6 In Matthew’s version of this parable, plural pronouns are used to refer to the seed in v. 4 (ἅ … αὐτά [ha … auta]), although the collective singular is used in v. 5 and following (indicated by the singular verbs like ἔπεσεν [epesen]). For the sake of consistency in English, plural pronouns referring to the seed are used in the translation throughout the Matthean account. In both Mark and Luke the collective singular is used consistently throughout (cf. Mark 4:1–9; Luke 8:4–8).

In other versions

And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.

As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them.

and while he was sowing, some seed fell on the side of the path, and the birds came and devoured it.

And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

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