FocusHearing 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 4:3
KJVHearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
Read it in context
The sower explained
Start reading at Mark 4:1 (Mark 4:1 to Mark 4:20).
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.
The parable and its explanation identify different responses to the word, making receptive hearing central to the chapter.
- 4:1 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.
- 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
- 4:3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
- 4:4 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.
- 4:5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
- 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
- 4:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
- 4:8 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.
- 4:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
- 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
- 4:11 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:
- 4:12 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.
- 4:13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
- 4:14 The sower soweth the word.
- 4:15 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.
- 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
- 4:17 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.
- 4:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
- 4:19 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.
- 4:20 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.
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? The sower explained. Read Mark 4:1 through Mark 4:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The parable and its explanation identify different responses to the word, making receptive hearing central to the chapter. 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 The sower explained (Mark 4:1 to Mark 4:20). Start reading at Mark 4:1. 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 4:1, Mark 4:20, 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
- Hearken Mark 4:9,23 Mark 7:14,16 Deut 4:1 Ps 34:11 Ps 45:10 Prov 7:24 Prov 8:32 Isa 46:3,12
- there Mark 4:14,26-29 Eccl 11:6 Isa 28:23-26 Matt 13:3,24,26 Luke 8:5-8 John 4:35-38 1 Cor 3:6-9
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.
Light and growing seed
Mark 4:21–34FocusRevelation 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.