13:4 seeds. The “seeds” which are being sown are the word of God (Luke 8:11), and the “field” in which they are to be sown is the whole world (Matthew 13:38).

13:4 way side. The parallel account in Luke says these seeds on the wayside were “trodden down” (Luke 8:5).

13:4 fowls. These birds of the air, eating up the seed before it can take root, represent the minions of “the wicked one” (Matthew 13:19), whether evil spirits or ungodly men, who do all they can to destroy the message of God’s Word.