Mark 4 16

Mark 4:16 kjv

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

Mark 4:16 nkjv

These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Mark 4:16 niv

Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

Mark 4:16 esv

And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.

Mark 4:16 nlt

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 16 Meaning

Mark 4:16 describes the second category of hearers in the Parable of the Sower: those whose reception of the word of God is initially enthusiastic and joyful but ultimately superficial. They hear the message and immediately embrace it with gladness, yet their understanding and commitment lack depth, akin to seeds planted on thin soil over rock. Consequently, when trials or persecution arise, they quickly fall away because the word has not taken deep root within them. This highlights that a genuinely fruitful response to the Gospel requires more than a positive initial emotional reaction; it demands internal depth and enduring commitment.

Mark 4 16 Context

Mark 4:16 is part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, recorded in Mark 4:1-20. Jesus had taught this parable to a large crowd by the sea (Mk 4:1-2), a common teaching method where agricultural imagery was familiar to His audience. The parable illustrates different responses to the preaching of the Word of God. After the crowd was dismissed, Jesus' disciples asked Him privately about the parable (Mk 4:10). This verse, specifically, defines the second type of "soil" or hearer: the "stony ground" from the parable (Mk 4:4-5), revealing its spiritual meaning.

Historically, Jesus taught in Galilee, where people were often accustomed to hearing the Law and prophets. However, their expectations of the Messiah were often tied to a political kingdom rather than a spiritual transformation. Some might have welcomed Jesus' message for perceived temporal benefits (healing, liberation from Roman rule) or sensationalism, rather than deep spiritual conviction. The parable thus functions as a discernment tool, distinguishing true commitment from superficial enthusiasm, directly addressing a common form of response He encountered.

Mark 4 16 Word analysis

• And these: (Greek: kai houtoi - καὶ οὗτοι). The connective "kai" links this group directly to the preceding "stony ground" seed in the parable's narrative (Mk 4:5-6), confirming it as the interpretation of that specific soil type. "Houtoi" is a demonstrative pronoun, referring to the people described.
• likewise: (Greek: homoiōs - ὁμοίως). Signifies similarity in action or category. It indicates that this group, like the "wayside" soil, does not yield fruit, but for a different reason. They are "similarly" unfruitful but distinct from the previous type of hearer.
• are they: Defines the subjects being discussed.
• who are sown: (Greek: speiromenoi - σπειρόμενοι). This is a present passive participle, meaning "those being sown" or "those who are sown." It emphasizes that these individuals are recipients of the seed, i.e., the Word. It highlights the work done to them (preaching) rather than by them (active reception).
• on stony ground: (Greek: epi ta petrōdē - ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη). This phrase identifies the type of soil described in the parable. Petrōdē does not mean soil mixed with rocks, but a thin layer of soil over bedrock or a large flat rock formation. This is crucial because it indicates a fundamental lack of depth for roots to penetrate, rather than obstacles within the soil. Spiritually, it signifies a heart lacking deep inner transformation or genuine receptivity.
• who, when they hear: (Greek: hotan akousōsin - ὅταν ἀκούσωσιν). The subjunctive verb akousōsin ("hear") implies that the hearing is a completed action in time. It's the moment of initial reception of the message. This emphasizes that initial contact and understanding occur.
• the word: (Greek: ton logon - τὸν λόγον). Refers to the divine message, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. It's the seed that is preached and received. Its intrinsic power remains constant, regardless of the soil.
• immediately: (Greek: euthus - εὐθύς). A key adverb in Mark's Gospel, indicating swiftness or promptness. Here, it denotes an instant, unreflective, and perhaps emotional, acceptance. This rapidity implies a lack of deep consideration or counting the cost.
• receive it: (Greek: lambanousin auton - λαμβάνουσιν αὐτόν). Means "they take" or "they accept" the word. It points to a positive initial reaction, an active appropriation of the message into their lives.
• with gladness: (Greek: meta charas - μετὰ χαρᾶς). Indicates an enthusiastic and joyful emotional response. They welcome the word, perhaps drawn by its promises, its message of hope, or even superficial benefits. This gladness, however, does not necessarily equate to genuine conversion or commitment. It's often the joy of a pleasant hearing, rather than the profound joy of true transformation.

Words-group analysis:

• "who are sown on stony ground": This phrase metaphorically points to individuals who, while exposed to the Gospel, possess a superficial heart condition. Their receptivity is shallow; they lack the inner depth necessary for the "root" of the word to develop. The problem is not necessarily hostility, but an inherent lack of ground for establishment. This can be due to pride, worldly concerns, or unwillingness to surrender deeply.
• "when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness": This describes a characteristic response: an instant, positive emotional embrace of the Gospel. It indicates an immediate, uncritical, and perhaps even unthoughtful acceptance, possibly motivated by excitement or perceived short-term benefits (like hope, a feeling of belonging, or relief). This swift, joyful acceptance, though seemingly positive, proves insufficient because it bypasses the necessary deeper spiritual work. It can represent people attracted to the superficial appeal of Christianity without embracing its costly demands or realities of tribulation. This polemicizes against a superficial faith based solely on emotion or convenience, advocating instead for a faith that engages the whole person (mind, will, emotion, action).

Mark 4 16 Bonus section

The metaphor of the "stony ground" suggests that while the word of God is always potent, its effectiveness hinges on the hearer's heart condition. The responsibility for fruitfulness is shifted from the Sower to the soil, meaning from God's proclamation to humanity's receptivity. This interpretation directly challenges the notion of effortless or instant transformation without personal cost or the testing of one's faith. It also contrasts with a common perception that a positive initial emotional experience necessarily equals salvation or enduring commitment. The rapid, joyous reception followed by rapid wilting highlights the importance of patient growth and endurance in the spiritual life, where true depth often develops not in moments of immediate elation, but through sustained engagement with the word and resilience in adversity.

Mark 4 16 Commentary

Mark 4:16 provides critical insight into a common, yet ultimately unyielding, response to the Word of God. These "stony ground" hearers are not initially resistant like the "wayside" hearers; quite the contrary, they exhibit an immediate and joyful reception of the Gospel. This highlights that outward enthusiasm and initial joy are not, by themselves, sufficient indicators of genuine spiritual depth or enduring faith. The core issue lies not in their willingness to hear, nor even their positive emotion, but in the "stony ground"—their spiritual heart condition which lacks the necessary depth for the word to take root. This depth represents a readiness for profound transformation, a willingness to commit beyond superficial emotion, and an openness to endure hardship for the sake of the Word.

Because the seed (Word) cannot send deep roots, its initial growth is rapid but ultimately vulnerable. The analogy suggests that a lack of inner grounding leaves one unprotected when the inevitable challenges of life and faith arise. These challenges, whether "tribulation" (general distress, oppression) or "persecution" (suffering for one's faith), are the sun's scorching heat from the parable (Mk 4:6). True faith, like a well-rooted plant, can draw sustenance even through drought, but superficial faith wilts. The verse implicitly teaches that faith must be resilient, able to withstand adversity. The purpose of trials is not to destroy genuine faith, but to reveal its true nature and deepen it. For those with shallow roots, trials simply expose the lack of enduring commitment, leading to their "falling away." This "falling away" (skandalizontai) means they are stumbled or caused to fall into apostasy, abandoning their profession of faith when it becomes costly. The verse is a powerful reminder that the journey of faith requires perseverance, rootedness, and a readiness to embrace the challenges of discipleship, not just its comforts.

• Example for practical usage: Consider someone who attends a vibrant church service, feels a surge of joy and emotion, and decides to "follow Christ." They might be quick to share their experience but when confronted with criticism from friends, demands to change their lifestyle, or personal hardship, their initial enthusiasm wanes because the "seed" did not go deep enough to withstand the "heat."