Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. Jesus identifies the first soil as the hardened path where seed cannot penetrate. The Greek word hodos (ὁδός) refers to a trampled roadway—compacted, impenetrable earth representing hardened hearts. The devil (diabolos, διάβολος, 'slanderer' or 'accuser') actively taketh away the word (airei ton logon, αἴρει τὸν λόγον), snatching it before it can take root.
The purpose clause is critical: lest they should believe and be saved (hina mē pisteusantes sōthōsin, ἵνα μὴ πιστεύσαντες σωθῶσιν). Satan's strategy is preventing saving faith by immediate removal of God's word. The verb pisteusantes (believing) precedes sōthōsin (be saved), establishing faith as the instrumental means of salvation—precisely what Satan seeks to prevent. This reveals spiritual warfare in evangelism: behind human unresponsiveness stands demonic opposition working to keep hearts hard and minds closed to gospel truth.
Historical Context
In first-century Palestinian agriculture, footpaths cut through fields where countless feet hardened the soil. Broadcasted seed falling on these paths sat exposed on the surface, vulnerable to birds (representing Satan, v. 5). Jesus spoke this parable to crowds including Pharisees, scribes, and common people—vastly different soil conditions. The parable's agricultural imagery was immediately comprehensible, yet its spiritual meaning required explanation (vv. 9-10). Luke's Gospel, written for Gentile audiences (Theophilus, 1:3), emphasizes salvation themes. This verse's explicit mention of being 'saved' (sōthōsin) connects hearing God's word with eternal salvation, a central Lukan concern throughout Acts as the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Rome.
Questions for Reflection
What specific factors today create 'hardened heart' conditions where God's word cannot penetrate?
How does recognizing Satan's active role in preventing faith change how we pray for unbelievers?
Why does Jesus explicitly connect hearing the word with 'belief' and 'salvation' rather than mere intellectual knowledge?
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Analysis & Commentary
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. Jesus identifies the first soil as the hardened path where seed cannot penetrate. The Greek word hodos (ὁδός) refers to a trampled roadway—compacted, impenetrable earth representing hardened hearts. The devil (diabolos, διάβολος, 'slanderer' or 'accuser') actively taketh away the word (airei ton logon, αἴρει τὸν λόγον), snatching it before it can take root.
The purpose clause is critical: lest they should believe and be saved (hina mē pisteusantes sōthōsin, ἵνα μὴ πιστεύσαντες σωθῶσιν). Satan's strategy is preventing saving faith by immediate removal of God's word. The verb pisteusantes (believing) precedes sōthōsin (be saved), establishing faith as the instrumental means of salvation—precisely what Satan seeks to prevent. This reveals spiritual warfare in evangelism: behind human unresponsiveness stands demonic opposition working to keep hearts hard and minds closed to gospel truth.