Matthew 13:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐν
G1722
when
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#3
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
σπείρειν
G4687
sowed
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#5
αὐτά
G846
he
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
ἃ
G3739
some
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
μὲν
G3303
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#8
ἔπεσεν
G4098
seeds fell
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#9
παρὰ
G3844
by
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#10
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ὁδόν,
G3598
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἦλθεν
G2064
came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πετεινὰ
G4071
the fowls
a flying animal, i.e., bird
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
κατέφαγεν
G2719
devoured
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)
#18
αὐτά
G846
he
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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