Mark 4
The Parable of the Sower
1Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.
2He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
3“Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow.
4As he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.
5Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.
6When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
8Others fell into the good ground and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.”
9He said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.”
The Purpose of Parables
10When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
11He said to them, “To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,
12that ‘seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.’”
The Interpretation of the Sower
13He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?
14The farmer sows the word.
15The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
16These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
17They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.
18Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,
19and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
20Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”
The Parable of the Lamp
21He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?
22For there is nothing hidden except that it should be made known, neither was anything made secret but that it should come to light.
23If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you; and more will be given to you who hear.
25For whoever has, to him more will be given; and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26He said, “God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth,
27and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, though he doesn’t know how.
28For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
29But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30He said, “How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?
31It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth,
32yet when it is sown, grows up and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.”
Jesus' Use of Parables
33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.
34Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
The Calming of the Storm
35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.”
36Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him.
37A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
38He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and asked him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”
39He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”
41They were greatly afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4 presents Jesus' extensive parable teaching ministry, beginning with the foundational Parable of the Sower and its explanation of how people receive God's word differently. Jesus explains that parables both reveal and conceal spiritual truths, serving as a means of instruction for receptive hearts while remaining mysterious to those who resist. The chapter concludes with Jesus demonstrating his divine authority by calming a violent storm, showing that his power extends beyond teaching to mastery over creation itself.
Context
Following the conflicts with religious leaders in chapter 3, Jesus shifts to parabolic teaching that will characterize much of his ministry, while demonstrating divine authority that validates his message.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-9The Parable of the SowerJesus teaches a large crowd from a boat, telling the parable of seeds falling on different types of soil with varying results.
- 10-12The Purpose of ParablesJesus explains to his disciples that parables reveal kingdom mysteries to believers while concealing truth from outsiders.
- 13-20Interpretation of the SowerJesus interprets the parable, explaining how the different soils represent various responses to God's word.
- 21-25Parables of Light and MeasureJesus teaches about revelation through parables of the lamp and measuring, emphasizing that hidden things will be revealed.
- 26-32Kingdom Growth ParablesJesus describes the kingdom of God through parables of the growing seed and mustard seed, illustrating gradual but certain growth.
- 33-34Jesus' Teaching MethodMark summarizes Jesus' consistent use of parables for public teaching while privately explaining them to disciples.
- 35-41Calming the StormJesus demonstrates his authority over nature by calming a fierce storm, leaving the disciples amazed at his power.
The Parable of the Sower
4:1–4:9Jesus teaches the parable of the sower by the seaside, describing how seed falls on different types of ground with varying results. This foundational parable illustrates how people receive and respond to God's word differently.
person_contrast
Jesus shifts from his typical authoritative pronouncements to agricultural metaphors, marking one of only four parables in Mark where he explains kingdom mysteries through everyday farming imagery.
The Purpose of Parables
4:10–4:12Jesus explains to his disciples that parables reveal God's kingdom mysteries to believers while concealing truth from outsiders. He emphasizes the selective nature of spiritual understanding and revelation.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely combines kingdom revelation with deliberate concealment here, contrasting his typical pattern of exercising direct authority through clear judgment pronouncements.
The Interpretation of the Sower
4:13–4:20Jesus interprets the parable of the sower, explaining how different heart conditions affect reception of God's word. He describes how Satan, persecution, and worldly concerns can prevent spiritual fruitfulness.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical authoritative proclamations to patient pedagogical explanation, making this one of only seven passages where he explicitly interprets his own parables.
The Parable of the Lamp
4:21–4:25Jesus teaches the parable of the lamp, emphasizing that truth is meant to be revealed and shared, not hidden. He warns that spiritual receptivity determines what one receives from God.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical authority-judgment language to light-darkness metaphors, making this one of only four passages where he explicitly discusses revelation's inevitable emergence.
The Parable of the Growing Seed
4:26–4:29Jesus presents the parable of the growing seed, illustrating how God's kingdom grows mysteriously and inevitably without human effort. The parable emphasizes divine sovereignty in spiritual growth and the certainty of harvest.
person_contrast
Mark's unique parable depicts the kingdom's growth through the rare Greek word "automate" (automatically), emphasizing divine sovereignty over human agricultural effort in spiritual transformation.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
4:30–4:32Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God through the parable of the mustard seed, illustrating how something small can grow into something great that provides shelter for many.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely pairs the mustard seed's "smallest of all seeds" claim with birds finding "shelter in its shade," echoing Ezekiel's cedar metaphor for great kingdoms.
Jesus' Use of Parables
4:33–4:34The narrator explains Jesus' teaching method of using parables for the crowds while privately explaining their meanings to his disciples.
person_contrast
Mark uniquely portrays Jesus employing a dual pedagogical strategy—public parables paired with private explanations—found nowhere else in the Gospels with such explicit methodological description.
The Calming of the Storm
4:35–4:41Jesus demonstrates his divine authority by calming a storm at sea, revealing his power over nature and challenging his disciples' faith.
person_contrast
Jesus sleeps through the storm yet commands it with just three words, creating a paradox where divine vulnerability and absolute authority coexist in the same moment.
Mark 4:1
Matthew 13:2lexicalGreat multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Luke 5:3lexicalHe entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and ta…
Mark 5:21lexicalWhen Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the…
Mark 2:13lexicalHe went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them.
John 6:17lexicalThey entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
Mark 4:4
Luke 8:5lexical“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the bir…
Matthew 13:4lexicalAs he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them.
Matthew 13:19lexicalWhen anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Mark 4:5
Matthew 13:5lexicalOthers fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth…
Mark 9:20lexicalThey brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him and he fell on the ground, wallowing…
Matthew 13:8lexicalOthers fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
James 5:12lexicalBut above all things, my brothers, don’t swear—not by heaven, or by the earth, or by any other oath; but let your “yes”…
John 12:24lexicalMost certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it…
Mark 4:6
Matthew 13:6lexicalWhen the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.
Mark 11:20lexicalAs they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.
Mark 4:7
Matthew 13:7lexicalOthers fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them.
Luke 8:14lexicalWhat fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, rich…
Matthew 13:8lexicalOthers fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Matthew 13:22lexicalWhat was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches…
Mark 4:8
Matthew 13:8lexicalOthers fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Matthew 13:23lexicalWhat was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and p…
John 12:24lexicalMost certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it…
Luke 8:8lexicalSome fell into the good ground and grew and produced one hundred times as much fruit.” As he said these things, he calle…
Mark 9:20lexicalThey brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him and he fell on the ground, wallowing…
Mark 4:11
Luke 8:10lexicalHe said, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of God’s Kingdom, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘seei…
Matthew 13:11lexicalHe answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
Mark 4:12
Matthew 13:15lexicalfor this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else perh…
Acts 28:27lexicalFor this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should…
Matthew 13:14lexicalIn them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seein…
Acts 28:26lexicalsaying, ‘Go to this people and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, b…
Matthew 13:13lexicalTherefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they unde…
Mark 4:15
Matthew 13:19lexicalWhen anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Matthew 13:20lexicalWhat was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;
Luke 8:12lexicalThose along the road are those who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, that they may no…
Revelation 2:13lexical“I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in…
Luke 8:5lexical“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the bir…
Mark 4:16
Matthew 13:20lexicalWhat was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;
Luke 8:13lexicalThose on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a wh…
Luke 21:9lexicalWhen you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come i…
Matthew 13:19lexicalWhen anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Matthew 13:23lexicalWhat was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and p…
Mark 4:17
Matthew 13:21lexicalyet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immed…
Romans 8:35lexicalWho shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or…
Mark 4:19
Matthew 13:22lexicalWhat was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches…
Luke 8:14lexicalWhat fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, rich…
Ephesians 4:22lexicalthat you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit,
Mark 4:20
Matthew 13:23lexicalWhat was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and p…
Matthew 13:8lexicalOthers fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Luke 8:15lexicalThose in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and…
Matthew 13:19lexicalWhen anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Matthew 13:22lexicalWhat was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches…
Mark 4:21
Matthew 5:15lexicalNeither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the hou…
Luke 11:33lexical“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see t…
Luke 8:16lexical“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those w…
Mark 4:22
Luke 8:17lexicalFor nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
1 Corinthians 14:25lexicalAnd thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is…
Mark 4:24
Revelation 21:17lexicalIts wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
Luke 6:38lexical“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you.…
Matthew 7:2lexicalFor with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to…
Mark 4:30
Matthew 13:24lexicalHe set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field,
Matthew 13:31parallelHe set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took, and…
Luke 13:18parallelHe said, “What is God’s Kingdom like? To what shall I compare it?
Mark 4:32
Matthew 13:32lexicalwhich indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that t…
Luke 13:19lexicalIt is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the…
Luke 8:5lexical“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the bir…
Matthew 6:26lexicalSee the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds t…
Matthew 8:24lexicalBehold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Mark 4:33
John 6:60lexicalTherefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?”
Matthew 13:3lexicalHe spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow.
Matthew 13:13lexicalTherefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they unde…
Mark 7:13lexicalmaking void the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down. You do many things like this.”
Acts 22:22lexicalThey listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice and said, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he…
Mark 4:34
Matthew 13:34lexicalJesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them,
Matthew 13:10lexicalThe disciples came, and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
Mark 4:35
Luke 8:22lexicalNow on one of those days, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, “Let’s go over to the…
John 20:19lexicalWhen therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples…
Matthew 8:23parallelWhen he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Luke 8:22parallelNow on one of those days, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, “Let’s go over to the…
Mark 4:37
Matthew 14:24lexicalBut the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 8:24lexicalBehold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Luke 8:23lexicalBut as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of wat…
Mark 4:39
Matthew 8:26lexicalHe said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there w…
Luke 8:24lexicalThey came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are dying!” He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of…
John 6:18lexicalThe sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.
Matthew 20:31lexicalThe multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on u…
Mark 6:51lexicalHe got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;
Mark 4:41
Luke 8:25lexicalHe said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid, they marveled, saying to one another, “Who is this then, that he c…
Matthew 8:26lexicalHe said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there w…
John 6:18lexicalThe sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.
Luke 2:9lexicalBehold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Revelation 14:7lexicalHe said with a loud voice, “Fear the Lord, and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who ma…
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