Mark 4:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Berean Standard Bible:

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.

American Standard Version:

Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Hearken^{G191}; Behold^{G2400}, there went out^{G1831} a sower^{G4687} to sow^{G4687}:

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Mark 4:3

Mark 4:3, "<span style="color: red;">Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:</span>" is part of the larger narrative known as the Parable of the Sower, which is one of the most famous parables taught by Jesus in the New Testament. This verse serves as the introduction to the parable, inviting listeners to pay close attention to the story that follows.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the agrarian society of 1st-century Palestine, where sowing seed was a familiar activity. Jesus uses this everyday occurrence as a teachable moment to convey spiritual truths. The act of sowing seed and the varied outcomes of the seeds' growth provide a powerful metaphor for the kingdom of God and how different individuals respond to the message of the Gospel.

The themes of Mark 4:3 include the importance of listening and observing carefully, as emphasized by the words "Hearken" and "Behold." Jesus is preparing his audience to engage deeply with the upcoming parable, which will illustrate the receptivity of hearts to the word of God. The sower represents anyone who proclaims the word, and the different types of soil symbolize the different conditions of the human heart and its readiness to receive, accept, or reject the Gospel message.

This verse is also indicative of Jesus' teaching style, often employing parables—simple stories with deeper meanings—as a way to make complex spiritual truths accessible to people from various walks of life. The Parable of the Sower, therefore, is not just an agricultural lesson but a profound teaching about spiritual cultivation and the growth of faith.

*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: 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2400
   There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἰδού
   Transliteration: idoú
   Pronunciation: id-oo'
   Description: second person singular imperative middle voice of εἴδω; used as imperative lo!; --behold, lo, see.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1831
   There are 216 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐξέρχομαι
   Transliteration: exérchomai
   Pronunciation: ex-er'-khom-ahee
   Description: from ἐκ and ἔρχομαι; to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.
   
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.