Matthew 13:4

The way side. Not on the road from the village out to the fields, but on a path along the edge of the field, or on a path running through the field to fields farther on. Because of the hard surface of the path the seed lies exposed and has no opportunity even to germinate. The wayside hearers are those superficial hearers upon whom the truths of the gospel have no effect. As expressed by a Chinese proverb, what they hear enters the “east ear” only to leave immediately by the “west ear.” They do not realize their personal need of the gospel. They are inattentive, they do not understand (v. 19). Seemingly the truth makes no sense to them.

Fowls. That is, the wild birds ever present at plowing time and sowing time. According to Matthew, the birds represent “the wicked one” (v. 19); according to Mark, Satan (ch. 4:15); and according to Luke, the devil (ch. 8:12).