New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 13:4

Secrets of the Kingdom

And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Matthew 13:4 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 13:4, in plain English

As the farmer scattered his seed, some fell on the hard path, and birds came and gobbled it up before it could take root.

Why it's here

The path represents a heart too hard to receive God's word. The message bounces right off and is snatched away.

Who's speaking

Jesus continues the parable.

Where it sits in the story

Some hearts are like a hard-packed road. The truth lands but never sinks in. Before it has a chance, it is snatched away.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Some seed falls 'along the path' (para ten hodon) where birds (peteina) consume it, representing the first of four soil types illustrating different responses to the kingdom message.

Language and setting

Palestinian farmers typically sowed before plowing, broadcasting seed over unplowed ground. The hardened path (a footpath through the field) prevented seed penetration, leaving it exposed to birds.

Voice

Jesus tells the parable of the sower.

Significance

The first scenario describes seed on the hardened path -- ground too compacted to receive it, where the exposed seed becomes easy prey for birds.

In context

Matthew 13:2–6

2Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.

3And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

4And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.

5Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.

6But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

Read all of Matthew 13 — A farmer scatters seed, a woman hides yeast, a merchant finds a pearl. Jesus teaches in parables — and not everyone is meant to understand.

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