.