Mark 4:3

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

Hearken {G191}; Behold {G2400}, there went out {G1831} a sower {G4687} to sow {G4687}:

"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:

Commentary

Mark 4:3 serves as the impactful opening line of one of Jesus' most foundational teachings, the Parable of the Sower (also known as the Parable of the Soils). It immediately draws the listener's attention to a crucial agricultural metaphor that will unveil profound spiritual truths.

Context

This verse is found within a significant section of Mark's Gospel where Jesus is teaching large crowds by the Sea of Galilee. Having just introduced the concept of teaching in parables (Mark 4:2), Jesus now begins to unfold this specific parable. The setting is typical of Jesus' public ministry, where he would often use everyday scenes and occupations—like farming—to illustrate heavenly principles, making his message accessible and relatable to his audience of mostly agrarian people.

Key Themes

  • The Call to Attentive Listening: The opening word "Hearken" (Greek: akouete) is a direct command to listen carefully and with understanding. It underscores that Jesus' teachings are not merely stories but require a receptive heart and mind to grasp their spiritual significance. This theme of hearing and understanding is central to the entire parable and its subsequent explanation.
  • Introduction of the Sower: The phrase "there went out a sower to sow" immediately establishes the central figure of the parable. The sower represents anyone who proclaims the word of God, while the act of sowing symbolizes the dissemination of the divine message, often identified as the gospel or the kingdom of God.
  • The Nature of the Word: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verses of the parable reveal that the "seed" being sown is the word of God. This initial mention prepares the listener for the varying responses the word will receive, depending on the "soil" it falls upon. For the full explanation of the parable, see Mark 4:14-20.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "Hearken" is a translation of the Greek verb ἀκούετε (akouete), an imperative form of the verb "to hear." This isn't just a casual invitation to listen, but a forceful command, emphasizing the critical importance of paying close attention to what is about to be revealed. It sets a serious tone for the parable that follows, demanding engagement from the audience.

Practical Application

For us today, Mark 4:3 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of how we receive the Word of God. Just as Jesus called his original audience to "Hearken," we too are called to listen with intention and an open heart when we encounter Scripture or hear the gospel preached. Our receptivity determines whether the "seed" of God's Word will take root and bear fruit in our lives, leading to transformation and spiritual growth. This verse challenges us to consider what kind of "soil" our hearts are, a theme fully explored in the rest of the parable (compare Matthew 13:18-23 or Luke 8:11-15).

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Cross-References

  • Mark 4:26 (3 votes)

    And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

  • Mark 4:29 (3 votes)

    But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

  • James 2:5 (3 votes)

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

  • John 4:35 (3 votes)

    Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

  • John 4:38 (3 votes)

    I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:6 (3 votes)

    I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.