Parable of the Sower and Its Interpretation
Mark 4:1-20
Mark.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- παλιν: ADV
- ηρξατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- διδασκειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- παρα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- θαλασσαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- συναγεται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- οχλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- πλειστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m,superl
- ωστε: CONJ
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- πλοιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εμβαντα: VERB,aor,act,part,acc,sg,m
- καθησθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- θαλασση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- οχλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- θαλασσαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- επι: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 13:1-2 (verbal): Nearly identical scene: Jesus goes to the sea, a great crowd gathers, he gets into a boat and sits while the crowd stands on the shore (parallel wording and setting for the parables).
- Luke 5:1-3 (verbal): Same motif of Jesus getting into a boat and teaching the people from it; Luke places the boat-as-pulpit detail in the narrative context of teaching by the water.
- Mark 3:9 (structural): Earlier Mark passage that explains the practical reason for using a boat (to manage the pressing crowd), showing narrative continuity within Mark about crowd-control and teaching from a boat.
- Luke 8:4 (thematic): Parallel introduction to the parable material: a great crowd gathers from surrounding towns and Jesus speaks in parables—matching Mark’s context of large crowds and parabolic teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he began to teach beside the sea. And a great multitude gathered to him, so that he got into a boat and sat on the sea, and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
- And again he began to teach beside the sea. And a great crowd gathered to him, so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down, while the whole crowd was on the shore.
Mark.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εδιδασκεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- παραβολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- ελεγεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διδαχη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αυτου·: PRON,gen,sg,3
Parallels
- Mark 4:33-34 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: repeats that Jesus spoke many things in parables and privately explained them to his disciples.
- Matthew 13:34-35 (verbal): Matthew likewise states Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables and links this practice to fulfillment of Scripture (Psalm 78:2).
- Luke 8:4 (structural): Luke's introduction to the Parable of the Sower similarly frames Jesus' teaching as a series of parables told to the multitudes.
- Luke 8:10 (thematic): Provides the stated purpose of Jesus' parables — to reveal truth to disciples while concealing it from others — a theme implicit in Mark's reference to parabolic teaching.
- Psalm 78:2 (quotation): The Old Testament verse Matthew cites as fulfilled by Jesus' parable-teaching ('I will open my mouth in a parable'); serves as the prophetic background to the gospel accounts' emphasis on parables.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he taught them many things in parables, and without a parable he did not speak to them; and in private he explained everything to his own disciples.
- And he taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:
Mark.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ακουετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- ιδου: PART
- εξηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- σπειρων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- σπειραι: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Matthew 13:3 (verbal): Nearly identical opening of the Parable of the Sower—same verb and narrative setup (‘A sower went out to sow’), showing a close verbal and structural parallel between the two Synoptic accounts.
- Luke 8:5 (verbal): Luke’s version likewise begins with ‘A sower went out to sow,’ with comparable wording and narrative placement, reflecting the common Synoptic tradition for this parable.
- Mark 4:14 (thematic): Later in Mark’s own gospel this verse interprets the sower: ‘The sower sows the word,’ linking the narrative image of the sower in 4:3 to the parable’s spiritual meaning.
- Matthew 13:18 (thematic): Matthew’s interpretation of the parable parallels Mark’s explanation by applying the sower image to the reception of the word of the kingdom, connecting the story’s opening action to its intended spiritual message.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to them, "Hear! Behold, the sower went out to sow."
- “Listen: A sower went out to sow.
Mark.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σπειρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- παρα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- πετεινα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- κατεφαγεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Matthew 13:4 (verbal): Direct synoptic parallel; identical depiction of seed falling by the roadside and birds coming to devour it.
- Luke 8:5 (verbal): Synoptic parallel in Luke’s version of the parable with the same image of seed on the path eaten by birds.
- Mark 4:15 (structural): Immediate interpretive gloss in the same chapter explaining the roadside seed as those whose hearing is robbed (Satan taking away the word) — the theological meaning behind the birds’ action.
- Matthew 13:19 (thematic): Interpretation in Matthew corresponding to Mark 4:4: explains the roadside seed as hearts where the evil one snatches away what was sown, linking the birds’ devouring to spiritual interception.
- Luke 8:12 (thematic): Luke’s interpretive parallel identifying the roadside hearers whose hearts the devil prevents from believing — thematically connects the birds’ devouring with spiritual removal of the word.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as he sowed, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and devoured it.
- And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
Mark.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αλλο: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πετρωδες: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- οπου: ADV,rel
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ειχεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- πολλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ευθυς: ADV
- εξανετειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μη: PART
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- βαθος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- γης·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Matthew 13:5-6 (verbal): Synoptic parallel: same image of seed falling on rocky ground, immediately springing up because soil is shallow; closely similar wording and sequence.
- Luke 8:6 (verbal): Synoptic parallel in Luke's version of the Parable of the Sower, echoing the 'rocky ground' motif and the immediate upshoot due to lack of depth.
- Mark 4:16-17 (structural): Immediate Markan explanation of the rocky-ground episode within the same chapter: those on rocky soil receive the word with joy but have no root and quickly fall away under tribulation.
- Matthew 13:20-21 (thematic): Matthew's interpretation of the rocky ground explains the same phenomenon—initial reception without root leading to early falling away when trouble or persecution arises.
- Luke 8:13 (thematic): Luke's interpretation parallels Mark: people on rocky ground receive the word with joy but, having no root, endure only a short time when tested.
Alternative generated candidates
- And some fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.
- Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.
Mark.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- οτε: CONJ
- ανετειλεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ηλιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εκαυματισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μη: PART
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ριζαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εξηρανθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 13:6 (verbal): Part of the same Parable of the Sower; Matthew records the same wording about the sun rising and the plants being scorched for lack of root.
- Matthew 13:21 (thematic): Summarizes the fate of the seed sown on rocky ground—when tribulation or persecution arises the unbelieving person quickly falls away, linked to having no root.
- Luke 8:6 (verbal): Luke’s version of the parable likewise says the plants were scorched when the sun rose, showing a close verbal parallel in the Synoptic tradition.
- Luke 8:13 (thematic): Luke explains the rocky-ground seed as those who believe for a while but in time of testing fall away for lack of root—same theme as Mark 4:6's drying from no root.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when the sun rose it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.
- But when the sun rose it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.
Mark.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αλλο: ADJ,neut,sg,nom
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ακανθας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- ανεβησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- ακανθαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- συνεπνιξαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- και: CONJ
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 13:7 (verbal): Parallel Synoptic rendering of the same line in the Parable of the Sower — seed falling among thorns and being choked, with very similar wording.
- Luke 8:7 (verbal): Luke's Synoptic parallel of the Parable of the Sower; contains the same image of seed choked by thorns and thus yielding no crop.
- Mark 4:18–19 (structural): Immediate explanation within Mark's Gospel: Jesus explains that the seeds among thorns are those who hear the word but are choked by cares, riches, and pleasures, accounting for the lack of fruit.
- Matthew 13:22 (structural): Matthew's interpretation parallel to Mark's explanation: identifies the thorns as the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things that choke the word.
- Genesis 3:18 (thematic): Thorns and thistles as symbolic of barrenness and obstacle in the created order (curse on the ground); thematically connects 'thorns' with impediments to fruitful growth.
Alternative generated candidates
- And some fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.
- Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
Mark.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αλλα: CONJ
- επεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- καλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εδιδου: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αναβαινοντα: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αυξανομενα: PART,pres,mid,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εφερεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τριακοντα: NUM,dat,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εξηκοντα: NUM,dat,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εκατον: NUM,dat,pl,n
Parallels
- Matthew 13:8 (quotation): Nearly identical wording in Matthew's version of the Parable of the Sower—seed on good soil yields thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
- Luke 8:8 (quotation): Lucan parallel of the same parable with the same numerical harvest image for the seed on the good soil.
- Mark 4:20 (structural): Immediate Markan explanation of the parable: the seed on the good soil are those who hear, accept the word, and bear fruit.
- Matthew 13:23 (allusion): Matthew's explanation of the parable identifies the good soil as those who hear, understand, and produce abundant fruit—interpretive parallel to Mark 4:8's harvest image.
- Galatians 6:7-9 (thematic): Paul uses sowing-and-reaping imagery—those who sow to the Spirit reap life—echoing the parable's theme of fruitful spiritual yield.
Alternative generated candidates
- And others fell into the good soil and sprang up and bore fruit, thirtyfold, sixtyfold, a hundredfold.
- And other seed fell into good soil and produced a crop, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.”
Mark.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ελεγεν·Ος: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg+PRON,nom,sg,m
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ωτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ακουειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ακουετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
Parallels
- Luke 8:8 (verbal): Same wording concludes Luke's version of the parable of the sower: the identical summons 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'
- Mark 4:23 (verbal): The same evangelist repeats the formula later in the chapter as a general injunction to pay attention to Jesus' teaching ('If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear').
- Matthew 13:9 (verbal): Matthew's parallel to the parable of the sower includes the identical call to attentive hearing, demonstrating the Synoptic verbal parallel.
- Matthew 11:15 (verbal): Matthew uses the same concise formula in a different context as a challenge to receptive hearing ('He who has ears to hear, let him hear').
- Revelation 2:7 (allusion): An echo of the formula appears in Revelation's church letters ('He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches'), applying the summons prophetically to the communities.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
- And he said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- οτε: CONJ
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- κατα: PREP
- μονας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- ηρωτων: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- περι: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- συν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δωδεκα: NUM,acc,pl,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- παραβολας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
Parallels
- Matthew 13:10 (verbal): The disciples ask Jesus about the purpose/meaning of speaking in parables—closely parallels Mark's account of those 'with the twelve' questioning him about the parables.
- Matthew 13:36 (structural): After dismissing the crowds Jesus goes indoors and the disciples ask him privately to explain a parable (the weeds), echoing Mark's 'when he was alone' motif leading to private instruction.
- Mark 4:34 (structural): Immediate Johannine context in Mark: this verse reports that Jesus explained everything privately to his disciples, directly following and completing the scene introduced in 4:10.
- Luke 8:9 (verbal): Luke's parallel where the disciples ask Jesus the meaning of the parable of the sower corresponds closely to Mark 4:10's report of those around him (including the Twelve) asking about the parables.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parable.
- And when he was alone, the twelve and those who were with him asked him about the parables.
Mark.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ελεγεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις·Υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μυστηριον: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- δεδοται: VERB,perf,mp,ind,3,sg
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- βασιλειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου·εκεινοις: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εξω: ADV
- εν: PREP
- παραβολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 13:11 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: Jesus tells the disciples that the 'mysteries of the kingdom' have been given to them while others do not receive them.
- Luke 8:10 (verbal): Parallel account with the same claim that the mystery of the kingdom is revealed to the disciples but spoken to outsiders in parables.
- Matthew 13:34-35 (structural): Summarizes Jesus' general practice of teaching in parables and cites fulfillment of the prophetic line about speaking in parables, linking parabolic speech to a divine purpose.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): OT prophecy Jesus and the Gospels invoke to explain that parables function to obscure understanding for some—hearing without perceiving and seeing without understanding.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 (thematic): Paul's language about a 'hidden wisdom' or 'mystery' revealed to the apostles parallels Mark's idea that the kingdom's mystery is given/revealed to certain recipients.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God; but for those outside everything is spoken in parables,
- And he said to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those outside, everything comes in parables,
Mark.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- βλεποντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- βλεπωσι: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ιδωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ακουοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- ακουωσι: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- συνιωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- μηποτε: PART
- επιστρεψωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- αφεθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): The original prophetic passage Jesus cites: the language about seeing but not perceiving and hearing but not understanding is taken from Isaiah and provides the source for Mark's wording.
- Matthew 13:14-15 (verbal): Nearly identical citation and explanation in Matthew's account of the parables; repeats the Isaianic wording and the function of hardening in response to parables.
- Luke 8:10 (verbal): Luke's parallel to Mark's teaching on the parables uses the same Isaianic motif—hearing without understanding so that they will not turn and be forgiven.
- John 12:40 (quotation): John attributes to Isaiah a statement that people's eyes were blinded and hearts hardened—echoing the same theme of spiritual inability to perceive and understand.
- Acts 28:26-27 (quotation): Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain Jewish unbelief before him in Rome; uses the same prophetic words about seeing and hearing yet not understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that, seeing, they may not perceive, and hearing, they may not understand—lest they should turn again and be forgiven."
- so that, seeing, they may see and not perceive; hearing, they may hear and not understand—lest they should turn and be forgiven.”
Mark.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- λεγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις·Ουκ: PRON,dat,pl,m
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παραβολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ταυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- πως: ADV
- πασας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- παραβολας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- γνωσεσθε: VERB,fut,mid,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 13:10-11 (structural): Disciples ask about Jesus' use of parables and Jesus explains that the secrets of the kingdom are given to the disciples but spoken to others in parables—parallel setting and purpose for saying one must understand.
- Matthew 13:51 (verbal): Jesus asks, 'Have you understood all these things?'—a close verbal and thematic echo of Mark 4:13's challenge about understanding the parables.
- Luke 8:9-10 (structural): Parallel account of the disciples asking the meaning of the parable and Jesus' reply that the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to them but spoken in parables to others—direct Synoptic parallel to Mark 4:13–20.
- Mark 4:33-34 (structural): Immediate context in Mark: Jesus continued speaking in parables to the crowds but explained everything to his disciples, directly following and explicating the claim of Mark 4:13.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Old Testament passage Jesus (and Mark) allude to to explain why he speaks in parables—hardening of those who do not perceive, cited in Mark 4:12 as the scriptural basis for the parable-form.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
- And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
Mark.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- σπειρων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- σπειρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 13:19 (verbal): Nearly identical phrasing in the Synoptic parallel of the Parable of the Sower: the seed/word is sown and the hearer’s response is explained.
- Luke 8:11 (verbal): Explicit explanation of the parable: 'The seed is the word of God,' directly equating the sower’s seed with God’s word.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (thematic): Paul employs the agricultural imagery of planting and watering to describe proclamation and growth—human agents sow the word while God gives growth.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 (allusion): Prophetic imagery of rain/seed and God’s word accomplishing its purpose echoes the notion of the word being 'sown' and producing effect.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sower sows the word.
- The sower sows the word.
Mark.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- παρα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- οπου: ADV,rel
- σπειρεται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λογος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- οταν: CONJ
- ακουσωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- ευθυς: ADV
- ερχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Σατανας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αιρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- εσπαρμενον: PART,perf,pass,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Matthew 13:19 (quotation): Parallel wording of the parable’s explanation: the hearer on the path has the word snatched away by the devil, a direct Matthean parallel to Mark’s line.
- Luke 8:12 (quotation): Lukan version of the same explanatory comment: Satan immediately takes away the word from those along the road—another direct Gospel parallel.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 (thematic): Speaks of 'the god of this age' blinding unbelievers so they cannot see the gospel—thematically similar to Satan preventing the word’s reception.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (thematic): Paul laments that 'Satan hindered' him from coming—echoes the motif of Satan actively opposing the spread or retention of the word.
- 1 Peter 5:8 (thematic): Describes Satan as a prowling enemy seeking to devour—parallels the hostile, predatory activity by which the evil one removes the sown word.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the ones beside the road where the word is sown; and as soon as they hear, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
- These are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Mark.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ουτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ομοιως: ADV
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- επι: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- πετρωδη: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- σπειρομενοι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- οταν: CONJ
- ακουσωσιν: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ευθυς: ADV
- μετα: PREP
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- λαμβανουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 13:20 (verbal): Parallel synoptic account of the parable: the rocky-soil hearers 'immediately receive' the word with joy but have no root (closely parallels Mark 4:16–17).
- Luke 8:13 (verbal): Luke's version of the parable likewise describes those on rocky ground who receive the word with joy but fall away when tested—same wording and theme.
- Mark 4:17 (structural): Immediate continuation in Mark's account explaining why the joy is short-lived: no root, they believe for a while and in time of testing fall away.
- Acts 17:11 (thematic): The Bereans 'received the word with readiness' (eager reception), echoing the theme of promptly accepting the message, though Acts emphasizes examination and perseverance.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (thematic): Paul describes the Thessalonians as having 'received the word' with joy from the Holy Spirit—similar language linking reception of the message and joyful response, but within a context of ongoing perseverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And these are the ones sown on the rocky ground: who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy,
- And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: they hear the word and immediately receive it with joy,
Mark.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ριζαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- προσκαιροι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ειτα: ADV
- γενομενης: VERB,aor,mid,part,gen,sg,f
- θλιψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- διωγμου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ευθυς: ADV
- σκανδαλιζονται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Matthew 13:21 (verbal): Parallel saying in Matthew's version of the Parable of the Sower: the seed has no root, endures only a while, and falls away when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word.
- Luke 8:13 (verbal): Luke's parallel to Mark 4:17 (Parable of the Sower) with the same language about lacking root and falling away under tribulation and persecution.
- 1 John 2:19 (thematic): Addresses people who left the community, arguing that their departure shows they were never truly 'rooted' in the true community—similar theme of lack of enduring root/identity.
- Hebrews 6:4-6 (thematic): Warns about those who have tasted the heavenly gift and then fall away, raising the issue of apparent initial reception of truth without lasting root or final perseverance.
- James 1:2-4 (thematic): Contrasts Mark 4:17 by presenting trials as a means to produce perseverance and maturity; highlights differing outcomes of tribulation—stumbling versus growth.
Alternative generated candidates
- yet they have no firm root in themselves but endure only a short while; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.
- yet 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.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αλλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- ακανθας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- σπειρομενοι·ουτοι: PTCP+DEM,pres,mp,nom,pl,m+nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ακουσαντες: PTCP,aor,act,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Matthew 13:22 (verbal): Parallel account of the Parable of the Sower; uses the same language about seed sown among thorns and those who hear the word being choked by cares and riches.
- Luke 8:14 (verbal): Luke’s version of the Parable of the Sower; closely parallels Mark 4:18–19 in describing hearers choked by worldly cares, riches, and pleasures.
- Luke 21:34 (thematic): Jesus warns against being weighed down by 'drunkenness and the cares of life'—a thematic parallel emphasizing how everyday anxieties and preoccupations can impede readiness for God’s word.
- 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (thematic): Paul’s warning that the desire to be rich leads to temptation, ruin, and spiritual harm resonates with the image of riches and cares choking the word in Mark 4:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And others are the ones sown among the thorns; these are the hearers,
- And others are those sown among thorns: these are the ones who hear the word,
Mark.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- μεριμναι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αιωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- απατη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πλουτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- περι: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- λοιπα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- επιθυμιαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- εισπορευομεναι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,f
- συμπνιγουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ακαρπος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 13:22 (verbal): Synoptic twin of Mark 4:19 — same wording about the cares of this age, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things choking the word so it becomes unfruitful.
- Luke 8:14 (verbal): Luke's parallel to the seed choked by cares, riches, and desires; closely parallels Mark's description of what prevents fruitfulness.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (thematic): Warns that those who desire to be rich fall into temptations and many harmful desires that lead to ruin — thematically parallels the 'deceitfulness of riches' and destructive desires in Mark 4:19.
- Hebrews 12:1 (structural): Urges believers to lay aside every encumbrance and sin that easily entangles — uses the image of burdens/entanglements analogous to things that 'choke' the word and impede fruitfulness.
- 1 John 2:15-16 (thematic): Commands not to love the world or its desires (flesh, eyes, pride of life); parallels Mark's warning that worldly cares and desires choke the word and prevent spiritual fruit.
Alternative generated candidates
- but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
- but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Mark.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εκεινοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- καλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- σπαρεντες: PART,aor,pass,nom,pl,m
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ακουουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- παραδεχονται: VERB,pres,midd,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- καρποφορουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- τριακοντα: NUM,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εξηκοντα: NUM,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εκατον: NUM,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Matthew 13:23 (verbal): Parallel wording of the Parable of the Sower: the seed on good soil that hears the word, understands/accepts it, and produces fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
- Luke 8:15 (verbal): Lukan version of the good soil: hearers who retain the word with good and honest heart and bear fruit with perseverance—closely parallels Mark’s language and emphasis.
- John 15:1-8 (thematic): Jesus’ vine and branches teaching: abiding in him results in bearing much fruit; links discipleship, vital connection to Christ, and fruitfulness.
- James 1:21-25 (thematic): Call to receive the implanted word and be doers (not just hearers); receiving and acting on the word leads to blessing—akin to hearing, accepting, and bearing fruit.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (thematic): Agricultural imagery of planting and God giving the growth (I planted, Apollos watered, God gave the increase) echoes the sowing/fruit-bearing motif and divine enablement of harvest.
Alternative generated candidates
- And those in the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, a hundredfold.
- And those are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit—thirty, sixty, a hundredfold.
And again he began to teach beside the sea. And a great crowd gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat on the sea; and the whole crowd was on the land by the sea. And he taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:
Listen: Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds of the air came and devoured it.
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had not much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.
Other seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. And other seed fell into good soil and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. And he said, 'Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.' And when he was alone, those about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables. And he said to them, 'To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those outside everything is taught in parables,
'so that, though they look, they may not perceive, and though they listen, they may not understand; lest they should turn—and be forgiven.' And he said to them, 'Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
The sower sows the word.
These are the ones beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy,
yet they have no root in themselves and endure only for a time; then, when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. And others are the ones sown among thorns; these are those who hear the word,
but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. And those are the ones sown on good soil: they hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit—some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundredfold.'