Mark 4 5

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:

Mark 4:5 nkjv

Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.

Mark 4:5 niv

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

Mark 4:5 esv

Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.

Mark 4:5 nlt

Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 5 Meaning

Mark 4:5 describes how some of the sowed seed fell on "stony ground," which is a shallow layer of soil over solid rock. Due to this underlying rock, there was "not much earth" for the seed to take root deeply. Consequently, the seed "immediately sprang up," appearing to germinate rapidly. However, this quick emergence was an indication of ultimate failure, as the plant could not develop a substantial root system because it had "no depth of earth" to anchor itself or absorb consistent moisture and nutrients. Spiritually, this passage signifies those who hear the Word of God and initially respond with enthusiastic acceptance and joy, but their faith lacks true internal conviction and deep spiritual foundation, causing them to quickly falter and fall away when faced with trials, persecution, or the demands of discipleship.

Mark 4 5 Context

Mark chapter 4 initiates Jesus' teaching through parables, specifically beginning with the well-known Parable of the Sower (4:1-9). Mark 4:5 describes the second type of ground on which the sower's seed landed, following the seed that fell "along the path" (Mark 4:4). This parable's purpose is to illustrate the varying responses people have to the message of the Kingdom of God. Jesus later provides a private interpretation of this parable to His disciples (Mark 4:13-20), revealing that the "stony ground" represents those who "receive the word with joy immediately" but, lacking true inner depth or commitment ("no root"), they "last only a short time" and "quickly fall away" when trials or persecution arise. The historical and cultural backdrop for this parable is crucial: agriculture in ancient Palestine frequently involved fields with thin layers of topsoil situated directly over solid limestone bedrock, making the agricultural metaphor particularly resonant and visually understandable for the original audience. This geological reality vividly portrays the challenge of growth without deep-seated foundation.

Mark 4 5 Word analysis

• And some fell: This introductory phrase connects this specific scenario to the previous one (seed on the path), illustrating that the same sower and seed produce different outcomes depending on the condition of the ground. It highlights the universal nature of the Word's dissemination.
• on stony ground: The Greek term epi to petrōdes (ἐπὶ τὸ πετρῶδες) describes not soil mixed with stones, but a shallow layer of earth overlying bedrock, often limestone. This bedrock acts as an impenetrable barrier, preventing roots from descending deeply. Spiritually, it signifies a heart that, while receptive on the surface, has an underlying hardness or superficiality preventing deep spiritual rootedness.
• where it had not much earth: Greek hopou ouk eichen gēn pollēn (ὅπου οὐκ εἶχεν γῆν πολλὴν). This phrase clarifies and reiterates the literal deficiency of the "stony ground." It signifies an insufficient volume of soil necessary for stable and sustained plant growth. This translates to a spiritual environment lacking sufficient nourishment, cultivation, or capacity for true spiritual depth.
• and immediately it sprang up: The Greek kai euthys exaneteilen (καὶ εὐθὺς ἐξανέτειλεν) uses euthys, a signature Markan adverb for immediacy. In this context, rapid germination occurs because the shallow soil, sitting on rock, quickly absorbs the sun's warmth. Spiritually, this indicates a quick, perhaps emotional or impulsive, response to the Word without sufficient processing or understanding of its demands. It appears promising but is actually a superficial reaction.
• because it had no depth of earth: Greek dia to mē echein bathos gēs (διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν βάθος γῆς). This provides the pivotal explanation for both the rapid growth and eventual failure. Bathos ("depth") is crucial for root penetration, stability, and access to enduring moisture and nutrients. Its absence signifies a lack of deep conviction, personal sacrifice, or spiritual maturity, which are essential for weathering life's difficulties.
• "stony ground...not much earth...no depth of earth": These phrases are cumulative in their descriptive power, detailing the fatal flaw of this type of soil. The external appearance might seem fertile, but the underlying geological structure creates an insurmountable barrier to sustaining life. In a spiritual sense, it's about outward enthusiasm (sprang up immediately) coupled with inward hollowness or a lack of true foundational change. This highlights that initial responsiveness alone is insufficient; true spiritual life demands a cultivated "depth" of character and faith.

Mark 4 5 Bonus section

The marked emphasis on "immediacy" (euthys) within Mark 4:5 and its explanation in Mark 4:16-17 ("at once receive it with joy") is not just a stylistic characteristic of Mark's Gospel; it serves as a crucial diagnostic marker. While immediate belief might seem desirable, here it signals a lack of deliberation, a quick emotional uptake without a corresponding deep internal work of the heart. The very speed of the initial growth contributes to its downfall because it signifies that the spiritual seed has not had sufficient time or opportunity to establish resilient, life-sustaining roots. This particular "ground" exposes the danger of making decisions for Christ based primarily on emotion or fleeting external circumstances, rather than on a solid, deep understanding of who He is and what true, costly discipleship entails. The parable here functions as a profound lesson for evangelism and discipleship, underscoring that not all initial "conversions" represent lasting spiritual life and that cultivating true depth in faith is paramount.

Mark 4 5 Commentary

Mark 4:5 powerfully illustrates the parable's second scenario: a hearer of the Word whose initial response is immediate and joyful, yet ultimately shallow and transient. The "stony ground"—a thin layer of soil over impenetrable rock—metaphorically describes a heart that, though outwardly receptive and enthusiastic, possesses an underlying spiritual shallowness or a hidden hardness of heart that prevents deep spiritual roots from forming. The immediate springing up is deceptive; it hints at quick emotional engagement but lacks true, penetrating transformation. Just as a plant without deep roots cannot access vital water or withstand the elements, so too a believer whose faith is merely superficial cannot endure tribulation or persecution. When challenges inevitably arise, their faith, having no internal foundation or depth of commitment, withers as quickly as it blossomed. This verse is a profound warning that genuine discipleship requires not just initial enthusiasm, but profound rootedness in God's Word, personal conviction, and a readiness to persevere through adversity.

Examples for practical usage:

• A person who expresses deep joy at hearing the Gospel but quickly gives up church attendance or spiritual disciplines when life gets busy.
• Someone enthusiastically serving in ministry, only to step away from all involvement when personal difficulties or opposition arise.
• An individual quick to proclaim their faith in a comfortable setting but denying Christ or hiding their faith when facing social pressure or ridicule.