Mark 4:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:3 initiates Jesus' seminal Parable of the Sower, a profound teaching that immediately calls for attentive listening and introduces the central act of disseminating the divine message. Through the simple, relatable image of a sower casting seed, Jesus sets the stage for revealing crucial truths about the varying receptivity of human hearts to the Word of God, establishing a foundational metaphor for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct opening of the Parable of the Sower, following Jesus' declaration in [Mark 4:2](/mark/4-2 "Mark 4:2 - Jesus Teaches in Parables") that He would teach in parables. The immediate preceding verses (Mark 4:1-2) describe Jesus teaching a vast crowd by the Sea of Galilee, a setting so large that He had to enter a boat and speak from the water's edge. This strategic positioning allowed His voice to carry over the multitude, emphasizing the public and significant nature of the teaching that was about to unfold. Mark 4:3, therefore, is not merely a narrative detail but the very first utterance of a parable that will be extensively explored and explained by Jesus later in the chapter ([Mark 4:13-20](/mark/4-13-20 "Mark 4:13-20 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was predominantly an agrarian society, making the imagery of sowing and farming deeply familiar and relatable to Jesus' audience. Farmers would typically broadcast seed by hand over various types of terrain, including paths, rocky ground, and thorny patches, before plowing it under. This method meant that not all seed would land on fertile soil. The Sea of Galilee region itself was known for its fertile plains (like the Plain of Gennesaret) and surrounding hills, providing a natural backdrop for such an agricultural parable. Jesus' use of this common, everyday activity allowed Him to bridge the gap between the mundane and the divine, making profound spiritual truths accessible to a populace whose lives revolved around the rhythms of the land.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:3 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader Gospel. The immediate and most prominent theme is the **call to attentive listening**, underscored by the opening imperative "Hearken." This theme is crucial, as the parable itself is about how different "soils" (hearts) respond to the "seed" (the Word of God). The verse also establishes the **role of the sower**, representing anyone who proclaims the divine message, and implicitly introduces the **nature of the Word of God** as the seed, which, though not explicitly named in this verse, becomes clear in the subsequent explanation of the parable (see [Mark 4:14](/mark/4-14 "Mark 4:14 - The Seed is the Word")). The varying outcomes of the seed in the parable foreshadow the diverse responses to Jesus' own ministry and the gospel message, a theme central to Mark's depiction of the Kingdom of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Greek, _akoúō_):** From G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses, including giving audience, coming to the ears, understanding, or being reported. In this context, it is an imperative, functioning as a forceful command to listen intently, not merely to perceive sound but to pay close attention and comprehend with a receptive heart. It sets a serious tone for the teaching that follows, demanding active engagement from the audience.
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú_):** From G2400, the second person singular imperative middle voice of "to see." Used as an imperative, it functions as an interjection meaning "lo!" or "see!" It serves to draw immediate and emphatic attention to what is about to be stated, signaling something significant or surprising. In conjunction with "Hearken," it doubles the call for the audience's full awareness and focus.
* **sower (Greek, _speírō_):** From G4687, probably strengthened from a root meaning "to extend," to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively). While the KJV translates it as "sower," the underlying Greek noun is a participle of the verb _speírō_ (to sow), effectively meaning "the one sowing." This word immediately establishes the central figure and action of the parable, representing the one who disseminates the divine message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken;":** This single word, an imperative command, immediately arrests the listener's attention. It is a call not just to hear sounds, but to listen with understanding, to be receptive and attentive to the profound spiritual truths Jesus is about to convey. It underscores the critical importance of the message.
* **"Behold, there went out a sower":** The interjection "Behold" further emphasizes the urgency and significance of the statement. It directs the audience's gaze (metaphorically) to the central figure of the parable: "a sower." The phrase "went out" implies a deliberate action, a purposeful movement from a place of origin to the field where the work is to be done. This sower is the agent of the action, the one who will disseminate the "seed."
* **"to sow:":** This infinitive clause specifies the sower's purpose and action. It clarifies that the sower's going out is for the express purpose of scattering seed. This simple, common agricultural act becomes the foundational metaphor for the entire parable, representing the proclamation and dissemination of God's Word.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:3 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and prepare the listener for the subsequent narrative. The most prominent device is **Parable**, as this verse introduces one of Jesus' most famous parables, a short allegorical story designed to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. Within this, **Metaphor** is central: the "sower" and the act of "sowing" are not literal but serve as symbolic representations of the one who proclaims the Word of God and the act of proclaiming it. The opening words, "Hearken" and "Behold," are powerful examples of **Imperative Mood**, direct commands that demand immediate and undivided attention from the audience, signaling the critical importance of the message to follow. This direct address creates a sense of urgency and personal engagement, drawing the listener into the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:3 lays the groundwork for understanding the reception of God's Word, a theme that reverberates throughout Scripture. The initial call to "Hearken" and "Behold" is a divine summons to engage with truth, echoing the Old Testament's frequent appeals for Israel to listen to God's commands and prophecies. The sower's act of scattering seed, representing the dissemination of the Word, highlights the universal nature of God's message, which is offered to all, regardless of their initial receptivity. This verse sets the stage for the profound theological truth that while the Word is freely given, its effectiveness depends significantly on the condition of the heart that receives it, pointing to the responsibility of the hearer.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Luke 8:11](/luke/8-11 "Luke 8:11 - The Seed is the Word of God")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:3, though brief, carries immense weight for contemporary believers. It serves as a perennial reminder of the posture we are to adopt when encountering the Word of God, whether through Scripture reading, preaching, or personal reflection. The double imperative, "Hearken; Behold," is not a suggestion but a command to listen with intentionality, to pay close attention, and to open our hearts to receive what God is communicating. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive hearing to active engagement, recognizing that the transformative power of God's Word is contingent on our receptivity. It prompts us to examine the "soil" of our own hearts, asking if we are truly prepared to allow the seed of truth to take root, flourish, and bear fruit, or if our hearts are hardened, shallow, or choked by the cares of the world. Our spiritual growth and effectiveness are directly tied to how we "hearken" to the divine Sower.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "hearken" to God's Word, rather than just passively hearing it?**
* **What distractions or predispositions might prevent me from being fully attentive to God's message?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more receptive and fertile "soil" in my heart for the Word of God?**
* **How does my response to the Word reflect the "sower" (God or His messengers) and the "seed" (the Gospel)?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus starting the parable with "Hearken; Behold"?**

Answer: The opening words "Hearken; Behold" (Greek: _Akouete; Idou_) are powerful imperatives that serve to immediately capture and command the audience's undivided attention. "Hearken" (or "Listen!") is a direct call to listen with understanding and intention, emphasizing the importance of the spiritual truths about to be revealed. "Behold" (or "Look!") further intensifies this call, drawing the listener's focus to the specific scenario Jesus is about to describe. Together, they create a sense of urgency and significance, signaling that what follows is not mere storytelling but a vital teaching that requires deep engagement and reflection. This dual command highlights Jesus' desire for His listeners to not only hear the words but to grasp their profound meaning and apply them to their lives, setting the tone for the entire Parable of the Sower and its subsequent explanation (see [Mark 4:13-20](/mark/4-13-20 "Mark 4:13-20 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:3, by introducing the sower and the act of sowing the Word, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is the preeminent Sower, the one who perfectly embodies and proclaims the Word of God. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus is not merely a messenger but the very message being sown. His entire ministry, from His initial proclamation of the [Kingdom of God](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom") to His teaching in parables, is an act of divine sowing. Furthermore, the "seed" of the Word, which is sown, finds its most profound expression in the Gospel—the good news of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. The varying responses to the seed in the parable foreshadow the diverse reactions to Jesus' own person and message, from those who embraced Him with fertile hearts to those who rejected Him. Ultimately, Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, ensures that the seed of the Gospel, once sown, has the power to transform even the hardest of hearts, producing an abundant harvest for the glory of God (compare [John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat")).

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 4:26

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

Mark 4:29

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

James 2:5

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

¶ 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

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

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

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