Mark 4:17

KJV

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} have {G2192} no {G3756} root {G4491} in {G1722} themselves {G1438}, and {G235} so endure {G1526} but for a time {G4340}: afterward {G1534}, when affliction {G2347} or {G2228} persecution {G1375} ariseth {G1096} for {G1223} the word's sake {G3056}, immediately {G2112} they are offended {G4624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

soon as some trouble or persecution arises on account of the message, they immediately fall away.

Berean Standard Bible

But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

American Standard Version

and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:17, part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, describes the shallow, temporary nature of faith that lacks deep internal commitment. It illustrates how individuals who initially receive the word of God with enthusiasm quickly abandon their faith when faced with the inevitable pressures of affliction or persecution arising specifically because of their allegiance to the message. This verse serves as a sober warning about superficial belief and the necessity of genuine, rooted spiritual endurance in the face of hardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' private explanation of the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-1-20 "Mark 4:1-20 - The Parable of the Sower and its Explanation") to His disciples, following their request for clarification in [Mark 4:10](/mark/4-10 "Mark 4:10 - Disciples Ask for Explanation"). Specifically, [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - The Stony Ground Hearers") elaborates on the second type of soil, the "stony ground," first introduced in [Mark 4:5-6](/mark/4-5-6 "Mark 4:5-6 - The Seed on Stony Ground"). While [Mark 4:16](/mark/4-16 "Mark 4:16 - Initial Joy of the Stony Ground Hearers") notes the immediate joyful reception of the word, [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - The Failure of Shallow Faith") reveals the fatal flaw: the absence of deep roots, leading to a swift falling away when trials emerge. This explanation clarifies that the parable is not just about different outcomes, but about the *reasons* for those outcomes, emphasizing the internal condition of the hearer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, farming was a common occupation, making the agricultural imagery of the parable highly relatable. The "stony ground" would have referred to areas where a thin layer of topsoil covered bedrock, preventing roots from penetrating deeply. Such conditions would allow for quick germination but rapid wilting under the intense Galilean sun. Spiritually, this reflects the socio-political climate where following Jesus could lead to ostracism, economic hardship, or even physical danger from religious authorities or Roman rule. Early believers often faced significant pressure to recant their faith, making the concept of enduring through "affliction or persecution" a very real and present concern for Jesus' audience and the early church.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **the cost of discipleship**, highlighting that genuine commitment to [the Kingdom of God](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God") involves hardship, not just blessing. This aligns with Jesus' later teachings about [taking up one's cross](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - Taking Up the Cross"). The verse also develops the theme of **the nature of true faith**, distinguishing superficial, emotional responses from deep, transformative spiritual rooting. It implicitly emphasizes **perseverance** as a vital component of authentic faith, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - The Need for Endurance") and [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Trials Produce Steadfastness"). Finally, it touches upon the **sovereignty of the Word**, which, though powerful, requires fertile ground (a receptive heart) to produce lasting fruit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **root (Greek, _rhíza'_):** (G4491) This word, literally meaning "root," is used metaphorically here to denote the foundational depth and stability of one's spiritual life. The absence of "root in themselves" indicates a lack of internal spiritual nourishment, stability, and connection to the life-giving source. It implies that the initial reception of the word was superficial, failing to penetrate the heart and transform the inner being, much like a plant whose roots cannot break through rocky soil to draw essential nutrients and anchor itself against external forces.
* **affliction (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** (G2347) Derived from a verb meaning "to press, crush," _thlîpsis_ refers to external pressure, tribulation, distress, or trouble. In this context, it signifies the various difficulties, hardships, and trials that arise in life, not necessarily directly hostile, but challenging to faith. These are the general stresses and difficulties that can test one's commitment to the word.
* **persecution (Greek, _diōgmós'_):** (G1375) This term, from a verb meaning "to pursue, chase," specifically refers to hostile pursuit, harassment, or oppression directed against someone because of their beliefs or actions. Unlike general affliction, persecution implies active opposition and suffering specifically "for the word's sake," meaning because of one's allegiance to Christ and His teachings. It represents the direct, intentional opposition faced by believers.
* **offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** (G4624) This verb means "to entrap, trip up, cause to stumble, or entice to sin/apostasy." Here, it signifies a spiritual stumbling or falling away from faith. When affliction or persecution arises, those with shallow roots are "offended" in the sense that they are disillusioned, tripped up by the unexpected difficulty, and abandon their initial commitment to the word. Their faith proves to be a "stumbling block" rather than a source of strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And have no root in themselves":** This clause highlights the fundamental deficiency of the "stony ground" hearers. Their initial reception of the word, though joyful, lacks genuine depth and internal substance. The phrase "in themselves" (G1438, _heautoû_) emphasizes that the problem is not external, but an internal spiritual inadequacy or unwillingness to allow the word to truly penetrate and transform their core being. Without this spiritual "root system," their faith cannot draw sustenance or endure.
* **"and so endure but for a time":** This phrase describes the consequence of having no root. Their faith, being shallow, is temporary (_próskairos_ G4340). It lasts only "for a time" or "for a season," indicating a transient, non-abiding commitment. This contrasts sharply with the enduring, fruit-bearing faith of the good soil.
* **"afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake":** This clause introduces the catalyst for their falling away. "Afterward" (G1534, _eîta_) signals a subsequent stage. The challenges are specifically identified as "affliction" (general pressure/trouble) or "persecution" (hostile opposition). Crucially, these difficulties "arise" (G1096, _gínomai_) "for the word's sake" (G1223 _diá_ G3056 _lógos_), meaning they are a direct result of their association with or commitment to the Gospel message. This clarifies that the trials are not random but directly linked to their faith.
* **"immediately they are offended.":** This final clause reveals the swift and decisive outcome. "Immediately" (G2112, _euthéōs_), a characteristic adverb in Mark's Gospel, emphasizes the rapid collapse of their superficial faith. They "are offended" (G4624, _skandalízō_), meaning they stumble, are tripped up, or fall away from their initial profession of faith. The lack of roots makes them vulnerable, and the heat of trial causes them to wither and abandon their commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Mark 4:17, and indeed the entire parable, is **Metaphor**. The "root" is a powerful metaphor for the depth and stability of one's spiritual commitment and inner life. Just as a plant needs deep roots to draw water and nutrients and withstand storms, a believer needs deep spiritual roots—cultivated through genuine conversion, prayer, Bible study, and reliance on God—to endure the "heat" of trials. The "affliction or persecution" serve as a metaphorical "sun" that scorches the unrooted plant, revealing its superficiality. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the initial "joyful reception" mentioned in [Mark 4:16](/mark/4-16 "Mark 4:16 - Joyful Reception") and the subsequent "offended" state described in [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - The Stumbling of Shallow Faith"). This juxtaposition highlights the deceptive nature of superficial enthusiasm without true spiritual depth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:17 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that true faith is not merely an intellectual assent or an emotional response, but a deeply rooted, enduring commitment that withstands adversity. It challenges the notion of a "cheap grace" that promises an easy path, instead affirming that following Christ inevitably involves trials. The verse implicitly teaches that the genuineness of one's faith is often revealed not in times of ease, but in moments of pressure and opposition. It highlights the critical difference between a superficial, temporary belief and a transformative, persevering faith that draws its life from a deep connection to God's word and Spirit.

* [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Stony Ground in Luke's Account")
* [Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "Matthew 13:20-21 - The Stony Ground in Matthew's Account")
* [Hebrews 10:32-39](/hebrews/10-32-39 "Hebrews 10:32-39 - Endurance in the Face of Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:17 serves as a crucial mirror for self-examination, urging us to assess the depth and authenticity of our faith. It warns against a faith built on fleeting emotions or external circumstances, which will inevitably wither when the inevitable "heat" of life's challenges arises. To avoid being like the stony ground, we must actively cultivate deep spiritual roots. This involves consistent, intentional engagement with God's Word, not just as information, but as transformative truth that penetrates our hearts and shapes our character. It means cultivating a vibrant prayer life, fostering genuine community with other believers, and embracing a posture of dependence on the Holy Spirit. We are called to anticipate that trials, afflictions, and even persecutions will come "for the word's sake," and to view them not as signs of God's abandonment, but as opportunities for our faith to be tested, refined, and strengthened. True discipleship requires perseverance, understanding that the path of following Christ is one of enduring commitment, not just initial enthusiasm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "having no root in themselves" look like in my own spiritual life?**
* **How do I typically respond when "affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake"? Do I stumble, or do I find strength to endure?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate deeper spiritual roots and build a more resilient faith?**
* **Am I prepared for the reality that following Christ will involve hardship, or do I expect an easy path?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "affliction" and "persecution" in this verse?**

Answer: While both "affliction" (Greek: _thlîpsis_) and "persecution" (Greek: _diōgmós_) describe forms of suffering, they carry distinct nuances in Mark 4:17. "Affliction" refers to general pressure, distress, or tribulation that can arise from various life circumstances, including those indirectly related to one's faith. It encompasses the broader difficulties and hardships that test one's resolve. "Persecution," on the other hand, specifically denotes active, hostile pursuit, harassment, or oppression directed against someone *because* of their religious beliefs or allegiance to the "word." It implies an intentional opposition to one's faith, such as social ostracism, legal challenges, or physical harm. Both types of hardship, when they arise "for the word's sake," expose the superficiality of unrooted faith, causing those with shallow commitment to be "offended" and fall away. Jesus' teaching here prepares His followers for the reality that their commitment to [the Gospel](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel") will inevitably invite both general difficulties and targeted opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:17, while a warning about superficial faith, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Christ. He is the true and enduring "Root" (cf. [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Root of David") and [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse")), the one in whom all who believe find their deep and unshakeable foundation. Unlike those who "have no root in themselves," Jesus perfectly endured every "affliction or persecution" for the word's sake, culminating in His suffering on the cross. He was not "offended" but remained steadfast, fulfilling the Father's will even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Our ability to endure trials and not be offended comes not from our own inherent strength or "root in ourselves," but from being "rooted and built up in Him" ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted in Christ")). Through His Spirit, Christ empowers believers to draw life from Him, enabling them to persevere through every storm, knowing that He has [overcome the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World") and promises to be with them always ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). He is the source of the living water that sustains the truly rooted soul, ensuring that even under the scorching sun of trial, genuine faith will not wither but bear fruit for His glory ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")).

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

Matthew 11:6

And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me.

1 Thessalonians 3:3

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

1 Thessalonians 3:5

For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

John 15:2

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Matthew 12:31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.