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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 4:37 mean?

Explanation

Mark 4:37 describes a perilous situation faced by Jesus and His disciples. They were on a boat in the Sea of Galilee when a sudden and violent storm arose. The strong winds and large waves began to fill the boat with water, threatening to capsize it.

The verse characterizes the urgency of the situation, highlighting the disciples’ vulnerability despite some being experienced fishermen. On a deeper level, this passage can be interpreted to symbolize the storms of life that unexpectedly arise and challenge one's faith.

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Historical Context

The Sea of Galilee is known for sudden violent storms, which result from the area's unique geography.

Situated below sea level and surrounded by high hills, it is susceptible to sudden wind funneling down from the surrounding elevations.

During Jesus' time, fishing was a common industry in Galilee, and many of His disciples were fishermen familiar with the lake's conditions.

The event described in Mark 4:37 likely occurred during one of Jesus’ ministry journeys across the lake, as He traveled from town to town teaching and performing miracles.

Theological Insights

Different theological standpoints offer varied insights into this verse:

From a Christian perspective, the storm serves as a test of faith for the disciples, who in their desperation turn to Jesus for help.
Within a Christological context, the subsequent calming of the storm signifies Jesus' divine authority over nature, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.
Liberation theologians might see the storm as a metaphor for social or political upheaval, with Jesus' response being an example of divine intervention in times of crisis.

Practical Applications

Mark 4:37 can be applied to everyday life in several ways:

It teaches believers to turn to faith in times of trouble, trusting in a higher power to bring calm and peace.
It encourages preparation and awareness that trials can arise unexpectedly, urging individuals to cultivate inner strength and resilience.
The verse can serve as a reminder to support one another in times of distress, much like the disciples who all were in the same boat together.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:24: "And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep."
Psalm 107:29: "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still."
Jonah 1:4: "But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words hold significance:

"Mega" (μέγας): This adjective, used for "great," intensifies the description of the storm, indicating its massive scale.
"Lailaps" (λαῖλαψ): Translated as "storm," this word conveys a sense of a sudden, whirling tempest.
"Kyma" (κῦμα): Meaning "waves," it underscores the repeated impact against the boat.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This biblical story can be compared with other ancient narratives where deities demonstrate power over nature:

In Greek mythology, Poseidon calms and stirs the sea, showcasing his authority as the god of the sea.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, a great flood serves as a test and a means of transformation for the protagonist, similar to how the storm tests the disciples.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the "great storm of wind" can be easily explained by the geographical and climatic conditions of the Sea of Galilee, which is prone to sudden storms due to temperature and pressure differences.

The account underscores a natural phenomenon that would have been common and often terrifying for those living around the lake.

Commentaries

Many Bible scholars and commentators reflect on this verse with different emphases:

John Gill comments on the suddenness of the storm and the severity that it posed to those on the boat, indicating how quickly life can change and become threatening.
Matthew Henry highlights the spiritual lessons to be drawn from Christ's calmness and the disciples' fear, suggesting it as a picture of Christ's ability to bring peace to the troubled believer's heart.
The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the physical realities of the storm, its danger, and the miraculous nature of Jesus' command over the elements.

Mark 4

Mark 4

What does Mark 4:37 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 4:37 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?