Mark 4 17

Mark 4:17 kjv

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.

Mark 4:17 nkjv

and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.

Mark 4:17 niv

But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Mark 4:17 esv

And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

Mark 4:17 nlt

But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 17 Meaning

Mark 4:17 describes a category of hearers in the Parable of the Sower whose initial reception of God's word is enthusiastic but superficial. Lacking a deep, enduring commitment, their faith is transient. When the inevitable pressures of affliction or persecution arise specifically because of their association with the Word of God, their faith falters, and they quickly abandon it, stumbling from their path. This verse illustrates the danger of a shallow, unrooted belief system.

Mark 4 17 Context

Mark 4:17 is part of Jesus's explanation of the Parable of the Sower, one of His most fundamental teachings about the Kingdom of God. After telling the parable to a large crowd by the sea, Jesus privately explains its meaning to His disciples (Mark 4:10-20). This specific verse clarifies the characteristics and fate of the second type of hearer—those described as falling on "stony ground" (Mark 4:4-6). This context reveals Jesus's emphasis on the reception of His message, illustrating why the same Word of God produces different outcomes in different people. Historically, early followers of Christ faced significant social, economic, and often physical pressure to abandon their faith, making the lesson about enduring faith particularly pertinent to the original audience.

Mark 4 17 Word analysis

• And they have no root: (Greek: καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν ῥίζαν, kai ouk echousin rhizan)
  • no root: Denotes a fundamental absence of spiritual depth or secure attachment to God's Word. The imagery is drawn from agriculture, signifying lack of true establishment or spiritual vitality. It's not just a small root, but none.
  • in themselves: (Greek: ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, en heautois) Indicates that the problem lies internally, within the heart or spiritual being of the person, rather than solely with external circumstances. Their faith lacks an internal, self-sustaining source. This suggests a failure of the will or the spirit to fully embrace the truth.
• but endure for a while: (Greek: ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιροί εἰσιν, alla proskairoi eisin)
  • endure for a while: Implies a temporary, short-lived adherence. Their initial zeal is real but lacks foundation, similar to a seed quickly sprouting in shallow soil before the sun's full heat. Their commitment is superficial and time-bound.
• afterward, when affliction or persecution arises: (Greek: ἔπειτα γενομένης θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ, epeita genomenes thlipseos ē diōgmou)
  • affliction: (Greek: θλίψις, thlipsis) Refers to general distress, tribulation, pressure, or trouble. This can include hardships, challenges, or emotional burdens that test one's resolve.
  • persecution: (Greek: διωγμός, diōgmos) Specifically refers to active hounding, harassment, or suffering for one's beliefs, implying direct opposition due to their confession of Christ.
  • arises: (Greek: γενομένης, genomenes) Suggests these trials naturally come into being, highlighting the inevitable nature of such difficulties for believers.
• for the word's sake: (Greek: διὰ τὸν λόγον, dia ton logon) This crucial phrase establishes the reason for the suffering. It's not random misfortune, but direct consequence of adhering to Jesus's teachings. This highlights the inherent conflict between the Word of God and the world system, leading to external opposition.
• immediately they are offended: (Greek: εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζονται, euthys skandalizontai)
  • immediately: (Greek: εὐθύς, euthys) A characteristic adverb of Mark, emphasizing the swiftness of their spiritual collapse when confronted with difficulties. There is no sustained battle; the fall is quick.
  • are offended: (Greek: σκανδαλίζονται, skandalizontai) From skandalon, a "stumbling block" or "trap." It means to be caused to stumble, to fall away, to lose faith, or to be lured into sin. Their faith, lacking depth, becomes a hindrance rather than a support in the face of tribulation, leading them to apostasy.

Mark 4 17 Bonus section

This verse contrasts sharply with the "good ground" in the parable, which hears the word, receives it, and bears fruit (Mark 4:20). The problem with the stony ground hearer is not understanding the Word intellectually, but the lack of an internal spiritual disposition that would allow the Word to truly transform and take hold. The speed of both their initial reception ("immediately receive it with joy," Mark 4:16) and their subsequent stumbling ("immediately they are offended") highlights the ephemeral nature of a faith that rests only on emotion or convenience, without commitment. This underscores the theological truth that genuine saving faith includes not only intellectual assent (knowing the truth) and emotional agreement (receiving it with joy) but also volitional surrender and an enduring attachment to Christ, willing to endure suffering for His name and His Word.

Mark 4 17 Commentary

Mark 4:17 offers a poignant warning about the quality of one's reception of divine truth. It's not enough to receive the Word with initial joy or intellectual assent; genuine faith must sink deep roots into the heart and life. The "stony ground" represents a heart where external expression or emotional response quickly appears but is unable to penetrate the underlying hardness or preoccupation with self-preservation. When external pressures come—whether general hardships (affliction) or specific opposition for confessing Christ (persecution)—the superficial believer lacks the internal resilience and divine sustenance to stand firm. Their quick departure underscores that true faith is tested and refined by adversity, while superficial faith collapses under it, revealing its inherent lack of genuine, transformative power rooted in God's faithfulness. This verse challenges believers to examine the depth of their commitment and prepare for the trials that come with living out the Word of God.