Mark 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;

And {G2532} these {G3778} are they {G1526} likewise {G3668} which are sown {G4687} on {G1909} stony ground {G4075}; who {G3739}, when {G3752} they have heard {G191} the word {G3056}, immediately {G2112} receive {G2983} it {G846} with {G3326} gladness {G5479};

Likewise, those receiving seed on rocky patches are people who hear the message and joyfully accept it at once; but they have no root in themselves. So they hold out for a while, but as

Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;

Commentary

Context of Mark 4:16

Mark 4:16 is an integral part of Jesus's profound Parable of the Sower (also known as the Parable of the Soils), which begins in Mark 4:1. In this parable, Jesus uses the vivid imagery of a farmer sowing seeds on various types of ground to illustrate the different ways people respond to the "word" โ€“ the message of the Kingdom of God. This specific verse describes the second type of ground where the seed is sown, immediately following the path-side soil mentioned in Mark 4:4.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Superficial Reception: The verse highlights an immediate, enthusiastic, and joyful reception of the word. However, this gladness is superficial and lacks true depth, indicating a response based more on initial emotion or novelty rather than deep conviction or genuine understanding.
  • Lack of Root/Depth: The "stony ground" symbolizes a heart that does not allow the word to take deep root. While the initial growth might be quick and visible, it cannot endure when difficulties or challenges arise, as Jesus further explains in Mark 4:17. This speaks to the crucial necessity of a strong spiritual foundation for lasting faith.
  • Temporary Faith: This passage serves as a warning against a faith that is easily ignited but quickly extinguished. It describes a faith that thrives only in favorable conditions but withers under pressure, revealing a lack of perseverance and endurance when faced with trials or persecution.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stony ground" translates from the Greek petrลdฤ“ (ฯ€ฮตฯ„ฯฯŽฮดฮท), which does not signify soil filled with loose stones, but rather a thin layer of topsoil covering a solid bedrock underneath. This geological reality explains why the seeds sprout quickly (due to the warmth retained by the shallow soil) but cannot develop deep roots, leading to them withering under the sun's heat (Mark 4:6). The word "immediately" (Greek: euthys, ฮตแฝฮธฯฯ‚) emphasizes the quick, often unreflective nature of their reception, hinting at its fleeting and non-abiding character.

Practical Application

Mark 4:16 offers a powerful opportunity for self-examination regarding the quality of our spiritual receptivity. It prompts us to consider:

  • Examine Your Heart's Soil: Are you merely a hearer of the word, or do you allow it to penetrate deeply into your heart and truly transform your life? Authentic spiritual growth requires a fertile, receptive heart, not just an open ear.
  • Beware of Superficial Faith: Initial excitement and gladness about spiritual matters are positive, but they must be followed by a commitment to delve deeper into God's truth and allow it to shape your character and actions. A faith without deep roots cannot withstand the inevitable storms and adversities of life, much like the foolish builder who built on sand, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27.
  • Cultivate Endurance: This verse underscores the vital importance of a resilient faith that endures through trials, temptations, and persecutions. True faith is not just about joyful reception but also about faithful obedience and steadfast perseverance through difficulties, knowing that the testing of faith produces endurance (James 1:3).
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 6:20

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

  • Luke 8:13

    They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

  • Matthew 13:20

    But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

  • Matthew 13:21

    Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

  • John 5:35

    He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

  • Ezekiel 33:31

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Ezekiel 33:32

    And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
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