Mark 4:5

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

And {G1161} some {G243} fell {G4098} on {G1909} stony ground {G4075}, where {G3699} it had {G2192} not {G3756} much {G4183} earth {G1093}; and {G2532} immediately {G2112} it sprang up {G1816}, because {G1223} it had {G2192} no {G3361} depth {G899} of earth {G1093}:

Other seed fell on rocky patches where there was not much soil. It sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow;

Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.

And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth:

Commentary

Mark 4:5 is a foundational verse within the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus illustrates different responses to the "word" or message of the Kingdom of God. This verse specifically describes the second type of soil encountered by the sower.

Context

This verse is part of a larger agricultural parable that Jesus taught to a large crowd by the Sea of Galilee. Following the initial scattering of seed by the wayside (Mark 4:4), this passage introduces the "stony ground." Jesus later provides a detailed explanation of this parable to His disciples, revealing what each type of soil represents (Mark 4:14-20).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Superficial Reception: The "stony ground" symbolizes a person who hears the word and initially receives it with enthusiasm and joy. However, this reception is shallow, lacking true conviction or deep understanding.
  • Lack of Depth: The phrase "had no depth of earth" is crucial. It highlights that while there may be a thin layer of soil, underlying rock prevents the seed from establishing deep roots. Spiritually, this signifies a lack of genuine commitment or a failure to let the word penetrate one's heart and life profoundly.
  • Immediate but Fleeting Growth: The seed "immediately it sprang up" due to the lack of depth, as the shallow soil warms quickly. This represents a rapid, perhaps emotional, initial response to the gospel that, without deep roots, cannot endure.
  • The Importance of Roots: The parable implicitly teaches the necessity of deep spiritual roots for sustained growth and perseverance, a theme echoed in other scriptures about being rooted and built up in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "stony ground" is petrōdēs (πετρώδης), which refers to rocky soil, specifically places where bedrock is close to the surface, covered only by a thin layer of earth. This isn't just a few scattered stones, but an underlying rock formation that fundamentally impedes root growth. The phrase "no depth of earth" (οὐκ εἶχεν βάθος γῆς) emphasizes this agricultural reality, directly correlating to the spiritual state of superficiality.

Practical Application

Mark 4:5 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers and those hearing the gospel. It challenges us to examine the depth of our faith and how we receive God's word. Do we allow it to merely touch the surface of our lives, leading to quick but ultimately unsustainable enthusiasm? Or do we cultivate a heart that is truly receptive, allowing the word to take deep root, even when challenges arise? This verse underscores that genuine spiritual growth requires more than just initial excitement; it demands perseverance and a cultivated heart that allows the truth to transform us deeply.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 36:26

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

  • Luke 8:6

    And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

  • 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.

  • Amos 6:12

    Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

  • Ezekiel 11:19

    And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

  • Mark 4:16

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

  • Mark 4:17

    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.
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