Mark 4:19

KJV

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the cares {G3308} of this {G5127} world {G165}, and {G2532} the deceitfulness {G539} of riches {G4149}, and {G2532} the lusts {G1939} of {G4012} other things {G3062} entering in {G1531}, choke {G4846} the word {G3056}, and {G2532} it becometh {G1096} unfruitful {G175}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but the worries of the world, the deceitful glamor of wealth and all the other kinds of desires push in and choke the message; so that it produces nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

American Standard Version

and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:19, part of Jesus's explanation of the Parable of the Sower, illuminates the critical reasons why the Word of God fails to produce spiritual fruit in some hearts. It identifies three primary hindrances—the anxieties of daily life, the deceptive allure of material wealth, and the insatiable cravings for worldly pleasures—which, like thorns, grow up and suffocate the nascent seed of the Word, rendering it unproductive and barren in the life of the hearer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 4:19 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's private explanation of the Parable of the Sower to His disciples, following the public telling of the parable in [Mark 4:1-9](/mark/4-1-9 "Mark 4:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower"). After the crowd disperses, the disciples ask Jesus for clarity on the parable's meaning ([Mark 4:10](/mark/4-10 "Mark 4:10 - Disciples ask for explanation")). Jesus then reveals the "mystery of the kingdom of God" ([Mark 4:11](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - The Mystery of the Kingdom")), explaining that the seed is the Word of God ([Mark 4:14](/mark/4-14 "Mark 4:14 - The Seed is the Word")) and the various soils represent different responses to it. Verse 19 specifically unpacks the third type of soil, the "thorny ground," described earlier in [Mark 4:7](/mark/4-7 "Mark 4:7 - Seed among Thorns"), where the seed sprouts but is ultimately choked by thorns, failing to yield a crop. This explanation is crucial for understanding the spiritual battle for the human heart and the conditions necessary for the Word to flourish.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was an agrarian society, making the agricultural imagery of the Parable of the Sower immediately relatable to Jesus's audience. Farmers understood the constant struggle against weeds and thorns that could quickly overwhelm young crops, especially in fields that were not meticulously prepared and maintained. The "cares of this world" would resonate deeply with the daily anxieties of subsistence living—securing food, shelter, and safety in a challenging environment. The "deceitfulness of riches" and "lusts of other things" reflect universal human temptations, but within a culture where wealth often signified status and security, the pursuit of material gain could easily become an all-consuming focus, diverting attention from spiritual realities. Jesus's teaching here taps into the common experience of life's daily pressures and desires competing with higher callings.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **obstacles to spiritual growth**, identifying specific internal and external pressures that hinder the Word of God from taking root and bearing fruit. Secondly, it underscores the **nature of the human heart** as a battleground where the Word contends with worldly desires; a heart not diligently tended can become overgrown with "thorns." Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **importance of fruitfulness** as the intended outcome of receiving the Word, contrasting it with the "unfruitful" state that results from spiritual suffocation. This theme of fruitfulness is central to discipleship, as seen in Jesus's later teaching on abiding in Him to bear much fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")). Finally, the verse implicitly warns against the **deceptive nature of worldly pursuits**, revealing that what promises satisfaction (riches, desires) ultimately leads to spiritual barrenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **choke (Greek, _sympnígō'_):** From _sýn_ (with, together) and _pnígō_ (to choke, strangle), this word means "to strangle completely," "to stifle," or "to crowd out." It paints a vivid and violent picture of the thorns not merely hindering but actively suffocating the tender plant of the Word. It implies a total cessation of growth and life, preventing the Word from receiving the necessary "light" and "nourishment" (spiritual understanding and application) to thrive.
* **unfruitful (Greek, _ákarpos'_):** Derived from _A_ (as a negative particle) and _karpós_ (fruit), this adjective means "barren," "without fruit," or "unproductive." It describes the ultimate outcome when the Word is choked: a complete lack of spiritual produce. This is not merely a reduced yield but an absolute failure to bear the expected fruit of righteousness, obedience, and character transformation that should follow a genuine reception of God's Word.
* **lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** From _epithymeō_ (to long for), this term denotes a strong "longing" or "desire," often with the connotation of an intense craving, especially for what is forbidden or inappropriate. While it can be used neutrally, in this context, it carries a negative sense, referring to covetous desires or passions that pull the heart away from God. These are not just casual interests but powerful, consuming appetites for "other things" that compete for allegiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the cares of this world":** This phrase refers to the anxieties, worries, and distractions that arise from daily life in the present age (_aiṓn_). These are not necessarily sinful in themselves, but when they become overwhelming and consume one's focus, they can divert attention and energy away from spiritual matters, preventing the Word from taking deep root. They represent the legitimate concerns of life that, when unchecked, become spiritual burdens.
* **"and the deceitfulness of riches":** This speaks to the inherent treachery of wealth. Riches promise security, happiness, and fulfillment, but this promise is a delusion (_apátē_). The pursuit of material gain can subtly, yet powerfully, mislead individuals into believing that their ultimate satisfaction and purpose lie in accumulating possessions, thereby displacing God as the central object of their trust and devotion. This deceit lies in the false sense of self-sufficiency and contentment that wealth appears to offer.
* **"and the lusts of other things entering in":** This is a broader category encompassing any strong, often illicit, desires (_epithymía_) for things apart from God's will. These "other things" (_loipoí_) represent a myriad of worldly attractions—pleasure, power, status, recognition, or any pursuit that becomes an idol and competes for the heart's affection. The phrase "entering in" (_eisporeúomai_) vividly portrays these desires as invading and infiltrating the heart, much like weeds spreading into a garden.
* **"choke the word":** This is the devastating consequence of the aforementioned hindrances. Like invasive thorns, the cares, riches, and lusts grow up alongside the newly sprouted "word" (_lógos_), depriving it of spiritual nourishment, light, and space to grow. The Greek term _sympnígō_ emphasizes a complete strangulation, indicating that these worldly concerns actively suppress and kill the spiritual life that the Word intends to cultivate.
* **"and it becometh unfruitful":** The final outcome of the choking is spiritual barrenness. The Word, though initially received, fails to produce the expected spiritual harvest—righteousness, transformed character, obedience, and service to God. The Greek _ákarpos_ signifies a total lack of fruit, underscoring that the potential for spiritual life is completely thwarted, resulting in a life that, despite hearing the Word, bears no evidence of its transformative power.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, with the "seed" representing the Word of God and the "soil" representing the human heart's receptivity. The "thorns" are a powerful metaphorical representation of the worldly hindrances—cares, riches, and lusts—that impede spiritual growth. The verb "choke" utilizes **Personification**, attributing to these abstract concepts (cares, deceitfulness, lusts) the active, destructive capacity to suffocate, much like a living entity. This makes the threat vivid and immediate. Furthermore, the entire parable functions as an **Allegory**, where each element (sower, seed, soils, birds, thorns, good soil, fruit) corresponds to a specific spiritual reality, providing a deeper, layered meaning beyond the literal agricultural scene. The **Imagery** of a garden being overrun by weeds is highly evocative, painting a clear picture of spiritual neglect and its dire consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:19 serves as a profound theological warning, emphasizing that merely hearing the Word of God is insufficient for spiritual transformation; the condition of the heart is paramount. It highlights the constant spiritual warfare waged within the believer, where the life-giving Word contends with the pervasive pull of the world. The "cares of this world" speak to the human tendency towards anxiety and self-reliance, which can eclipse faith in God's provision. The "deceitfulness of riches" exposes the idolatry inherent in materialism, where false security and fleeting pleasures replace the true treasure found in Christ. The "lusts of other things" underscore the fallen human nature's propensity for covetousness, diverting the heart's affections from God. Ultimately, the verse challenges believers to actively cultivate a heart free from these spiritual weeds, recognizing that true spiritual fruitfulness is a result of intentional spiritual gardening, allowing the Word to thrive unhindered and produce a harvest for God's glory.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [James 1:21](/james/1-21 "James 1:21 - Receive the Implanted Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:19 stands as a timeless and urgent call to introspection for every follower of Christ. It compels us to honestly examine the "soil" of our own hearts, asking what "thorns" might be growing alongside the precious seed of God's Word. Are the daily anxieties of life—finances, relationships, future uncertainties—consuming our thoughts and energy, leaving little room for spiritual growth? Has the subtle, yet powerful, allure of material possessions or the pursuit of worldly success begun to promise a satisfaction it can never deliver, subtly shifting our allegiance from God to mammon? Or are there other desires—for comfort, entertainment, recognition, or control—that have become so pervasive that they choke out the life-giving power of the Gospel? This verse reminds us that spiritual fruitfulness is not automatic; it requires vigilant self-awareness and active cultivation. Just as a gardener must constantly weed and prune to ensure a bountiful harvest, so too must we diligently guard our hearts, identifying and uprooting anything that competes with the Word of God, so that it may take deep root, flourish, and yield abundant fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "cares of this world" currently consume most of your mental and emotional energy, potentially choking the Word in your life?**
* **In what ways might the "deceitfulness of riches" subtly influence your decisions, priorities, or sense of security?**
* **What "other things" (desires, pursuits, distractions) are competing for your deepest affections and attention, potentially stifling your spiritual growth?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "prune" these thorns from the soil of your heart and create more space for the Word to flourish?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "cares of this world"?**

Answer: The "cares of this world" (Greek: _mérimna_ of _aiṓn_) refer to the anxieties, worries, and legitimate concerns associated with daily life in the present age. These are the mundane, yet often overwhelming, pressures of providing for oneself and family, managing responsibilities, and navigating life's challenges. While not inherently sinful, when these worries become excessive or consume our primary focus, they can distract us from spiritual priorities, erode our trust in God's provision, and ultimately prevent the Word of God from taking root and bearing fruit in our lives, as it shifts our reliance from God to our own efforts or circumstances.

**How are "riches" deceitful, and what does this imply for believers?**

Answer: Riches are "deceitful" (Greek: _apátē_) because they promise security, happiness, and fulfillment that they cannot ultimately deliver. They create a false sense of self-sufficiency and independence from God, leading people to trust in their material possessions rather than in the Creator. This deception can subtly divert one's heart and devotion away from God, making the pursuit of wealth an idol. For believers, this implies a constant need for vigilance against materialism, recognizing that true wealth is found in spiritual treasures and a relationship with God ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). It's not wealth itself that is evil, but the deceptive trust placed in it and the inordinate desire for it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:19, while a stark warning, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of the Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")), and His life perfectly demonstrated freedom from the very hindrances He describes. He lived a life unburdened by the "cares of this world," trusting His Father for daily provision ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")). He resisted the "deceitfulness of riches," choosing poverty and dependence on God over worldly power and wealth, even when tempted by Satan ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation to Worldly Power")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, never succumbing to "lusts of other things," but always seeking to do the will of Him who sent Him ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")). For believers, true fruitfulness—the opposite of being "unfruitful"—is found not in striving to overcome these thorns in our own strength, but in abiding in Christ, the true vine ([John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - The True Vine")). As we remain connected to Him, His life flows through us, enabling us to bear much spiritual fruit, and His Spirit empowers us to overcome the worldly desires that would otherwise choke His Word. He is both the Word that is sown and the source of the life that makes it fruitful.

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

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Matthew 19:23

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.