Jesus shifts from his typical authoritative pronouncements to agricultural metaphors, marking one of only four parables in Mark where he explains kingdom mysteries through everyday farming imagery.
Mark 4
The Parable of the Sower
1Again 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.
2He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
3“Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow.
4As he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.
5Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.
6When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
8Others fell into the good ground and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.”
9He said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.”
The Purpose of Parables
10When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
11He said to them, “To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,
12that ‘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.’”
The Interpretation of the Sower
13He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?
14The farmer sows the word.
15The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
16These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
17They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.
18Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,
19and 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.
20Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”
The Parable of the Lamp
21He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?
22For there is nothing hidden except that it should be made known, neither was anything made secret but that it should come to light.
23If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24He 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.
25For whoever has, to him more will be given; and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26He said, “God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth,
27and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, though he doesn’t know how.
28For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
29But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30He said, “How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?
31It’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,
32yet 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.”
Jesus' Use of Parables
33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.
34Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
The Calming of the Storm
35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.”
36Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him.
37A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
38He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and asked him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”
39He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”
41They were greatly afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Font Size 17pt
Line Spacing
Theme
Mark 4 presents Jesus' extensive parable teaching ministry, beginning with the foundational Parable of the Sower and its explanation of how people receive God's word differently. Jesus explains that parables both reveal and conceal spiritual truths, serving as a means of instruction for receptive hearts while remaining mysterious to those who resist. The chapter concludes with Jesus demonstrating his divine authority by calming a violent storm, showing that his power extends beyond teaching to mastery over creation itself.
Context
Following the conflicts with religious leaders in chapter 3, Jesus shifts to parabolic teaching that will characterize much of his ministry, while demonstrating divine authority that validates his message.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-9 The Parable of the Sower Jesus teaches a large crowd from a boat, telling the parable of seeds falling on different types of soil with varying results.
- 10-12 The Purpose of Parables Jesus explains to his disciples that parables reveal kingdom mysteries to believers while concealing truth from outsiders.
- 13-20 Interpretation of the Sower Jesus interprets the parable, explaining how the different soils represent various responses to God's word.
- 21-25 Parables of Light and Measure Jesus teaches about revelation through parables of the lamp and measuring, emphasizing that hidden things will be revealed.
- 26-32 Kingdom Growth Parables Jesus describes the kingdom of God through parables of the growing seed and mustard seed, illustrating gradual but certain growth.
- 33-34 Jesus' Teaching Method Mark summarizes Jesus' consistent use of parables for public teaching while privately explaining them to disciples.
- 35-41 Calming the Storm Jesus demonstrates his authority over nature by calming a fierce storm, leaving the disciples amazed at his power.
The Parable of the Sower
4:1–4:9 gospel parable-telling contemplative
Jesus teaches the parable of the sower by the seaside, describing how seed falls on different types of ground with varying results. This foundational parable illustrates how people receive and respond to God's word differently.
person_contrast
Jesus shifts from his typical authoritative pronouncements to agricultural metaphors, marking one of only four parables in Mark where he explains kingdom mysteries through everyday farming imagery.
The Purpose of Parables
4:10–4:12 gospel instruction solemn
Jesus explains to his disciples that parables reveal God's kingdom mysteries to believers while concealing truth from outsiders. He emphasizes the selective nature of spiritual understanding and revelation.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely combines kingdom revelation with deliberate concealment here, contrasting his typical pattern of exercising direct authority through clear judgment pronouncements.
The Interpretation of the Sower
4:13–4:20 gospel instruction contemplative
Jesus interprets the parable of the sower, explaining how different heart conditions affect reception of God's word. He describes how Satan, persecution, and worldly concerns can prevent spiritual fruitfulness.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical authoritative proclamations to patient pedagogical explanation, making this one of only seven passages where he explicitly interprets his own parables.
The Parable of the Lamp
4:21–4:25 gospel parable-telling contemplative
Jesus teaches the parable of the lamp, emphasizing that truth is meant to be revealed and shared, not hidden. He warns that spiritual receptivity determines what one receives from God.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical authority-judgment language to light-darkness metaphors, making this one of only four passages where he explicitly discusses revelation's inevitable emergence.
The Parable of the Growing Seed
4:26–4:29 gospel parable-telling peaceful
Jesus presents the parable of the growing seed, illustrating how God's kingdom grows mysteriously and inevitably without human effort. The parable emphasizes divine sovereignty in spiritual growth and the certainty of harvest.
person_contrast
Mark's unique parable depicts the kingdom's growth through the rare Greek word "automate" (automatically), emphasizing divine sovereignty over human agricultural effort in spiritual transformation.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
4:30–4:32 parable parable-telling hopeful
Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God through the parable of the mustard seed, illustrating how something small can grow into something great that provides shelter for many.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely pairs the mustard seed's "smallest of all seeds" claim with birds finding "shelter in its shade," echoing Ezekiel's cedar metaphor for great kingdoms.
Jesus' Use of Parables
4:33–4:34 narrative narration contemplative
The narrator explains Jesus' teaching method of using parables for the crowds while privately explaining their meanings to his disciples.
person_contrast
Mark uniquely portrays Jesus employing a dual pedagogical strategy—public parables paired with private explanations—found nowhere else in the Gospels with such explicit methodological description.
The Calming of the Storm
4:35–4:41 narrative narration triumphant
Jesus demonstrates his divine authority by calming a storm at sea, revealing his power over nature and challenging his disciples' faith.
person_contrast
Jesus sleeps through the storm yet commands it with just three words, creating a paradox where divine vulnerability and absolute authority coexist in the same moment.
Insights
Jesus uniquely combines kingdom revelation with deliberate concealment here, contrasting his typical pattern of exercising direct authority through clear judgment pronouncements.
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical authoritative proclamations to patient pedagogical explanation, making this one of only seven passages where he explicitly interprets his own parables.
Jesus uniquely shifts from his typical authority-judgment language to light-darkness metaphors, making this one of only four passages where he explicitly discusses revelation's inevitable emergence.
Mark's unique parable depicts the kingdom's growth through the rare Greek word "automate" (automatically), emphasizing divine sovereignty over human agricultural effort in spiritual transformation.
Jesus uniquely pairs the mustard seed's "smallest of all seeds" claim with birds finding "shelter in its shade," echoing Ezekiel's cedar metaphor for great kingdoms.
Mark uniquely portrays Jesus employing a dual pedagogical strategy—public parables paired with private explanations—found nowhere else in the Gospels with such explicit methodological description.
Jesus sleeps through the storm yet commands it with just three words, creating a paradox where divine vulnerability and absolute authority coexist in the same moment.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Mark 4:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:2 Lexical
Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Luke 5:3 Lexical
He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and ta…
Mark 5:21 Lexical
When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the…
Mark 2:13 Lexical
He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them.
John 6:17 Lexical
They entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
Mark 4:3 1 reference
Mark 4:4 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 8:5 Lexical
“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the bir…
Matthew 13:4 Lexical
As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them.
Matthew 13:19 Lexical
When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Mark 4:5 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:5 Lexical
Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth…
Mark 9:20 Lexical
They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him and he fell on the ground, wallowing…
Matthew 13:8 Lexical
Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
James 5:12 Lexical
But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear—not by heaven, or by the earth, or by any other oath; but let your “yes”…
John 12:24 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it…
Mark 4:6 2 references
Mark 4:7 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 13:7 Lexical
Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them.
Luke 8:14 Lexical
What fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, rich…
Matthew 13:8 Lexical
Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Matthew 13:22 Lexical
What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches…
Mark 4:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:8 Lexical
Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Matthew 13:23 Lexical
What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and p…
John 12:24 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it…
Luke 8:8 Lexical
Some fell into the good ground and grew and produced one hundred times as much fruit.” As he said these things, he calle…
Mark 9:20 Lexical
They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him and he fell on the ground, wallowing…
Mark 4:11 2 references
Mark 4:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:15 Lexical
for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else perh…
Acts 28:27 Lexical
For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should…
Matthew 13:14 Lexical
In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seein…
Acts 28:26 Lexical
saying, ‘Go to this people and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, b…
Matthew 13:13 Lexical
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they unde…
Mark 4:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:19 Lexical
When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Matthew 13:20 Lexical
What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;
Luke 8:12 Lexical
Those along the road are those who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, that they may no…
Revelation 2:13 Lexical
“I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in…
Luke 8:5 Lexical
“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the bir…
Mark 4:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:20 Lexical
What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;
Luke 8:13 Lexical
Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a wh…
Luke 21:9 Lexical
When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come i…
Matthew 13:19 Lexical
When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Matthew 13:23 Lexical
What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and p…
Mark 4:17 2 references
Mark 4:18 1 reference
Mark 4:19 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 13:22 Lexical
What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches…
Luke 8:14 Lexical
What fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, rich…
Ephesians 4:22 Lexical
that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit,
Mark 4:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:23 Lexical
What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and p…
Matthew 13:8 Lexical
Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Luke 8:15 Lexical
Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and…
Matthew 13:19 Lexical
When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has…
Matthew 13:22 Lexical
What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches…
Mark 4:21 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 5:15 Lexical
Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the hou…
Luke 11:33 Lexical
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see t…
Luke 8:16 Lexical
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those w…
Mark 4:22 2 references
Mark 4:24 3 references
Lexicals 3
Revelation 21:17 Lexical
Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
Luke 6:38 Lexical
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you.…
Matthew 7:2 Lexical
For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to…
Mark 4:27 1 reference
Mark 4:28 1 reference
Mark 4:29 1 reference
Mark 4:30 3 references
Parallels 2
Mark 4:31 1 reference
Mark 4:32 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 13:32 Lexical
which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that t…
Luke 13:19 Lexical
It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the…
Luke 8:5 Lexical
“The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the bir…
Matthew 6:26 Lexical
See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds t…
Matthew 8:24 Lexical
Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Mark 4:33 5 references
Lexicals 5
John 6:60 Lexical
Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?”
Matthew 13:3 Lexical
He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow.
Matthew 13:13 Lexical
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they unde…
Mark 7:13 Lexical
making void the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down. You do many things like this.”
Acts 22:22 Lexical
They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice and said, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he…
Mark 4:34 2 references
Mark 4:35 4 references
Parallels 2
Mark 4:37 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 14:24 Lexical
But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 8:24 Lexical
Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Luke 8:23 Lexical
But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of wat…
Mark 4:39 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 8:26 Lexical
He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there w…
Luke 8:24 Lexical
They came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are dying!” He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of…
John 6:18 Lexical
The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.
Matthew 20:31 Lexical
The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on u…
Mark 6:51 Lexical
He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;
Mark 4:41 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 8:25 Lexical
He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid, they marveled, saying to one another, “Who is this then, that he c…
Matthew 8:26 Lexical
He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there w…
John 6:18 Lexical
The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.
Luke 2:9 Lexical
Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Revelation 14:7 Lexical
He said with a loud voice, “Fear the Lord, and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who ma…
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
v. 1
v. 2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
v. 8
v. 9
v. 10
v. 11
v. 12
v. 13
v. 14
v. 15
v. 16
v. 17
v. 18
v. 19
v. 20
v. 21
v. 22
v. 23
v. 24
v. 25
v. 26
v. 27
v. 28
v. 29
v. 30
v. 31
v. 32
v. 33
v. 34
v. 35
v. 36
v. 37
v. 38
v. 39
v. 40
v. 41
Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages