Definition: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important one about faith and perseverance! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about planting seeds and how they can be affected by things around them. Let’s unpack each part: “A sower went out…” : Think of a sower like someone who plants seeds. It's a metaphor for God – He’s working to bring good into the world. “…to sow his seed…” : This means God is planting something – often faith, hope, or goodness – in people's hearts and lives. “and as he sowed, some fell by the way side…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. It’s like when you plant seeds in a field. Some of them might fall into a small ditch or area where they aren’t getting enough sun. The seed falls somewhere – it's not completely ignored. “by the way side…” : This refers to an area that’s less fertile, maybe a little dusty or overgrown. “…and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” : This is the negative consequence. The seed falls into this “trodden-down” area. It's not getting enough sunlight, water, or space to grow. The "fowls of the air" – which represent temptations, distractions, or evil influences – quickly snatch up the seed before it has a chance to grow. So, what does it all mean? It means that God’s word and His goodness can be affected by negative things in our lives. It's not about stopping God's work; it’s about allowing it to be affected by things that don’t support it. It encourages us to: Keep planting seeds of faith, hope, and love: Don't let negativity or distractions stop you from sharing your belief with others. Be patient: God doesn’t give up on His plan, even when things seem difficult. Stay focused on the good: It’s important to keep working towards what is right and true, because it will ultimately help us grow and be blessed. In short, this verse is a reminder that God's work can be challenged by bad influences, but we must continue to nurture and plant those seeds of goodness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of how this verse might apply to your life?