Mark 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.

And {G1161} these {G3778} are they {G1526} by {G3844} the way side {G3598}, where {G3699} the word {G3056} is sown {G4687}; but {G2532} when {G3752} they have heard {G191}, Satan {G4567} cometh {G2064} immediately {G2112}, and {G2532} taketh away {G142} the word {G3056} that was sown {G4687} in {G1722} their {G846} hearts {G2588}.

Those alongside the path where the message is sown are people who no sooner hear it than the Adversary comes and takes away the message sown in them.

Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.

Commentary

Context of Mark 4:15

Mark 4:15 is part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, which He taught to a large crowd by the Sea of Galilee. This specific verse describes the first type of soil — the "way side" — and what happens to the seed (the word of God) sown there. This parable, also found in Matthew 13:19 and Luke 8:12, illustrates different responses to the gospel message and the spiritual obstacles people face in receiving and retaining it.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Superficial Hearing: This verse highlights a shallow reception of God's word. The "way side" represents a hardened path, where the seed cannot penetrate deeply. It speaks to those who hear the message but do not truly internalize it or allow it to take root in their hearts.
  • Spiritual Warfare: A central theme is the immediate opposition from Satan, the adversary. The devil actively works to prevent the word from taking root, illustrating the spiritual battle that accompanies the preaching of the gospel.
  • The Enemy's Tactic: Satan's primary tactic here is to "taketh away the word." This signifies a swift removal of the message, often through distraction, doubt, or temptation, before it can produce any spiritual fruit. It emphasizes the urgency of guarding the initial hearing of truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Satan" is Satanas (Σατανᾶς), which means "adversary" or "accuser." His immediate action of "taking away" (Greek: airei, αἴρει) suggests a forceful and decisive removal, highlighting the devil's intention to steal the spiritual truth before it can germinate. The "word" (Greek: logos, λόγος) refers to the divine message, the gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Practical Application

Mark 4:15 serves as a powerful warning and a call to spiritual vigilance. For believers, it underscores the importance of not only hearing the word but also actively guarding it in our hearts against spiritual attacks. We must cultivate a receptive heart, like good soil, allowing the truth to sink in and become firmly established. This verse reminds us that the enemy is always seeking to disrupt our spiritual growth and that we need to be discerning listeners, ready to embrace and protect the precious seed of God's word.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • Matthew 13:19

    When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

  • Luke 8:12

    Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

  • Mark 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3

    But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:11

    Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
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