Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 13:4-9
Matthew 13:4-9. When he sowed, some seeds fell by the way-side By the side of a beaten path which lay through the ground he was sowing. This wayside being neither broken up by the plough nor hedged in, the seed that fell here lay uncovered, and was partly trodden down, and partly devoured by the fowls, Luke 8:5, so that no fruit could be expected. Some fell upon stony places, επι τα πετρωδη , upon rocky places. Luke says, επι την πετραν , upon the rock; where they had not much... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 13:3-9
In parables - The word “parable” is derived from a Greek word signifying “to compare together,” and denotes a similitude taken from a natural object to illustrate a spiritual or moral subject. It is a narrative of some fictitious or real event, in order to illustrate more clearly some truth that the speaker wished to communicate. In early ages it was much used. Pagan writers, as Aesop, often employed it. In the time of Christ it was in common use. The prophets had used it, and Christ employed... read more