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Mark 4

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

The sower soweth the word.

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

What does Mark 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Mark 4:17 refers to one of the responses to the Word of God as detailed in the Parable of the Sower, where different types of soil represent different hearers of the Word.

In this verse, the soil is rocky ground with little depth.

These individuals immediately receive the word with joy, but without deep roots, their faith is temporary.

When troubles or persecution come because of the message, they quickly fall away.

The literal meaning is clear: enduring faith is not just about the initial enthusiastic reception of God's Word; it's about the depth of the foundation it lays in one's life.

The deeper meaning implies a warning about superficial faith and the necessity of resilience and depth in the spiritual journey.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark was written in a context of persecution and hardship for early Christians, likely around 65-70 A.D.

The parable was an apt description for the audience of that time, as they experienced severe trials for their faith.

Early Christians faced ostracism from their communities, persecution from Jewish authorities, and eventually, brutal repression under the Roman Empire.

This verse would have resonated powerfully, serving both as a reflection of their experiences and as encouragement to persevere.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer varied insights into this verse:

Traditional Evangelical Theology emphasizes the need for a genuine conversion experience that results in a transformed life, suggesting that a true believer will bear fruit through perseverance.
Calvinist Doctrine may see this verse as illustrative of the concept of the perseverance of the saints, indicating that those who are not elect may initially respond to the Word but will not endure.
Arminian Theology could interpret this as a call to continued free will choice in maintaining one's faith amidst hardships, challenging believers to actively hold on to their faith.

These varied viewpoints demonstrate the rich theological tapestry within Christianity on the nature of faith and endurance.

Practical Applications

This verse invites individuals to self-reflection on the depth of their convictions and the strength of their faith. Practical applications include:

Assessing one's spiritual foundation and seeking ways to deepen it through study, prayer, and community.
Recognizing the importance of resilience in the face of trials and actively preparing for them.
Offering support to those who face persecution and struggles for their faith, acknowledging that community is a key factor in enduring hardship.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:20-21: "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended."
Luke 8:13: "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."
James 1:12: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text include:

"Root" (ῥίζα, rhiza): Represents foundational support or stability.
"Endure" (πρόσκαιρος, proskairos): Signifies something temporary or for a season.
"Affliction or persecution" (θλῖψις, thlipsis or διωγμός, diogmos): These words mean pressure, tribulation, or active pursuit with hostility.
"Offended" (σκανδαλίζονται, scandalizontai): Derives from a word meaning to stumble or cause to stumble; it implies taking offense or falling away.

Understanding the original Greek nuances adds depth to the understanding of the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient religions and myths, the idea of tests of faith or endurance are common.

For example, in Greek mythology, characters are often tested to prove their loyalty to the gods.

In other religious traditions such as Buddhism, the concept of faith or belief is not as central as the practice and steadfastness in the path.

Comparatively, the Christian perspective as illustrated in this verse emphasizes a personal and resilient response to the divine message.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological research supports the notion that resilience and a strong foundational set of beliefs can aid in enduring hardships.

Moreover, research into community support aligns with the idea that a strong network can provide the necessary support to endure trials. There are no direct scientific intersections with the verse, but these related findings echo its principles.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators provide various interpretations of Mark 4:17:

William Barclay notes that the rocky ground hearers have an impulsive nature and that true faith must be thoughtfully and deeply rooted.
John Calvin comments on the reality of persecution causing some to fall away, highlighting the necessity of the courage of conviction.
Matthew Henry emphasizes the sorrowful outcome for those who fall away when they are not deeply rooted in faith, pointing out the need for heart-searching and commitment.

These interpretations highlight the consensus on the importance of a deep and abiding faith that withstands life's trials.

Mark 4

Mark 4

What does Mark 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?