Matthew 13:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

Complete Jewish Bible:

As he sowed, some seed fell alongside the path; and the birds came and ate it up.

Berean Standard Bible:

And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.

American Standard Version:

and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} when^{G1722} he^{G846} sowed^{G4687}, some^{{G3739}{G3303}} seeds fell^{G4098} by^{G3844} the way side^{G3598}, and^{G2532} the fowls^{G4071} came^{G2064} and^{G2532} devoured^{G2719} them^{G846} up^{G2719}:

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Commentary for Matthew 13:4

Matthew 13:4 is part of the New Testament and is found within the narrative of Jesus teaching in parables. This particular verse is from the Parable of the Sower, which is one of the most well-known parables of Jesus. The historical context of this verse is set in the first century during the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the region of Galilee.

In this verse, Jesus describes a scenario where a sower casts seeds, and some of them fall by the wayside, only to be eaten by birds. The parable uses this agricultural imagery to illustrate spiritual truths. The seeds represent the word of God, and the different places where the seeds fall symbolize various conditions of the human heart and its receptiveness to the gospel. The seeds that fall by the wayside and are devoured by birds represent those who hear the message of the kingdom but do not understand it, and thus, Satan quickly snatches away what was sown in their hearts, preventing any spiritual growth or conversion.

The themes of this verse include the varied responses to Jesus' teachings, the importance of a receptive heart for spiritual growth, and the opposition that the word of God faces from evil forces. It speaks to the idea that not all who hear the gospel will accept it, and it sets the stage for Jesus to explain the importance of bearing fruit as a result of understanding and embracing the word of God. This parable serves as a caution to the listeners and readers to be thoughtful and perceptive recipients of spiritual teachings, ensuring that their hearts are fertile ground for the word to take root and flourish.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4687
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σπείρω
   Transliteration: speírō
   Pronunciation: spi'-ro
   Description: probably strengthened from σπάω (through the idea of extending); to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively):--sow(- er), receive seed.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3739
   There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅς
   Transliteration: hós
   Pronunciation: ho
   Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3303
   There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέν
   Transliteration: mén
   Pronunciation: men
   Description: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with δέ (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4098
   There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πίπτω
   Transliteration: píptō
   Pronunciation: pet'-o
   Description: probably akin to πέτομαι through the idea of alighting; to fall (literally or figuratively):--fail, fall (down), light on.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3844
   There are 189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: παρά
   Transliteration: pará
   Pronunciation: par-ah'
   Description: a primary preposition; properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local (especially beyond or opposed to) or causal (on account of):--above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend, from, + give (such things as they), + that (she) had, X his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side…by, in the sight of, than, (there-)fore, with. In compounds it retains the same variety of application.
   
9. Strong's Number: G3598
   There are 99 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὁδός
   Transliteration: hodós
   Pronunciation: hod-os'
   Description: apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means:--journey, (high-)way.
   
10. Strong's Number: G4071
    There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πετεινόν
    Transliteration: peteinón
    Pronunciation: pet-i-non'
    Description: neuter of a derivative of πέτομαι; a flying animal, i.e. bird:--bird, fowl.
    
11. Strong's Number: G2064
    There are 604 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔρχομαι
    Transliteration: érchomai
    Pronunciation: el'-tho
    Description: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.
    
12. Strong's Number: G2719
    There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κατεσθίω
    Transliteration: katesthíō
    Pronunciation: kat-es-thee'-o
    Description: from κατά and ἐσθίω (including its alternate); to eat down, i.e. devour (literally or figuratively):--devour.