As he sowed (εν τω σπειρειν αυτον). Literally, "in the sowing as to him," a neat Greek idiom unlike our English temporal conjuncti…

Some seeds fell by the way side. That is, the hard path or headland, which the plough had not touched, and where there was no opp…

The wayside — that is, along the edges of the broad path that crossed the field. Here the surface was hard and smooth, the grain l…

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, …

St. John Chrysostom: After He had rebuked the one who told Him of His mother and His brothers, He then did as they requested. …

(3a) Jesus told the crowd “many things in parables.” For a brief description of “parable,” see introductory comment on Mk 4.

Regarding this c…

And when he sowed
Or, "as he sowed", as the other evangelists; that is, "while he was sowing",

Jesus entered a boat so that He might be less pressed, and be better heard by the people. By this He teaches us, in the outward circumstances of wo…

Previously, the Gospel teaching was presented, and its adversaries were refuted. Here, He shows the power of the Gospel teaching. Firstly, He does …