Mark 4:16

KJV

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:16, part of Jesus's Parable of the Sower, describes the second type of soil: the stony ground. This verse highlights individuals who, upon hearing the word of God, immediately receive it with enthusiasm and joy. However, this initial gladness is superficial, indicating a lack of deep spiritual root that ultimately prevents the word from enduring when faced with the inevitable challenges and tribulations of life. It serves as a poignant illustration of faith that is quick to ignite but equally quick to fade, lacking the necessary depth for true perseverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 4:16 is an integral component of Jesus's comprehensive Parable of the Sower (or Soils), which unfolds from [Mark 4:3-9](/mark/4-3-9 "Mark 4:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"). Following the initial description of the seed sown by the wayside, which is quickly snatched away by birds (representing Satan, as explained in [Mark 4:15](/mark/4-15 "Mark 4:15 - Explanation of the Wayside Soil")), this verse introduces the second category: those who receive the word on stony ground. Jesus later provides a detailed explanation of this parable to His disciples in [Mark 4:13-20](/mark/4-13-20 "Mark 4:13-20 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"), clarifying that the different soils symbolize various human responses to the message of the Kingdom of God. The immediate reception with gladness described here sets up the subsequent explanation in [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - The Withering of the Stony Ground Seed"), detailing why this initial enthusiasm fails to produce lasting fruit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural landscape of ancient Galilee, where Jesus often taught, provides critical insight into the imagery of the stony ground. Unlike soil merely interspersed with loose stones, "stony ground" in this context refers to a thin layer of topsoil covering solid limestone bedrock. This geological reality meant that seeds sown on such ground would sprout quickly because the shallow soil, warmed by the underlying rock, facilitated rapid germination. However, the bedrock prevented the roots from penetrating deeply to access moisture and nutrients, especially crucial during the arid Palestinian summers. Therefore, when the sun grew hot, these plants would quickly wither ([Mark 4:6](/mark/4-6 "Mark 4:6 - The Sun Scorches the Seed")), illustrating a common agricultural challenge that Jesus's audience would readily understand. This physical reality serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual superficiality.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader New Testament theology. Foremost is the theme of **receptivity to the Word of God**, highlighting that not all initial responses, even positive ones, lead to genuine, enduring faith. It underscores the crucial distinction between superficial enthusiasm and deep-rooted conviction. This verse also introduces the theme of **perseverance and endurance** in discipleship, emphasizing that true faith must withstand trials and tribulations, symbolized by the scorching sun in [Mark 4:6](/mark/4-6 "Mark 4:6 - The Sun Scorches the Seed"). It serves as a warning against a faith that is merely emotional or circumstantial, rather than one founded on a deep commitment to the truth of God's Kingdom, a commitment that Jesus consistently calls for throughout His ministry, as seen in passages like [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - Take Up Your Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stony ground (Greek, _petrṓdēs'_):** From G4075, meaning "rock-like, i.e. rocky." This term describes soil that is not merely full of loose stones but rather a thin layer of earth covering solid bedrock. This geological condition is crucial to understanding the parable, as it explains why the seed sprouts quickly (due to the warmth retained by the underlying rock) but cannot develop deep roots, leading to its eventual withering. Spiritually, it symbolizes a heart that lacks depth, where the word cannot truly penetrate and establish itself.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** From G2112, meaning "directly, i.e. at once or soon." This adverb emphasizes the swift, unhesitating nature of the reception of the word by those on stony ground. While immediacy can be positive, here it suggests a lack of thoughtful consideration or deep conviction. It highlights a response that is impulsive and emotional, rather than one that has counted the cost or prepared for the challenges of discipleship.
* **gladness (Greek, _chará'_):** From G5479, meaning "cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight." This word indicates the initial joyful and enthusiastic reception of the word. The problem is not the gladness itself, but its superficiality; it represents an emotional response that is not accompanied by a corresponding depth of commitment or understanding. This joy is fleeting because it is not rooted in a transformed heart capable of enduring hardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground;":** This clause identifies the second category of hearers in the parable, drawing a parallel ("likewise") to the previous type. The imagery of "sown on stony ground" immediately sets the stage for the inherent limitation of this type of receptivity, implying a shallow foundation where the seed (the word) cannot take deep root.
* **"who, when they have heard the word,":** This phrase establishes that these individuals genuinely hear the message of God. The act of "hearing" implies exposure to the divine truth, signifying an initial engagement with the gospel. It is not a failure to hear, but a failure of the heart's condition to properly receive and internalize what is heard.
* **"immediately receive it with gladness;":** This final clause describes the distinct characteristic of this type of hearer: their swift and joyful acceptance of the word. The "immediately" (Greek: _euthéōs_) highlights the quick, perhaps unreflective, nature of their reception, while "with gladness" (Greek: _chará_) indicates an emotional, enthusiastic response. This initial positive reaction, however, is presented as problematic because, as the parable explains, it lacks the depth required for endurance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Mark 4:16, as part of the larger narrative, is **Parable**. Jesus employs this extended metaphor of a farmer sowing seeds on different types of soil to illustrate complex spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God and human responses to its message. Within this parable, **Symbolism** is extensively used: the "seed" symbolizes the Word of God (the gospel message), the "sower" represents Jesus or anyone proclaiming the Word, and the "stony ground" itself is a powerful symbol for a heart that, despite initial enthusiasm, lacks the depth and commitment necessary for enduring faith. The "sun" later symbolizes tribulation and persecution. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between this type of soil and the "good soil" described later in the parable, which produces abundant fruit, highlighting the critical difference between superficial and genuine receptivity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:16 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true faith and discipleship. It reveals that initial enthusiasm and emotional reception of the Word, while not inherently negative, are insufficient for lasting spiritual growth. The "stony ground" represents a heart that is unwilling or unable to allow the Word to penetrate deeply, to transform the inner person, and to establish a firm foundation. This superficiality leaves one vulnerable to the inevitable trials, persecutions, and worldly pressures that threaten to extinguish nascent faith. The verse underscores that genuine faith requires not only an open ear but also a deep, receptive heart that is prepared to endure hardship and allow the Word to take root, leading to true transformation and perseverance.

* [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Stony Ground Explained")
* [Ephesians 3:17](/ephesians/3-17 "Ephesians 3:17 - Rooted and Grounded in Love")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - The Need for Endurance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:16 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, prompting us to honestly assess the depth and authenticity of our own spiritual receptivity. It challenges us to move beyond mere initial excitement or superficial agreement with God's Word, urging us to cultivate a heart that allows truth to penetrate deeply, transforming our character and actions. Are we merely "hearers" who are quick to embrace the pleasant aspects of faith, or are we "doers" who allow the Word to reshape our inner landscape, preparing us for the inevitable challenges that will test our convictions? True spiritual growth demands a willingness to endure, to suffer, and to persevere when the "sun" of tribulation beats down. It calls for a faith that is not just a fleeting emotion but a steadfast commitment, rooted in a profound understanding and surrender to the Lordship of Christ. This verse reminds us that the quality of our spiritual "soil" determines the fruitfulness and longevity of our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the "soil" of my heart like when I hear God's Word? Is it shallow, or does it allow for deep rooting?**
* **Do I tend to receive spiritual truths with immediate gladness but then struggle to sustain that commitment when difficulties arise?**
* **What specific "tribulations or persecutions" (as mentioned in [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - Explanation of the Stony Ground")) might be preventing the Word from taking deep root in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more resilient faith that endures beyond initial enthusiasm?**

### FAQ
**What does "stony ground" literally mean in the context of the parable?**

Answer: In the context of ancient Palestinian agriculture, "stony ground" (Greek: _petrṓdēs_) does not refer to soil filled with loose rocks that could be cleared. Instead, it describes a thin layer of topsoil covering solid limestone bedrock, which is common in the region. This geological formation means that while seeds can sprout quickly due to the warmth retained by the underlying rock, their roots cannot penetrate deeply. This shallow rooting prevents the plant from accessing sufficient moisture and nutrients, especially when exposed to the intense sun, leading it to wither quickly, as described in [Mark 4:6](/mark/4-6 "Mark 4:6 - The Sun Scorches the Seed").

**Why is "gladness" a problem in this verse if receiving the Word with joy seems positive?**

Answer: Gladness itself is not problematic; indeed, receiving God's Word with joy is a wonderful thing. The issue highlighted in Mark 4:16 is that this "gladness" is immediate and superficial, lacking accompanying depth and commitment. It's a joy that is based on initial emotion or the pleasantness of the message, rather than a deep, transformative understanding that prepares one for the cost of discipleship. The problem is not the presence of gladness, but the absence of roots. As [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - The Withering of the Stony Ground Seed") explains, when tribulation or persecution arises, this superficial joy quickly fades because it has no deep foundation to sustain it. It's a faith that thrives only in favorable conditions, not one that endures through adversity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:16, while describing a human response, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. He is the ultimate "Word" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) sown into the world, and His life perfectly embodies the "good soil" that yields abundant fruit. Unlike those on stony ground who wither under tribulation, Jesus, the Son of God, faced unimaginable opposition, persecution, and suffering, yet He never wavered in His commitment to the Father's will. His roots of obedience and love ran infinitely deep, allowing Him to endure the cross "for the joy set before Him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). Furthermore, Christ's work provides the very means by which our own "stony ground" hearts can be transformed into fertile soil. Through His atoning sacrifice, He breaks up the hard ground of sin and rebellion, and by the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit, He enables us to be "rooted and built up in Him" ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")), ensuring that our faith is not merely a fleeting emotion but an enduring reality that bears fruit for His glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.