The sower explained
Mark 4:1–20FocusHearing the word
Connection to the wholeThe parable and its explanation identify different responses to the word, making receptive hearing central to the chapter.
interpretation Mark 4:26
KJVAnd he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Read it in context
Light and growing seed
Start reading at Mark 4:21 (Mark 4:21 to Mark 4:34).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Further images develop responsibility for hearing and the growth of God's kingdom beyond what its small beginnings suggest.
- 4:21 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?
- 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
- 4:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
- 4:24 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.
- 4:25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
- 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
- 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
- 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
- 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
- 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
- 4:31 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:
- 4:32 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.
- 4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
- 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 4:1–4:41): Jesus teaches the crowd beside the sea and explains parables to His followers; His disciples accompany Him in the storm. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Light and growing seed. Read Mark 4:21 through Mark 4:34 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Further images develop responsibility for hearing and the growth of God's kingdom beyond what its small beginnings suggest. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Light and growing seed (Mark 4:21 to Mark 4:34). Start reading at Mark 4:21. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 4:21, Mark 4:34, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- So Matt 3:2 Matt 4:17 Matt 13:11,31,33 Luke 13:18
- as Mark 4:3-4,14-20 Prov 11:18 Eccl 11:4,6 Isa 28:24-26 Isa 32:20 Matt 13:3,24 Luke 8:5,11 John 4:36-38
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 4
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusRevelation and kingdom growth
Connection to the wholeFurther images develop responsibility for hearing and the growth of God's kingdom beyond what its small beginnings suggest.
interpretation The storm stilled
Mark 4:35–41FocusFear and faith
Connection to the wholeThe crossing tests the disciples' response to the one they have been hearing and leaves them asking who He is.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.