Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Mark » Chapter 4 » Verse 1-41

Mark 4:1-41 King James Version (KJV)

1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

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

4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

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:

6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

14 The sower soweth the word.

15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

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

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.

18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

19 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.

20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

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

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

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

30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?


Mark 4:1-41 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And G2532 he began G756 again G3825 to teach G1321 by G3844 the sea side: G2281 and G2532 there was gathered G4863 unto G4314 him G846 a great G4183 multitude, G3793 so that G5620 he G846 entered G1684 into G1519 a ship, G4143 and sat G2521 in G1722 the sea; G2281 and G2532 the whole G3956 multitude G3793 was G2258 by G4314 the sea G2281 on G1909 the land. G1093

2 And G2532 he taught G1321 them G846 many things G4183 by G1722 parables, G3850 and G2532 said G3004 unto them G846 in G1722 his G846 doctrine, G1322

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

4 And G2532 it came to pass, G1096 as G1722 he sowed, G4687 some G3739 G3303 fell G4098 by G3844 the way side, G3598 and G2532 the fowls G4071 of the air G3772 came G2064 and G2532 devoured G2719 it G846 up. G2719

5 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

6 But G1161 when G393 the sun G2246 was up, G393 it was scorched; G2739 and G2532 because G1223 it had G2192 no G3361 root, G4491 it withered away. G3583

7 And G2532 some G243 fell G4098 among G1519 thorns, G173 and G2532 the thorns G173 grew up, G305 and G2532 choked G4846 it, G846 and G2532 it yielded G1325 no G3756 fruit. G2590

8 And G2532 other G243 fell G4098 on G1519 good G2570 ground, G1093 and G2532 did yield G1325 fruit G2590 that sprang up G305 and G2532 increased; G837 and G2532 brought forth, G5342 some G1520 thirty, G5144 and G2532 some G1520 sixty, G1835 and G2532 some G1520 an hundred. G1540

9 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 He that hath G2192 ears G3775 to hear, G191 let him hear. G191

10 And G1161 when G3753 he was G1096 alone, G2651 they that were about G4012 him G846 with G4862 the twelve G1427 asked G2065 of him G846 the parable. G3850

11 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 Unto you G5213 it is given G1325 to know G1097 the mystery G3466 of the kingdom G932 of God: G2316 but G1161 unto them G1565 that are without, G1854 all these things G3956 are done G1096 in G1722 parables: G3850

12 That G2443 seeing G991 they may see, G991 and G2532 not G3361 perceive; G1492 and G2532 hearing G191 they may hear, G191 and G2532 not G3361 understand; G4920 lest at any time G3379 they should be converted, G1994 and G2532 their sins G265 should be forgiven G863 them. G846

13 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 Know ye G1492 not G3756 this G5026 parable? G3850 and G2532 how then G4459 will ye know G1097 all G3956 parables? G3850

14 The sower G4687 soweth G4687 the word. G3056

15 And G1161 these G3778 are they G1526 by G3844 the way side, G3598 where G3699 the word G3056 is sown; G4687 but G2532 when G3752 they have heard, G191 Satan G4567 cometh G2064 immediately, G2112 and G2532 taketh away G142 the word G3056 that was sown G4687 in G1722 their G846 hearts. G2588

16 And G2532 these G3778 are they G1526 likewise G3668 which are sown G4687 on G1909 stony ground; G4075 who, G3739 when G3752 they have heard G191 the word, G3056 immediately G2112 receive G2983 it G846 with G3326 gladness; G5479

17 And G2532 have G2192 no G3756 root G4491 in G1722 themselves, G1438 and G235 so endure G1526 but for a time: G4340 afterward, G1534 when affliction G2347 or G2228 persecution G1375 ariseth G1096 for G1223 the word's sake, G3056 immediately G2112 they are offended. G4624

18 And G2532 these G3778 are G1526 they which are G1526 sown G4687 among G1519 thorns; G173 such as G3778 hear G191 the word, G3056

19 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

20 And G2532 these G3778 are G1526 they which are sown G4687 on G1909 good G2570 ground; G1093 such as G3748 hear G191 the word, G3056 and G2532 receive G3858 it, and G2532 bring forth fruit, G2592 some G1520 thirtyfold, G5144 some G2532 G1520 sixty, G1835 and G2532 some G1520 an hundred. G1540

21 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 Is G3385 a candle G3088 brought G2064 to G2443 be put G5087 under G5259 a bushel, G3426 or G2228 under G5259 a bed? G2825 and not G3756 to G2443 be set G2007 on G1909 a candlestick? G3087

22 For G1063 there is G2076 nothing G3756 hid, G2927 G5100 which G3739 shall G5319 not G3362 be manifested; G5319 neither G3761 was any thing kept G1096 secret, G614 but G235 that G2443 it should come G2064 abroad. G1519 G5318

23 If any man G1536 have G2192 ears G3775 to hear, G191 let him hear. G191

24 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 Take heed G991 what G5101 ye hear: G191 with G1722 what G3739 measure G3358 ye mete, G3354 it shall be measured G3354 to you: G5213 and G2532 unto you G5213 that hear G191 shall more be given. G4369

25 For G1063 G302 he that G3739 hath, G2192 to him G846 shall be given: G1325 and G2532 he that G3739 hath G2192 not, G3756 from G575 him G846 shall be taken G142 even G2532 that which G3739 he hath. G2192

26 And G2532 he said, G3004 So G3779 is G2076 the kingdom G932 of God, G2316 as G5613 if G1437 a man G444 should cast G906 seed G4703 into G1909 the ground; G1093

27 And G2532 should sleep, G2518 and G2532 rise G1453 night G3571 and G2532 day, G2250 and G2532 the seed G4703 should spring G985 and G2532 grow up, G3373 he G846 knoweth G1492 not G3756 how. G5613

28 For G1063 the earth G1093 bringeth forth fruit G2592 of herself; G844 first G4412 the blade, G5528 then G1534 the ear, G4719 after that G1534 the full G4134 corn G4621 in G1722 the ear. G4719

29 But G1161 when G3752 the fruit G2590 is brought forth, G3860 immediately G2112 he putteth in G649 the sickle, G1407 because G3754 the harvest G2326 is come. G3936

30 And G2532 he said, G3004 Whereunto G5101 shall we liken G3666 the kingdom G932 of God? G2316 or G2228 with G1722 what G4169 comparison G3850 shall we compare G3846 it? G846

31 It is like G5613 a grain G2848 of mustard seed, G4615 which, G3739 when G3752 it is sown G4687 in G1909 the earth, G1093 is less G3398 than all G3956 the seeds G4690 that be G2076 in G1909 the earth: G1093

32 But G2532 when G3752 it is sown, G4687 it groweth up, G305 and G2532 becometh G1096 greater than G3187 all G3956 herbs, G3001 and G2532 shooteth out G4160 great G3173 branches; G2798 so that G5620 the fowls G4071 of the air G3772 may G1410 lodge G2681 under G5259 the shadow G4639 of it. G846

33 And G2532 with many G4183 such G5108 parables G3850 spake he G2980 the word G3056 unto them, G846 as G2531 they were able G1410 to hear G191 it.

34 But G1161 without G5565 a parable G3850 spake G2980 he not G3756 unto them: G846 and G1161 when they were alone, G2398 G2596 he expounded G1956 all things G3956 to his G846 disciples. G3101

35 And G2532 the G1722 same G1565 day, G2250 when the even G3798 was come, G1096 he saith G3004 unto them, G846 Let us pass over G1330 unto G1519 the other side. G4008

36 And G2532 when they had sent away G863 the multitude, G3793 they took G3880 him G846 even as G5613 he was G2258 in G1722 the ship. G4143 And G1161 there were G2258 also G2532 with G3326 him G846 other G243 little ships. G4142

37 And G2532 there arose G1096 a great G3173 storm G2978 of wind, G417 and G1161 the waves G2949 beat G1911 into G1519 the ship, G4143 so that G5620 it G846 was G1072 now G2235 full. G1072

38 And G2532 he G846 was G2258 in G1909 the hinder part of the ship, G4403 asleep G2518 on G1909 a pillow: G4344 and G2532 they awake G1326 him, G846 and G2532 say G3004 unto him, G846 Master, G1320 carest G3199 thou G4671 not G3756 that G3754 we perish? G622

39 And G2532 he arose, G1326 and rebuked G2008 the wind, G417 and G2532 said G2036 unto the sea, G2281 Peace, G4623 be still. G5392 And G2532 the wind G417 ceased, G2869 and G2532 there was G1096 a great G3173 calm. G1055

40 And G2532 he said G2036 unto them, G846 Why G5101 are ye G2075 so G3779 fearful? G1169 how is it G4459 that ye have G2192 no G3756 faith? G4102

41 And G2532 they feared G5399 exceedingly, G5401 G3173 and G2532 said G3004 one G240 to G4314 another, G240 What G5101 manner of man G686 is G2076 this, G3778 that G3754 even G2532 the wind G417 and G2532 the sea G2281 obey G5219 him? G846


Mark 4:1-41 American Standard (ASV)

1 And again he began to teach by the sea side. And there is gathered unto him a very great multitude, so that he entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land.

2 And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching,

3 Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:

4 and it came to pass, as he sowed, some `seed' fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it.

5 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:

6 and when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

7 And other fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and brought forth, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.

9 And he said, Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

11 And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:

12 that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them.

13 And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?

14 The sower soweth the word.

15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.

16 And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky `places', who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;

17 and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

18 And others are they that are sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word,

19 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.

20 And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.

21 And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, `and' not to be put on the stand?

22 For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was `anything' made secret, but that it should come to light.

23 If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear.

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you.

25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth;

27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how.

28 The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is ripe, straightway he putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come.

30 And he said, How shall we liken the kingdom of God? or in what parable shall we set it forth?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown upon the earth, though it be less than all the seeds that are upon the earth,

32 yet when it is sown, groweth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and putteth out great branches; so that the birds of the heaven can lodge under the shadow thereof.

33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;

34 and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.

35 And on that day, when even was come, he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.

36 And leaving the multitude, they take him with them, even as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him.

37 And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.

38 And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?


Mark 4:1-41 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And again he began to teach by the sea, and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he, having gone into the boat, sat in the sea, and all the multitude was near the sea, on the land,

2 and he taught them many things in similes, and he said to them in his teaching:

3 `Hearken, lo, the sower went forth to sow;

4 and it came to pass, in the sowing, some fell by the way, and the fowls of the heaven did come and devour it;

5 and other fell upon the rocky ground, where it had not much earth, and immediately it sprang forth, because of not having depth of earth,

6 and the sun having risen, it was scorched, and because of not having root it did wither;

7 and other fell toward the thorns, and the thorns did come up, and choke it, and fruit it gave not;

8 and other fell to the good ground, and was giving fruit, coming up and increasing, and it bare, one thirty-fold, and one sixty, and one an hundred.'

9 And he said to them, `He who is having ears to hear -- let him hear.'

10 And when he was alone, those about him, with the twelve, did ask him of the simile,

11 and he said to them, `To you it hath been given to know the secret of the reign of God, but to those who are without, in similes are all the things done;

12 that seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest they may turn, and the sins may be forgiven them.'

13 And he saith to them, `Have ye not known this simile? and how shall ye know all the similes?

14 He who is sowing doth sow the word;

15 and these are they by the way where the word is sown: and whenever they may hear, immediately cometh the Adversary, and he taketh away the word that hath been sown in their hearts.

16 `And these are they, in like manner, who on the rocky ground are sown: who, whenever they may hear the word, immediately with joy do receive it,

17 and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.

18 `And these are they who toward the thorns are sown: these are they who are hearing the word,

19 and the anxieties of this age, and the deceitfulness of the riches, and the desires concerning the other things, entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

20 `And these are they who on the good ground have been sown: who do hear the word, and receive, and do bear fruit, one thirty-fold, and one sixty, and one an hundred.'

21 And he said to them, `Doth the lamp come that under the measure it may be put, or under the couch -- not that it may be put on the lamp-stand?

22 for there is not anything hid that may not be manifested, nor was anything kept hid but that it may come to light.

23 If any hath ears to hear -- let him hear.'

24 And he said to them, `Take heed what ye hear; in what measure ye measure, it shall be measured to you; and to you who hear it shall be added;

25 for whoever may have, there shall be given to him, and whoever hath not, also that which he hath shall be taken from him.'

26 And he said, `Thus is the reign of God: as if a man may cast the seed on the earth,

27 and may sleep, and may rise night and day, and the seed spring up and grow, he hath not known how;

28 for of itself doth the earth bear fruit, first a blade, afterwards an ear, afterwards full corn in the ear;

29 and whenever the fruit may yield itself, immediately he doth send forth the sickle, because the harvest hath come.'

30 And he said, `To what may we liken the reign of God, or in what simile may we compare it?

31 As a grain of mustard, which, whenever it may be sown on the earth, is less than any of the seeds that are on the earth;

32 and whenever it may be sown, it cometh up, and doth become greater than any of the herbs, and doth make great branches, so that under its shade the fowls of the heaven are able to rest.'

33 And with many such similes he was speaking to them the word, as they were able to hear,

34 and without a simile he was not speaking to them, and by themselves, to his disciples he was expounding all.

35 And he saith to them on that day, evening having come, `We may pass over to the other side;'

36 and having let away the multitude, they take him up as he was in the boat, and other little boats also were with him.

37 And there cometh a great storm of wind, and the waves were beating on the boat, so that it is now being filled,

38 and he himself was upon the stern, upon the pillow sleeping, and they wake him up, and say to him, `Teacher, art thou not caring that we perish?'

39 And having waked up, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, `Peace, be stilled;' and the wind did lull, and there was a great calm:

40 and he said to them, `Why are ye so fearful? how have ye not faith?'

41 and they feared a great fear, and said one to another, `Who, then, is this, that even the wind and the sea do obey him?'


Mark 4:1-41 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And again he began to teach by the sea. And a great crowd was gathered together to him, so that going on board ship he sat in the sea, and all the crowd were close to the sea on the land.

2 And he taught them many things in parables. And he said to them in his doctrine,

3 Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow.

4 And it came to pass as he sowed, one fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured it.

5 And another fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth, and immediately it sprung up out [of the ground] because it had no depth of earth;

6 and when the sun arose it was burnt up, and because of its not having any root, it withered.

7 And another fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 And another fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and bore, one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred.

9 And he said, He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

10 And when he was alone, those about him with the twelve asked him [as to] the parables.

11 And he said to them, To you is given [to know] the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to them who are without, all things are done in parables,

12 that beholding they may behold and not see, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest it may be, they should be converted and they should be forgiven.

13 And he says to them, Do ye not know this parable? and how will ye be acquainted with all the parables?

14 The sower sows the word:

15 and these are they by the wayside where the word is sown, and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

16 And these are they in like manner who are sown upon the rocky places, who when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy,

17 and they have no root in themselves, but are for a time: then, tribulation arising, or persecution on account of the word, immediately they are offended.

18 And others are they who are sown among the thorns: these are they who have heard the word,

19 and the cares of life, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things, entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

20 And these are they who have been sown on the good ground, such as hear the word and receive it, and bear fruit; one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred [fold].

21 And he said to them, Does the lamp come that it should be put under the bushel or under the couch? [Is it] not that it should be set upon the lamp-stand?

22 For there is nothing hidden which shall not be made manifest; nor does any secret thing take place, but that it should come to light.

23 If any one have ears to hear, let him hear.

24 And he said to them, Take heed what ye hear; with what measure ye mete, it shall be meted to you; and there shall be [more] added to you.

25 For whosoever has, to him shall be given; and he who has not, even what he has shall be taken from him.

26 And he said, Thus is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast the seed upon the earth,

27 and should sleep and rise up night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he does not know how.

28 The earth bears fruit of itself, first [the] blade, then an ear, then full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is produced, immediately he sends the sickle, for the harvest is come.

30 And he said, How should we liken the kingdom of God, or with what comparison should we compare it?

31 As to a grain of mustard [seed], which, when it is sown upon the earth, is less than all seeds which are upon the earth,

32 and when it has been sown, mounts up and becomes greater than all herbs, and produces great branches, so that the birds of heaven can roost under its shadow.

33 And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear,

34 but without a parable spoke he not to them; and in private he explained all things to his disciples.

35 And on that day, when evening was come, he says to them, Let us go over to the other side:

36 and having sent away the crowd, they take him with [them], as he was, in the ship. But other ships also were with him.

37 And there comes a violent gust of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it already filled.

38 And *he* was in the stern sleeping on the cushion. And they awake him up and say to him, Teacher, dost thou not care that we are perishing?

39 And awaking up he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Silence; be mute. And the wind fell, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said to them, Why are ye [thus] fearful? how [is it] ye have not faith?

41 And they feared [with] great fear, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?


Mark 4:1-41 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.

2 He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,

3 "Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow,

4 and it happened, as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds{TR adds "of the air"} came and devoured it.

5 Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.

6 When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some brought forth thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much."

9 He said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."

10 When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.

11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,

12 that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.'"

13 He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?

14 The farmer sows the word.

15 These are the ones by the road, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

16 These in like manner are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.

17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,

19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

20 These are those which were sown on the good ground: such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times."

21 He said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket{Literally, a modion, a dry measuring basket containing about a peck (about 9 litres)} or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lampstand?

22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.

23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear."

24 He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear.

25 For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he has."

26 He said, "The Kingdom of God is as if a man should cast seed on the earth,

27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he doesn't know how.

28 For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come."

30 He said, "How will we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?

31 It's like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth,

32 yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow."

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.

34 Without a parable he didn't speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained all things.

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side."

36 Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him.

37 There arose a great wind storm, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.

38 He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?"

39 He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?"

41 They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"


Mark 4:1-41 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And again he was teaching by the seaside. And a very great number of people had come to him, so that he got into a boat on the sea and took his seat; and all the people were on the land by the seaside.

2 And he gave them teaching about a number of things in the form of stories, and said to them in his teaching, Give ear:

3 A man went out to put seed in the earth:

4 And while he was doing it, some was dropped by the wayside, and the birds came and took it for food.

5 And some went on the stones, where it had not much earth; and it came up straight away, because the earth was not deep:

6 And when the sun was high, it was burned; and because it had no root, it became dry and dead.

7 And some went among the thorns, and the thorns came up, and it had no room for growth and gave no fruit.

8 And some, falling on good earth, gave fruit, coming up and increasing, and giving thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.

9 And he said to them, Whoever has ears, let him give ear.

10 And when he was by himself, those who were round him with the twelve put questions to him about the purpose of the stories.

11 And he said to them, To you is given the secret of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are given in the form of stories;

12 So that seeing they may see, and it will not be clear to them; and hearing it, they will not get the sense; for fear that they may be turned again to me and have forgiveness.

13 And he said to them, If you are not clear about this story, how will you be clear about the others?

14 The seed is the word.

15 And these are they by the wayside, where the word is planted; and when they have given ear, the Evil One comes straight away and takes away the word which has been planted in them.

16 And in the same way, these are they who are planted on the stones, who, when the word has come to their ears, straight away take it with joy;

17 And they have no root in themselves, but go on for a time; then, when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, they quickly become full of doubts.

18 And others are those planted among the thorns; these are they who have given ear to the word,

19 And the cares of this life, and the deceits of wealth, and the desire for other things coming in, put a stop to the growth of the word, and it gives no fruit.

20 And these are they who were planted on the good earth; such as give ear to the word, and take it into their hearts, and give fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundred times as much.

21 And he said to them, When the light comes in, do people put it under a vessel, or under the bed, and not on its table?

22 There is nothing covered which will not be seen openly, and nothing has been made secret which will not come to light.

23 If any man has ears, let him give ear.

24 And he said to them, Take care what you give ear to: in the same measure as you give you will get, and more will be given to you.

25 He who has, to him will be given: and he who has not, from him will be taken even that which he has.

26 And he said, Such is the kingdom of God, as if a man put seed in the earth,

27 And went to sleep and got up, night and day, and the seed came to growth, though he had no idea how.

28 The earth gives fruit by herself; first the leaf, then the head, then the full grain.

29 But when the grain is ready, he quickly sends men to get it cut, because the time for cutting has come.

30 And he said, What picture may we give of the kingdom of God, or with what story may we make it clear?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is put in the earth, is smaller than all the seeds on the earth,

32 But when it is planted, it comes up, and becomes taller than all the plants, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of heaven are able to take rest in its shade.

33 And with a number of such stories he gave them his teaching, as they were able to take it:

34 And without a story he said nothing to them: but privately to his disciples he made all things clear.

35 And on that day, when the evening had come, he said to them, Let us go over to the other side.

36 And going away from the people, they took him with them, as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him.

37 And a great storm of wind came up, and the waves came into the boat, so that the boat was now becoming full.

38 And he himself was in the back of the boat, sleeping on the cushion: and they, awaking him, said, Master, is it nothing to you that we are in danger of destruction?

39 And he came out of his sleep, and gave strong orders to the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be at rest. And the wind went down, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said to them, Why are you full of fear? have you still no faith?

41 And their fear was great, and they said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea do his orders?

Commentary on Mark 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 4

Mr 4:1-34. Parable of the SowerReason for Teaching in ParablesParables of the Seed Growing We Know Not How, and of the Mustard Seed. ( = Mt 13:1-23, 31, 32; Lu 8:4-18).

1. And he began again to teach by the seaside: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude—or, according to another well-supported reading, "a mighty" or "immense multitude."

so that he entered into a ship—rather, "the ship," meaning the one mentioned in Mr 3:9. (See on Mt 12:15).

and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land—crowded on the seashore to listen to Him. (See on Mt 13:1, 2.)

2. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine—or "teaching."

Parable of the Sower (Mr 4:3-9, 13-20).

Mr 4:3, 14. The Sower, the Seed, and the Soil.

3. Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow—What means this? See on Mr 4:14.

First Case: The Wayside. (Mr 4:4, 15).

4. And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside—by the side of the hard path through the field, where the soil was not broken up.

and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up—Not only could the seed not get beneath the surface, but "it was trodden down" (Lu 8:5), and afterwards picked up and devoured by the fowls. What means this? See on Mr 4:15.

Second Case: The Stony or rather, Rocky Ground. (Mr 4:5, 16).

5. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth—"the rocky ground"; in Matthew (Mt 13:5), "the rocky places"; in Luke (Lu 8:6), "the rock." The thing intended is, not ground with stones in it which would not prevent the roots striking downward, but ground where a quite thin surface of earth covers a rock. What means this? See on Mr 4:16.

Third Case: The Thorny Ground. (Mr 4:7, 18, 19).

7. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit—This case is that of ground not thoroughly cleaned of the thistles, &c.; which, rising above the good seed, "choke" or "smother" it, excluding light and air, and drawing away the moisture and richness of the soil. Hence it "becomes unfruitful" (Mt 13:22); it grows, but its growth is checked, and it never ripens. The evil here is neither a hard nor a shallow soil—there is softness enough, and depth enough; but it is the existence in it of what draws all the moisture and richness of the soil away to itself, and so starves the plant. What now are these "thorns?" See on Mr 4:19.

Fourth Case: The Good Ground. (Mr 4:8, 20).

8. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit, &c.—The goodness of this last soil consists in its qualities being precisely the reverse of the other three soils: from its softness and tenderness, receiving and cherishing the seed; from its depth, allowing it to take firm root, and not quickly losing its moisture; and from its cleanness, giving its whole vigor and sap to the plant. In such a soil the seed "brings forth fruit," in all different degrees of profusion, according to the measure in which the soil possesses those qualities. See on Mr 4:20.

9. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

After this parable is recorded the Evangelist says:

10. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve—probably those who followed Him most closely and were firmest in discipleship, next to the Twelve.

asked of him the parable—The reply would seem to intimate that this parable of the sower was of that fundamental, comprehensive, and introductory character which we have assigned to it (see on Mt 13:1).

Reason for Teaching in Parables (Mr 4:11, 12, 21-25).

11, 12. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them, &c.—See on Mt 13:10-17.

13. Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?—Probably this was said not so much in the spirit of rebuke, as to call their attention to the exposition of it which He was about to give, and so train them to the right apprehension of His future parables. As in the parables which we have endeavored to explain in Mt 13., we shall take this parable and the Lord's own exposition of the different parts of it together.

14. The sower soweth the word—or, as in Luke (Lu 8:11), "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." But who is "the sower?" This is not expressed here because if "the word of God" be the seed, every scatterer of that precious seed must be regarded as a sower. It is true that in the parable of the tares it is said, "He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man," as "He that soweth the tares is the devil" (Mt 13:37, 38). But these are only the great unseen parties, struggling in this world for the possession of man. Each of these has his agents among men themselves; and Christ's agents in the sowing of the good seed are the preachers of the word. Thus, as in all the cases about to be described, the sower is the same, and the seed is the same; while the result is entirely different, the whole difference must lie in the soils, which mean the different states of the human heart. And so, the great general lesson held forth in this parable of the sower is, that however faithful the preacher, and how pure soever his message, the effect of the preaching of the word depends upon the state of the hearer's heart. Now follow the cases. See on Mr 4:4.

15. And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but, when they have heard, &c.—or, more fully (Mt 13:19), "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart." The great truth here taught is, that hearts all unbroken and hard are no fit soil for saving truth. They apprehend it not (Mt 13:19) as God's means of restoring them to Himself; it penetrates not, makes no impression, but lies loosely on the surface of the heart, till the wicked one—afraid of losing a victim by his "believing to salvation" (Lu 8:12)—finds some frivolous subject by whose greater attractions to draw off the attention, and straightway it is gone. Of how many hearers of the word is this the graphic but painful history!

16. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground, &c.—"Immediately" the seed in such a case "springs up"—all the quicker from the shallowness of the soil—"because it has no depth of earth." But the sun, beating on it, as quickly scorches and withers it up, "because it has no root" (Mr 4:6), and "lacks moisture" (Lu 8:6). The great truth here taught is that hearts superficially impressed are apt to receive the truth with readiness, and even with joy (Lu 8:13); but the heat of tribulation or persecution because of the word, or the trials which their new profession brings upon them quickly dries up their relish for the truth, and withers all the hasty promise of fruit which they showed. Such disappointing issues of a faithful and awakening ministry—alas, how frequent are they!

18. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

19. And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in—or "the pleasures of this life" (Lu 8:14).

choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful—First, "The cares of this world"—anxious, unrelaxing attention to the business of this present life; second, "The deceitfulness of riches"—of those riches which are the fruit of this worldly "care"; third, "The pleasures of this life," or "the lusts of other things entering in"—the enjoyments in themselves may be innocent, which worldly prosperity enables one to indulge. These "choke" or "smother" the word; drawing off so much of one's attention, absorbing so much of one's interest, and using up so much of one's time, that only the dregs of these remain for spiritual things, and a fagged, hurried, and heartless formalism is at length all the religion of such persons. What a vivid picture is this of the mournful condition of many, especially in great commercial countries, who once promised much fruit! "They bring no fruit to perfection" (Lu 8:14); indicating how much growth there may be, in the early stages of such a case, and promise of fruit—which after all never ripens.

20. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred—A heart soft and tender, stirred to its depths on the great things of eternity, and jealously guarded from worldly engrossments, such only is the "honest and good heart" (Lu 8:15), which "keeps," that is, "retains" the seed of the word, and bears fruit just in proportion as it is such a heart. Such "bring forth fruit with patience" (Mr 4:15), or continuance, "enduring to the end"; in contrast with those in whom the word is "choked" and brings no fruit to perfection. The "thirtyfold" is designed to express the lowest degree of fruitfulness; the "hundredfold" the highest; and the "sixtyfold" the intermediate degrees of fruitfulness. As a "hundredfold," though not unexampled (Ge 26:12), is a rare return in the natural husbandry, so the highest degrees of spiritual fruitfulness are too seldom witnessed. The closing words of this introductory parable seem designed to call attention to the fundamental and universal character of it.

21. And he said unto them, Is a candle—or "lamp"

brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?—"that they which enter in may see the light" (Lu 8:16). See on Mt 5:15, of which this is nearly a repetition.

22. For there is nothing hid which shall not be manifested, &c.—See on Mt 10:26, 27; but the connection there and here is slightly different. Here the idea seems to be this—"I have privately expounded to you these great truths, but only that ye may proclaim them publicly; and if ye will not, others will. For these are not designed for secrecy. They are imparted to be diffused abroad, and they shall be so; yea, a time is coming when the most hidden things shall be brought to light."

23. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear—This for the second time on the same subject (see on Mr 4:9).

24. And he saith unto them, Take heed what ye hear—In Luke (Lu 8:18) it is, "Take heed how ye hear." The one implies the other, but both precepts are very weighty.

with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you—See on Mt 7:2.

and unto you that hear—that is, thankfully, teachably, profitably.

shall more be given.

25. For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath—or "seemeth to have," or "thinketh he hath." (See on Mt 13:12). This "having" and "thinking he hath" are not different; for when it hangs loosely upon him, and is not appropriated to its proper ends and uses, it both is and is not his.

Parable of the Seed Growing We Know Not How (Mr 4:26-29).

This beautiful parable is peculiar to Mark. Its design is to teach the Imperceptible Growth of the word sown in the heart, from its earliest stage of development to the ripest fruits of practical righteousness.

26, 27. So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day—go about his other ordinary occupations, leaving it to the well-known laws of vegetation under the genial influences of heaven. This is the sense of "the earth bringing forth fruit of herself," in Mr 4:27.

28. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear—beautiful allusion to the succession of similar stages, though not definitely marked periods, in the Christian life, and generally in the kingdom of God.

29. But when the fruit is brought forth—to maturity

immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come—This charmingly points to the transition from the earthly to the heavenly condition of the Christian and the Church.

Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mr 4:30-32).

For the exposition of this portion, see on Mt 13:31, 32.

33. And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it—Had this been said in the corresponding passage of Matthew, we should have concluded that what that Evangelist recorded was but a specimen of other parables spoken on the same occasion. But Matthew (Mt 13:34) says, "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables"; and as Mark records only some of the parables which Matthew gives, we are warranted to infer that the "many such parables" alluded to here mean no more than the full complement of them which we find in Matthew.

34. But without a parable spake he not unto them—See on Mt 13:34.

and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples—See on Mr 4:22.

Mr 4:35-5:20. Jesus Crossing the Sea of Galilee, Miraculously Stills a TempestHe Cures the Demoniac of Gadara. ( = Mt 8:23-34; Lu 8:22-39).

The time of this section is very definitely marked by our Evangelist, and by him alone, in the opening words.

Jesus Stills a Tempest on the Sea of Galilee (Mr 4:35-41).

35. And the same day—on which He spoke the memorable parables of the Mr 4:1-32, and of Mt 13:1-52.

when the even was come—(See on Mr 6:35). This must have been the earlier evening—what we should call the afternoon—since after all that passed on the other side, when He returned to the west side, the people were waiting for Him in great numbers (Mr 4:21; Lu 8:40).

he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side—to the east side of the lake, to grapple with a desperate case of possession, and set the captive free, and to give the Gadarenes an opportunity of hearing the message of salvation, amid the wonder which that marvellous cure was fitted to awaken and the awe which the subsequent events could not but strike into them.

36. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship—that is, without any preparation, and without so much as leaving the vessel, out of which He had been all day teaching.

And there were also with him other little ships—with passengers, probably, wishing to accompany Him.

37. And there arose a great storm of wind—"a tempest of wind." To such sudden squalls the Sea of Galilee is very liable from its position, in a deep basin, skirted on the east by lofty mountain ranges, while on the west the hills are intersected by narrow gorges through which the wind sweeps across the lake, and raises its waters with great rapidity into a storm.

and the waves beat into the ship—kept beating or pitching on the ship.

so that it was now full—rather, "so that it was already filling." In Matthew (Mt 8:24), "insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves"; but this is too strong. It should be, "so that the ship was getting covered by the waves." So we must translate the word used in Luke (Lu 8:23)—not as in our version—"And there came down a storm on the lake, and they were filled [with water]"—but "they were getting filled," that is, those who sailed; meaning, of course, that their ship was so.

38. And he was in the hinder part of the ship—or stern.

asleep on a pillow—either a place in the vessel made to receive the head, or a cushion for the head to rest on. It was evening; and after the fatigues of a busy day of teaching under the hot sun, having nothing to do while crossing the lake, He sinks into a deep sleep, which even this tempest raging around and tossing the little vessel did not disturb.

and they awake him, and say unto him, Master—or "Teacher." In Luke (Lu 8:24) this is doubled—in token of their life-and-death earnestness—"Master, Master."

carest thou not that we perish?—Unbelief and fear made them sadly forget their place, to speak so. Matthew (Mt 8:25) has it, "Lord, save us, we perish." When those accustomed to fish upon that deep thus spake, the danger must have been imminent. They say nothing of what would become of Him, if they perished; nor think, whether, if He could not perish, it was likely He would let this happen to them; but they hardly knew what they said.

39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind—"and the raging of the water" (Lu 8:24).

and said unto the sea, Peace, be still—two sublime words of command, from a Master to His servants, the elements.

And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm—The sudden hushing of the wind would not at once have calmed the sea, whose commotion would have settled only after a considerable time. But the word of command was given to both elements at once.

40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?—There is a natural apprehension under danger; but there was unbelief in their fear. It is worthy of notice how considerately the Lord defers this rebuke till He had first removed the danger, in the midst of which they would not have been in a state to listen to anything.

how is it that ye have no faith?—next to none, or none in present exercise. In Matthew (Mt 8:26) it is, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Faith they had, for they applied to Christ for relief: but little, for they were afraid, though Christ was in the ship. Faith dispels fear, but only in proportion to its strength.

41. And they feared exceedingly—were struck with deep awe.

and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?—"What is this? Israel has all along been singing of Jehovah, 'Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them!' 'The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea!' (Ps 89:9; 93:4). But, lo, in this very boat of ours is One of our own flesh and blood, who with His word of command hath done the same! Exhausted with the fatigues of the day, He was but a moment ago in a deep sleep, undisturbed by the howling tempest, and we had to waken Him with the cry of our terror; but rising at our call, His majesty was felt by the raging elements, for they were instantly hushed—'What Manner of Man is this?'"