Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:4

What does Matthew 13:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:4 means

Verse 4 describes seeds falling along the road and being eaten by birds. Spiritually, this represents hearts that hear the word but are not receptive; the message is quickly taken away before it can root. The birds symbolize the evil one or forces that steal truth. The image warns that exposure to the word is not enough; understanding and a receptive heart are necessary. It also stresses the urgency: when the enemy acts quickly, opportunity for growth is lost.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while he did so, some seeds were dropped by the wayside, and the birds came and took them for food:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in his sowing, some indeed fell by the way, and the fowls did come and devour them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whilst he soweth some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and ate them up.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and as he sowed, some [grains] fell along the way, and the birds came and devoured them;

Context

This is the first scenario in the Sower parable, which will present four outcomes to the same sowing. Readers should note the contrast between varied soils and the same seed: differences lie not in the message but in the condition of hearers’ hearts—an important theme for what follows.

v.3And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow;

v.4This passage

v.5and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Related questions readers ask

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