Mark 4:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Others are those sown among thorns -- they hear the message;

Berean Standard Bible:

Others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word,

American Standard Version:

And others are they that are sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} these^{G3778} are^{G1526} they which are^{G1526} sown^{G4687} among^{G1519} thorns^{G173}; such as^{G3778} hear^{G191} the word^{G3056},

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Commentary for Mark 4:18

Mark 4:18 is part of the Parable of the Sower, a well-known teaching of Jesus found in the synoptic gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke). In this parable, Jesus uses the metaphor of a sower scattering seed to illustrate different responses to the word of God. The verse in question addresses one of the four types of soil onto which the seed falls, representing various conditions of the heart when receiving the gospel.

The verse speaks of those who hear the word, but it is quickly choked by thorns—symbolizing the cares of the world, the lust of wealth, and the desire for other things. In the historical context of first-century Palestine, agriculture was a common and relatable experience for Jesus' audience. The use of this metaphor would have been particularly poignant for listeners who understood the challenges of farming and the need for good soil to produce a healthy crop.

The broader theme of the parable is the kingdom of God and the varied responses of individuals to the message of Jesus. It highlights the importance of the condition of one's heart in receiving and nurturing the word of God. The seed sown among thorns represents those who initially respond to the gospel but fail to produce fruit because their attention and devotion are divided among worldly concerns and material wealth, which ultimately choke out the spiritual growth.

In summary, Mark 4:18 reflects on the spiritual receptivity of individuals, emphasizing that merely hearing the word is not enough for salvation and discipleship. It calls for an inner transformation and a commitment to the word of God that allows it to take root and flourish, unimpeded by the distractions and temptations of the world.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3778
   There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὗτος
   Transliteration: hoûtos
   Pronunciation: how'-tahee
   Description: from the article ὁ and αὐτός; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):--he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1526
   There are 146 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰσί
   Transliteration: eisí
   Pronunciation: i-see'
   Description: 3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί; they are:--agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4687
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σπείρω
   Transliteration: speírō
   Pronunciation: spi'-ro
   Description: probably strengthened from σπάω (through the idea of extending); to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively):--sow(- er), receive seed.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
6. Strong's Number: G173
   There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄκανθα
   Transliteration: ákantha
   Pronunciation: ak'-an-thah
   Description: probably from the same as ἀκμήν; a thorn:--thorn.
   
7. Strong's Number: G191
   There are 448 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκούω
   Transliteration: akoúō
   Pronunciation: ak-oo'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3056
   There are 316 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λόγος
   Transliteration: lógos
   Pronunciation: log'-os
   Description: from λέγω; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):--account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.