Mark 4:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:5 describes the second type of soil in Jesus' Parable of the Sower, where seed falls on stony ground with little depth of earth. Though the seed quickly sprouts due to the shallow conditions, its immediate growth is unsustainable because the underlying rock prevents the development of deep roots, causing it to wither when faced with the sun's heat. This verse sets the stage for understanding a superficial reception of the divine word, highlighting the critical importance of genuine depth and foundational commitment in the spiritual life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-3-8 "Mark 4:3-8 - The Parable of the Sower"), which Jesus delivers to a large crowd from a boat on the Sea of Galilee. It immediately follows the description of seed falling "by the wayside" in [Mark 4:4](/mark/4-4 "Mark 4:4 - Seed by the Wayside") and precedes the accounts of seed falling among thorns and on good ground in [Mark 4:7-8](/mark/4-7-8 "Mark 4:7-8 - Seed among Thorns and on Good Ground"). The parable itself serves as a foundational teaching on how individuals respond to the "word" of God's Kingdom, and Jesus later provides a private, detailed explanation of its meaning to His disciples in [Mark 4:13-20](/mark/4-13-20 "Mark 4:13-20 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"), making this verse's symbolism explicit. The entire chapter of [Mark 4](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom") emphasizes the mystery and growth of the Kingdom of God through parables.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' parables often drew from the agrarian life familiar to His audience in first-century Galilee. The "stony ground" described in this verse was a common agricultural reality in the region. Much of the Galilean landscape consisted of thin topsoil covering limestone bedrock. While a farmer might scatter seed broadly, some would inevitably land on these rocky, shallow patches. The immediate sprouting described is also agriculturally accurate; shallow soil heats up quickly in the sun, promoting rapid germination, but without sufficient depth, roots cannot penetrate to find moisture and nutrients, leading to rapid wilting, especially under the intense Middle Eastern sun. This vivid imagery would have resonated deeply with a people whose daily lives were intertwined with farming and the land.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:5 significantly contributes to several key themes within the Parable of the Sower and the Gospel of Mark. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **receptivity to the Word of God**, illustrating that not all who hear the message truly embrace it. The "stony ground" highlights a **superficial or shallow faith**, characterized by an initial enthusiastic response that lacks genuine depth and endurance. This contrasts sharply with the "good ground" that produces fruit, emphasizing the importance of a **deeply rooted and persevering faith**. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **perseverance in the face of tribulation**, as the rapid wilting foreshadows the challenges and persecutions that can cause those with superficial faith to stumble, a concept Jesus elaborates on in [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - The Stony Ground Explained").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stony ground (Greek, _petrōdēs'_):** This term refers to ground that is rock-like, specifically where bedrock is close to the surface, covered by only a thin layer of earth. It is not merely ground with scattered stones, but rather an underlying rock formation that fundamentally impedes the deep penetration of roots. In the parable, it symbolizes a heart that has an underlying hardness or resistance, preventing the Word from taking deep root.
* **sprang up (Greek, _exanatéllō'_):** Derived from "out of" and "to rise," this verb vividly describes the rapid germination and initial growth of the seed. It implies a quick, immediate emergence from the ground. In the spiritual allegory, this signifies a swift, perhaps emotional or intellectual, initial reception of the gospel message, often marked by excitement or a temporary change, but one that lacks the necessary foundation for sustained life.
* **depth (Greek, _báthos'_):** This word denotes profundity or extent, and figuratively, mystery. In the context of the soil, it refers to the necessary deepness of earth required for roots to establish themselves securely and draw sufficient moisture and nutrients. Its absence ("no depth of earth") is the critical factor explaining the seed's ultimate failure, symbolizing a lack of genuine commitment, understanding, or a superficial engagement with the spiritual truths that prevents true transformation and endurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth;"**: This clause describes the specific type of terrain where a portion of the sower's seed landed. The "stony ground" (Greek _petrōdēs_) indicates a thin layer of soil over bedrock, implying an inherent limitation to growth. The phrase "where it had not much earth" further clarifies that the issue is not merely the presence of stones, but the insufficient quantity of soil necessary for robust root development. This sets the scene for a superficial environment.
* **"and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:"**: This second clause details the immediate consequence of the seed landing on such ground. The word "immediately" (Greek _euthéōs_) highlights the rapid germination, an effect of the shallow soil warming quickly. However, the crucial explanatory phrase, "because it had no depth of earth," provides the reason for this quick but ultimately unsustainable growth. The lack of deep soil prevents the roots from penetrating deeply, foreshadowing the plant's inability to withstand future challenges.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Allegory** is the overarching device of the entire parable, where the physical act of sowing and the types of ground represent spiritual realities concerning the reception of God's Word. Within this allegory, **Symbolism** is prominent: the "seed" symbolizes the Word of God, the "sower" represents anyone proclaiming it, and the "stony ground" **symbolizes** a particular type of heart or individual. The phrase "no depth of earth" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for a lack of spiritual root, genuine commitment, or profound understanding. The immediate springing up followed by eventual wilting creates a stark **contrast** between superficial enthusiasm and enduring faith, highlighting the deceptive nature of quick, unrooted growth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:5, within the Parable of the Sower, profoundly illustrates the varied responses to the gospel message and the critical importance of spiritual depth. Theologically, it underscores divine sovereignty in the sowing of the Word, yet also human responsibility in its reception. The "stony ground" represents those who hear the Word with initial joy and enthusiasm, perhaps even making a quick profession of faith, but whose spiritual soil lacks the necessary depth for the Word to take root. This superficiality leaves them vulnerable to trials and temptations, causing their initial fervor to wither away. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is not merely an emotional or intellectual assent, but a deep, transformative work that requires perseverance and a genuine rooting in Christ.

* [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Stony Ground Explained in Luke")
* [Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "Matthew 13:20-21 - The Stony Ground in Matthew's Account")
* [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:5 is a poignant mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the condition of our own hearts as "soil" for the Word of God. Do we receive spiritual truths with a shallow enthusiasm that quickly fades when trials or temptations arise? Or do we allow the Word to penetrate deeply, transforming our core being and establishing firm roots? This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with faith, inviting us to cultivate a heart that is truly receptive, humble, and willing to undergo the sometimes painful process of deep spiritual growth. It reminds us that genuine discipleship is not about immediate, visible results, but about enduring commitment and a profound, internal transformation that can withstand the scorching heat of life's difficulties. We are called to be intentional in nurturing our faith, ensuring that the Word takes root in the fertile ground of a surrendered and obedient heart, allowing us to bear lasting fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "stony ground" response to God's Word, showing initial enthusiasm but lacking deep commitment?**
* **What practices or attitudes can help me cultivate a deeper "soil" in my heart, allowing God's Word to take firmer root and withstand challenges?**
* **How does the "immediate" springing up and subsequent wilting in this verse speak to the dangers of a faith built on fleeting emotions rather than enduring truth?**

### FAQ

**What does "stony ground" represent in the Parable of the Sower?**

Answer: In the Parable of the Sower, the "stony ground" represents individuals who hear the Word of God and initially receive it with joy and enthusiasm. However, their reception is superficial, lacking true depth of conviction or commitment. Just as the shallow soil over bedrock prevents roots from growing deep, these individuals have an underlying hardness or resistance in their hearts that prevents the Word from taking firm root. As a result, when difficulties, persecution, or temptations arise, their initial faith quickly withers and they fall away, as Jesus explains in [Mark 4:17](/mark/4-17 "Mark 4:17 - Explanation of the Stony Ground").

**Why did the seed on stony ground "immediately spring up" but then wither?**

Answer: The seed on stony ground "immediately sprang up" because the thin layer of soil over the bedrock would warm quickly, promoting rapid germination. This rapid growth symbolizes an immediate, often emotional, response to the gospel message. However, the critical issue was the "no depth of earth," meaning the roots could not penetrate deeply to find sufficient moisture and nutrients. Consequently, when the sun's heat intensified, the plant, lacking deep roots to sustain it, quickly withered and died. Spiritually, this illustrates that a faith without deep roots—without genuine commitment, understanding, and perseverance—cannot endure when faced with the trials and tribulations of life. This is a common theme throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:5, with its depiction of seed failing on stony ground due to a lack of depth, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the ultimate Sower and the One who provides the means for true spiritual depth and enduring life. While the parable highlights humanity's varied responses, Christ Himself is the "Word" (Logos) incarnate, the very seed sown into the world ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He doesn't just sow the Word; He *is* the Word, and through His atoning work, He makes it possible for the human heart, no matter how stony, to be transformed into fertile ground. The inability of the seed to take root on stony ground points to the need for a radical transformation of the heart, a new birth that only Christ can accomplish through the Holy Spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Furthermore, Christ's own life exemplifies deep roots and perseverance; He endured temptation and suffering, ultimately triumphing over death, demonstrating the power of a life fully rooted in God ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). For those who truly receive Him, He promises living water that becomes a spring "welling up to eternal life" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")), providing the spiritual "depth of earth" necessary for enduring faith and fruitfulness, even amidst the scorching trials of life.

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

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.