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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 4:24 mean?

Explanation

Mark 4:24 involves a teaching of Jesus that utilizes a common Rabbinic form known as a "measure for measure" principle, which essentially means that the quality or quantity of one's actions will be reciprocated.

In the context of this verse, Jesus is teaching on the importance of being attentive to what one listens to and how they process that information.

The deeper meaning suggests that the attention and earnestness with which individuals approach the teachings they receive will determine the understanding and enlightenment they gain.

Essentially, those who are mindful and receptive will comprehend more and receive even greater insight, while those who are dismissive or careless will gain little.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is believed to have been written around 66–70 AD.

At the time, early Christians faced persecution and were a relatively small, tight-knit community.

This passage falls within a section where Jesus is speaking to the crowds by the Sea of Galilee, employing parables to convey the mysteries of the kingdom of God.

He later explains these parables to his disciples in private, illustrating that the ability to understand his messages is a kind of gift or reward given to those who are truly seeking.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Mark 4:24 can be seen as indicative of the concept of divine justice and reciprocity , you reap what you sow.

Furthermore, it might be seen as underpinning the importance of faithfulness and stewardship of God's word.

Scholars differ in opinion, with some viewing the verse as primarily about spiritual understanding, while others suggest it relates to a broader ethic encompassing all aspects of life, such as generosity.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Mark 4:24 can serve as a reminder for individuals to be conscientious about what information they consume and how they engage with it.

This could apply to matters of faith, education, or even media consumption in general.

It encourages active listening and thoughtful reflection, highlighting the idea that the more effort one puts into understanding, the more they will benefit from the knowledge acquired.

Cross-References

Luke 8:18, "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."
Matthew 7:2, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key phrase “Take heed what ye hear” translates from “Βλέπετε τί ἀκούετε”. "Βλέπετε" (Blepete) can mean "look" or "beware," indicating the need for careful attention.

“τί” (ti) translates as "what" conveying the object of attention, and “ἀκούετε” (akouete) translates to "you hear," focusing on the act of listening or receiving information.

The idea of measuring, “μέτρῳ” (metro), refers to the measure or standard used, indicating the manner in which something is given or allotted.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The principle of reciprocity is widespread in many ancient cultures' ethics and religious narratives.

The concept, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," is seen across various religions, such as Hinduism's Karma and Buddhism's Golden Rule.

Like these cultural concepts, the teaching in Mark 4:24 reinforces the notion of ethical or cosmic balance, suggesting that the universe or a deity will return actions or intentions in kind.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with empirical science, psychological studies on learning could be associated with the principle of "more will be given to those who listen." Research suggests that active engagement and attentiveness in the learning process leads to better comprehension and retention of information.

Therefore, the verse may find indirect support in the education and cognitive psychology fields that underscore the importance of how individuals approach learning.

Commentaries

Various commentaries interpret Mark 4:24 with different emphases.

For example, the Pulpit Commentary highlights the importance of the "measure" that one uses – it's not just about listening, but also about the carefulness and judgment one applies to what is heard.

Matthew Henry's Commentary underscores the generosity aspect, suggesting that those who are generous with what they have received from God will be blessed with more.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible focuses on the diligence in hearing, implying it is not the act of listening itself, but the manner of listening that determines the measure of benefit and knowledge one receives.

Mark 4

Mark 4

What does Mark 4:24 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 4:24 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?