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Mark 4:4 And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/mark/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass as he sowed, some fell along the road, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And it happened, as he sowed, <i>that</i> some <i>seed</i> fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />as he was sowing, some <i>seed</i> fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and it came about that as he was sowing, some <i>seed</i> fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and it happened that as he was sowing, some <i>seed</i> fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and as he was sowing, some <i>seed</i> fell by the road, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />While the farmer was scattering the seed, some of it fell along the road and was eaten by birds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Some seeds were planted along the road, and birds came and devoured them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As he was sowing, some seeds fell along the path, and birds came and ate them up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And it happened, as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass as he sowed, some fell by the way-side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As he sows, some of the seed falls by the way-side, and the birds come and peck it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it came to pass, in the sowing, some fell by the way, and the birds of the sky came and devoured it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass as he sowed, some fell along the road, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it came to pass, in the sowing, some fell by the way, and the fowls of the heaven did come and devour it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was in sowing some truly fell by the way, and the flying things of heaven came and ate it down.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And whilst he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and ate it up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And while he was sowing, some fell along the way, and the birds of the air came and ate it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when he had sown, some fell on the roadside, and the fowls came and ate it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And as he sowed, there was some that fell on the side of the road and a bird came and ate it.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and it came to pass, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside, and the birds came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and it came to pass while he was sowing, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured it.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and it came to pass as he sowed, some fell by the road side, and the birds of the air came and ate it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />some of the seed happened to fall by the wayside, which the birds light upon, and devoured.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As he sows, some of the seed falls by the way-side, and the birds come and peck it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And it came to pass, as he sowed, some <i>seed</i> fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured it.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and in sowing, some fell by the way-<Fr><i>side,</i><FR> and the birds came and ate it up:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=893" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">The Parable of the Sower</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4687.htm" title="4687: speirein (V-PNA) -- To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.">he was sowing,</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">some seed</a> <a href="/greek/4098.htm" title="4098: epesen (V-AIA-3S) -- A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.">fell</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">along</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3598.htm" title="3598: hodon (N-AFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">path,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4071.htm" title="4071: peteina (N-NNP) -- A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird.">birds</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2719.htm" title="2719: katephagen (V-AIA-3S) -- To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour.">devoured</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auto (PPro-AN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it. </a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Matthew 13:4</a></span><br />And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Luke 8:5</a></span><br />“A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, where it was trampled, and the birds of the air devoured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10-11</a></span><br />For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-3.htm">Jeremiah 4:3</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a></span><br />Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">2 Corinthians 9:10</a></span><br />Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-24.htm">John 12:24</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a></span><br />Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23</a></span><br />For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-21.htm">James 1:21</a></span><br />Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26</a></span><br />I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Proverbs 11:18</a></span><br />The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Mark 4:15</a></b></br> And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-11.htm">Genesis 15:11</a></b></br> And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Matthew 13:4,19</a></b></br> And when he sowed, some <i>seeds</i> fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Air</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Devoured</a> <a href="/matthew/13-22.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/matthew/21-44.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/mark/3-11.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-8.htm">It</a> <a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Path</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Peck</a> <a href="/mark/1-3.htm">Road</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Scattering</a> <a href="/mark/4-3.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/mark/4-1.htm">Side</a> <a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Sowed</a> <a href="/matthew/13-37.htm">Sowing</a> <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Sows</a> <a href="/mark/4-1.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Wayside</a> <a href="/matthew/20-30.htm">Way-Side</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Air</a> <a href="/mark/6-42.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Devoured</a> <a href="/mark/7-28.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/mark/4-5.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/mark/4-5.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/mark/5-11.htm">Food</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">It</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Path</a> <a href="/luke/8-6.htm">Peck</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Road</a> <a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Scattering</a> <a href="/mark/4-5.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Side</a> <a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Sowed</a> <a href="/mark/4-14.htm">Sowing</a> <a href="/mark/4-14.htm">Sows</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Wayside</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Way-Side</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/4-1.htm">The parable of the sower,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/4-14.htm">and the meaning thereof.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/4-21.htm">We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/4-26.htm">The parable of the seed growing secretly;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/4-30.htm">and of the mustard seed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/4-35.htm">Jesus stills the storm on the sea.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And as he was sowing</b><br>This phrase introduces the parable of the sower, a teaching method Jesus frequently used to convey spiritual truths through everyday experiences. Sowing was a common agricultural practice in ancient Palestine, where farmers scattered seed by hand. This imagery would have been familiar to Jesus' audience, many of whom were involved in farming or lived in agrarian communities. The act of sowing represents the spreading of God's Word, a theme that is central to Jesus' ministry.<p><b>some seed fell along the path</b><br>Paths in ancient fields were often hard-packed from foot traffic, making them unsuitable for seed to take root. In the context of the parable, the path symbolizes those who hear the Word of God but do not understand or accept it, as explained later in <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Mark 4:15</a>. This reflects the spiritual hardness of heart that prevents the Word from penetrating and growing. The path can also be seen as a metaphor for the distractions and influences of the world that prevent spiritual growth.<p><b>and the birds came and devoured it</b><br>Birds in this parable represent the forces that oppose the Word of God, such as Satan, who is explicitly mentioned in the explanation of the parable in <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Mark 4:15</a>. The imagery of birds devouring the seed illustrates how quickly and easily the Word can be snatched away from those who do not receive it with understanding and faith. This reflects the spiritual warfare that believers face, as described in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>- The speaker of the parable, teaching the crowd about the Kingdom of God through parables.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sower.htm">The Sower</a></b><br>- Represents those who spread the Word of God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_seed.htm">The Seed</a></b><br>- Symbolizes the Word of God being shared with others.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path.htm">The Path</a></b><br>- Represents the hearts of those who hear the Word but do not understand or accept it.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_birds.htm">The Birds</a></b><br>- Symbolize Satan or evil forces that snatch away the Word before it can take root.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_word.htm">Understanding the Word</a></b><br>It is crucial to not only hear the Word of God but to seek understanding and clarity. Without understanding, the Word can be easily taken away.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_distractions.htm">Guarding Against Distractions</a></b><br>Just as the birds devour the seed, distractions and worldly concerns can prevent the Word from taking root in our lives. We must be vigilant and guard our hearts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Recognize that there are spiritual forces at work that aim to prevent the Word from flourishing in our lives. Equip yourself with prayer and the Word to combat these forces.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_receptive_heart.htm">The Importance of a Receptive Heart</a></b><br>A hardened heart, like the path, is not conducive to spiritual growth. We must cultivate a heart that is open and receptive to God's teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_engagement_with_scripture.htm">Active Engagement with Scripture</a></b><br>Engage actively with the Word through study, meditation, and application to ensure it takes root and bears fruit in your life.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">As</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was sowing,</span><br /><span class="grk">σπείρειν</span> <span class="translit">(speirein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">some [seed]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔπεσεν</span> <span class="translit">(epesen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4098.htm">Strong's 4098: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along</span><br /><span class="grk">παρὰ</span> <span class="translit">(para)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">path,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁδόν</span> <span class="translit">(hodon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> </span><span class="str2">A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">birds</span><br /><span class="grk">πετεινὰ</span> <span class="translit">(peteina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4071.htm">Strong's 4071: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦλθεν</span> <span class="translit">(ēlthen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">devoured</span><br /><span class="grk">κατέφαγεν</span> <span class="translit">(katephagen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτό</span> <span class="translit">(auto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/4-4.htm">Mark 4:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/4-4.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 4:4 And it happened as he sowed some (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>