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Mark 4 |
King James Version
In the previous chapter, the testimony of the Holy Spirit was rejected, as was the Son of Man personally. As a result, the Lord no longer acknowledges the old relationships. Instead, He forms new relationships [Mark 3:35]. Subsequently, a description of His ministry follows in this chapter.
1. In the form of parables the course and results of His service are shown [Verse 1-20].
2. We also see that the responsibility of the disciples in view of their participation in this work is discussed [Verse 21-25].
3. We also see the rest of those who, as they work, trust in God [Verse 26-29].
4. Finally, at the end of this chapter, we see the circumstances of the disciples during their ministry [Verse 35-41]. The storm in which they find themselves points to the storms that will come to test their faith, while the Lord seems to pay no attention to them.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Title: Mark Author: Ger de Koning
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
Mark 4:1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
If we examine St. Matthew on this point, we shall discover that this discourse was made on the same day as the preceding discourse; for St. Matthew informs us, that having finished this exhortation, he the same day went and taught by the sea. (Ven. Bede)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
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Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:3 ‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
What is the meaning of this parable? He went out to sow his seed. From where could he “go out” who is present everywhere, and fills all places? He went out, not into a place, but into a life and into a historic dispensation wherein he saved us, being brought close to us by reason of assuming our flesh. Since we could not enter in, for our sins had shut the door to us, he came out to us…. He came to till and to take care of the earth: to sow the word of compassion. For here he calls his teaching seed, the souls of men a ploughed field, and himself the sower. .
And some fell by the wayside, and was trodden down; and some on the rocky places, and sprang up "he says, "and on account of its having no depth (of soil), it withered and died; and some "he says, "fell on fair and good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty fold. Who hath ears "he says, "to hear, let him hear.".
And these (heretics) suppose that this is what is spoken by the Saviour: "A sower went forth to sow; and that which fell on the fair and good ground produced, some a hundred-fold, and some sixty-fold, and some thirty-fold."
Think of the various ways, dear friends, by which the master points us toward the coming resurrection, by which the Lord Jesus Christ was made the firstfruit when he raised him from the dead. Let us observe, dear friends, how something like resurrection is so often anticipated in the course of nature. Day and night, for example: the night falls asleep, and day arises; day departs, and night returns. Or consider the planting of crops: How and in what manner does the sowing take place? The sower goes forth and casts into the earth each of the seeds. They fall into the dry and bare ground and decay. Then out of their decay the majesty of God’s providence raises them up, and from being one seed, many grow up and bring forth fruit. Even more dramatically, recall that remarkable wonder which has been reported in eastern regions in the vicinity of Arabia, of a bird named Phoenix. This bird is said to be a unique species, living perhaps five hundred years. When the time of its dissolution and death arrives, it makes for itself a coffinlike nest of frankincense and myrrh and the other spices, into which, its time being completed, it enters and dies. But as the flesh decays, a certain worm is born, which is nourished by the juices of the dead bird and eventually grows wings. Then, when it has grown strong, it takes up that coffinlike nest containing the bones of its parent, and carrying them away, makes its way from the country of Arabia to Egypt, to the city of Heliopolis. There, in broad daylight in the sight of all, it flies to the altar of the sun and deposits them there, and then sets out on its return, which the priests who examine records think occurs at the end of the five hundredth year. With all these indications in nature, why should it surprise us that the creator of the universe might bring about the resurrection of those who have served him with holiness in the assurance of a good faith, seeing that he shows to us even by a bird the magnificence of his promise? Clement.
Then Peter said: "If I were asked to speak of these things only on your account, who come only for the purpose of contradicting, you should never hear a single discourse from me; but seeing it is necessary that the husbandman, wishing to sow good ground, should sow some seeds, either in stony places, or places that are to be trodden of men, or in places filled with brambles and briers (as our Master also set forth, indicating by these the diversities of the purposes of several souls),
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:4 ‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
As the sower fairly and indiscriminately disperses seed broadly over all his field, so does God offer gifts to all, making no distinction between rich and poor, wise and foolish, lazy or diligent, brave or cowardly. He addresses everyone, fulfilling his part, although knowing the results beforehand…. Why then, tell me, was so much of the seed lost? Not through the sower, but through the ground that received it—meaning the soul that did not listen…. Even though more seed would be lost than survive, the disciples were not to lose heart. For it is the way of the Lord never to stop sowing the seed, even when he knows beforehand that some of it will not respond. But how can it be reasonable, one asks, to sow among the thorns, or on the rock, or alongside the road? Maybe it is not reasonable insofar as it pertains only to seeds and earth, for the bare rock is not likely to turn into tillable soil, and the roadside will remain roadside and the thorns, thorns. But in the case of free wills and their reasonable instruction, this kind of sowing is praiseworthy. For the rocky soul can in time turn into rich soil. Among souls, the wayside may come no longer to be trampled by all that pass, and may become a fertile field. The thorns may be destroyed and the seed enjoy full growth. For had this not been impossible, this sower would not have sown. And even if no change whatever occurs in the soul, this is no fault of the sower, but of those who are unwilling to be changed. He has done his part. The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:5 ‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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There are currently no tags for this verse.
Mark 4:6 ‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
And if the young shoots of the wheat wither, that is not because of the heat, for he did not say that it withered because of the heat, but “because it had no roots.” And if that which he has taught us is choked, neither is it the fault of the thorns, but of those who allow them to grow. For you can, if you will, oppose their evil growth, and make fitting use of your resources. For this reason he says not “the world,” but “the care of this world”; not “riches,” but “the deceitfulness of riches.” Let us put blame, not on created things, but on the corrupted will. .
Now pay particular attention. There is not one single way of destruction. Rather there are various ways that differ from one another significantly. Some, like the seed along the roadside, are the coarseminded, indifferent, and careless. Others, those on the rock, are like people who fail from weakness only. The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:7 ‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The thistles are the rich, and the thorns are those obsessed with business deals. They tend not to remain long with the servants of God. They wander away, choked by commercial preoccupations. The rich cleave only with great difficulty to the servants of God, fearing lest someone might ask something of them. Such people, therefore, will enter the kingdom of God only with difficulty. You know how hard it is to walk through thistles with bare feet? Just that hard it will be for them to enter the kingdom of God.
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Mark 4:8 ‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Why did one soil bear a hundred, one sixty, one thirty? The difference is the readiness of the ground, for even where the ground is good, differences remain in the readiness of soils. The fault lies not in the farmer or the seed, but in the condition of the land itself, its disposition to receive. The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily
Note that Christ has recounted three ways of disaster, and that three likewise are the grades of glory. For the seed that fell upon the wayside was seized by the birds. That which sprang up on stony ground quickly perished. That which grew amid the thorns was choked. But the desirable good earth brought forth fruit, and with a threefold difference, as I have said; some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirtyfold. As the most learned Paul writes: “Everyone has his proper gift from God,” one after this manner, another after that. And we don’t find the good actions of holy men to be all of equal merit. But it behooves us to strive earnestly after their better actions, and rise above the less worthy; so shall we be rewarded bountifully by Christ, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be praise and glory for ever. Amen. .
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:9 And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Parable of the Sower
This chapter shows again how the Lord continues His ordinary work of teaching. Many are attracted thereby. Because He is by the sea and there is a danger that the crowd will drive Him into it, He gets into a bout in the sea. As He sits down there, He speaks to the crowd standing on the land. By sitting down in a ship, He separates Himself from the people who, as we have seen in the previous section, have rejected Him in their religious leaders, where they attribute His work to the devil [Mark 3:22].
He starts again with His ordinary work, teaching, but He gives this teaching in a different form. In connection with the development that has just taken place in His relationship with the Jews, He will make use of parables. He explains the reason for this in [Verse 10-12].
With the call “listen!” [Verse 3] He urges the whole crowd to listen carefully to what He is going to say. Although He speaks to the crowd, it is the condition of each individual person that matters. Each individual person is a kind of ground into which the seed falls. He presents to them a sower who goes out to sow. That sower is He Himself. He goes out, He has gone out from the Father [John 13:3]. That He now presents Himself as the Sower means that it is no longer a matter of seeking fruit in His vineyard Israel – and He had come for that purpose – but that, by sowing, He is now going to produce that fruit it Himself.
The seed that is sown falls on different types of soil. The first kind is beside the road, the hardened road. The seed that ends up there becomes a prey of birds, because the soil is so hard that it cannot take root. The second kind where part of the seed ends up, is rocky soil. There is a little bit of ground there, which makes it look as if this seed does produce something. But because of the rocky soil, the seed hasn’t been able to get deep roots. So when the sun rises, it scorches. Another part ends up between the thorns. There is soil and it can take root, but it can’t grow because of the thorns that choke it, so there won’t be any fruit from this seed either.
The fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seeds that fall in it grow, increase, and yield fruit. The fruit is represented in different measures. There is seed that bears thirtyfold fruit, there is seed that bears sixtyfold fruit, and there is seed that bears a hundredfold fruit.
In Matthew 13 the order is the other way around [Matt 13:23]. There it is about the history of the kingdom of heaven as it has been entrusted to the responsibility of man. Everything that is entrusted to man’s responsibility begins well, but then decay makes its entrance and a process of weakening begins. Thus the church starts well on the day of Pentecost and the first days thereafter, but more and more worldly influences cause that first strength and freshness to gradually diminish.
Here in the Gospel according to Mark it is about the work of the perfect Servant. Then the result increases further and further to the perfect measure.
What the Lord says to the multitude at the beginning, “listens”, or “hear”, He says at the end of the parable to the few who are eager for Divine instruction. We must first listen, or hear, in order to bring forth fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-9
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
Why Parables?
Those who are genuinely interested in the things of God ask the Lord about the meaning of the parables. In His answer He underlines the distinction between the unbelieving Jews and His disciples. The latter represent the faithful remnant. Parables manifest who truly belong to Him and who do not. Those who belong to Him are taught by Him about the mystery of the kingdom of God. To them He tells that the kingdom of God is not initially established in outward glory, but in a hidden way.
This hidden form of the kingdom is the result of His people rejecting Him. His rejection by the people means postponement of the kingdom in power and majesty on earth. Instead, it is established in the hearts of those who acknowledge Him as their personal Lord [Rom 14:17].
The mystery of the kingdom of God means that Christ tells His servants to consider what they will encounter in their service in that kingdom. The area is vast, but we must count on the fruit being small, and work constantly to bring forth a hundredfold fruit. Ecumenism – and we see this also in fast-growing evangelical denominations – is focused on large fruit which is, however, only a number. Those who are focused on large numbers are blind to the true character of the service.
To those who are ‘outside’ the parables mean judgment. They do not want to bow down to Him because He does not meet their expectations as Messiah. They acknowledge only as Messiah one who delivers them from the yoke of the Romans, ignoring that this yoke of foreign domination is the result of their forsaking of God (cf. [Neh 9:35-36]).
The parables prevent them from repenting and receiving forgiveness. Indeed, the repentance they would show if He did not speak in parables would not be real repentance. And the forgiveness they would think they have would be an imaginary forgiveness.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 10-12
10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
When he was alone: in Greek Ote egeneto Katamonas; i.e. when he was retired and alone, either in the house, out of the city, or at a distance from the multitude. (Tirinus)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
He speaks in parables that he may also make his discourse more vivid, and fix the memory of it in them more perfectly, and bring the things before their sight, as did the prophets also. The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily
Suppose a physician excised a portion from the side of an organism, even in that small part you would find all the elements out of which the whole is composed—nerves and veins, bones, arteries and blood, and a sample, as one might say, of the whole lump. So likewise with regard to the organic unity of the Scriptures. In each distinct portion of what is written, one may see the connection with the whole clearly appearing. The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily
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Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›
Why Parables?
Those who are genuinely interested in the things of God ask the Lord about the meaning of the parables. In His answer He underlines the distinction between the unbelieving Jews and His disciples. The latter represent the faithful remnant. Parables manifest who truly belong to Him and who do not. Those who belong to Him are taught by Him about the mystery of the kingdom of God. To them He tells that the kingdom of God is not initially established in outward glory, but in a hidden way.
This hidden form of the kingdom is the result of His people rejecting Him. His rejection by the people means postponement of the kingdom in power and majesty on earth. Instead, it is established in the hearts of those who acknowledge Him as their personal Lord [Rom 14:17].
The mystery of the kingdom of God means that Christ tells His servants to consider what they will encounter in their service in that kingdom. The area is vast, but we must count on the fruit being small, and work constantly to bring forth a hundredfold fruit. Ecumenism – and we see this also in fast-growing evangelical denominations – is focused on large fruit which is, however, only a number. Those who are focused on large numbers are blind to the true character of the service.
To those who are ‘outside’ the parables mean judgment. They do not want to bow down to Him because He does not meet their expectations as Messiah. They acknowledge only as Messiah one who delivers them from the yoke of the Romans, ignoring that this yoke of foreign domination is the result of their forsaking of God (cf. [Neh 9:35-36]).
The parables prevent them from repenting and receiving forgiveness. Indeed, the repentance they would show if He did not speak in parables would not be real repentance. And the forgiveness they would think they have would be an imaginary forgiveness.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 10-12
10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
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Mark 4:12 ‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›
Why Parables?
Those who are genuinely interested in the things of God ask the Lord about the meaning of the parables. In His answer He underlines the distinction between the unbelieving Jews and His disciples. The latter represent the faithful remnant. Parables manifest who truly belong to Him and who do not. Those who belong to Him are taught by Him about the mystery of the kingdom of God. To them He tells that the kingdom of God is not initially established in outward glory, but in a hidden way.
This hidden form of the kingdom is the result of His people rejecting Him. His rejection by the people means postponement of the kingdom in power and majesty on earth. Instead, it is established in the hearts of those who acknowledge Him as their personal Lord [Rom 14:17].
The mystery of the kingdom of God means that Christ tells His servants to consider what they will encounter in their service in that kingdom. The area is vast, but we must count on the fruit being small, and work constantly to bring forth a hundredfold fruit. Ecumenism – and we see this also in fast-growing evangelical denominations – is focused on large fruit which is, however, only a number. Those who are focused on large numbers are blind to the true character of the service.
To those who are ‘outside’ the parables mean judgment. They do not want to bow down to Him because He does not meet their expectations as Messiah. They acknowledge only as Messiah one who delivers them from the yoke of the Romans, ignoring that this yoke of foreign domination is the result of their forsaking of God (cf. [Neh 9:35-36]).
The parables prevent them from repenting and receiving forgiveness. Indeed, the repentance they would show if He did not speak in parables would not be real repentance. And the forgiveness they would think they have would be an imaginary forgiveness.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 10-12
10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
That seeing they may see, &c. In punishment of their wilfully shutting their eyes, [Matt 13:15] God justly withdrew those lights and graces which otherwise he would have given them, for their effectual conversion. (Challoner) — These speeches here and elsewhere, we are not to understand as if he spoke in parables to this end that the hearers might not understand, lest they should be converted; but we must learn the true sense from the corresponding texts in [Matt 13], and [Acts 28], where our Saviour and St. Paul render it thus: with their ears they have been dull of hearing, and their eyes they have shut. lest, perhaps, they may see, and understand, and be converted, and I heal them. Whereby it is evident, that the speaking in parables was not the cause, (for many besides the apostles heard and understood) but themselves, who would not hear and understand, and be converted: and thus they were the real cause of their own wilful and obstinate infidelity. And therefore also he spoke in parables, because they were not worthy to understand, as the others were to whom he expounded them. (Bristow)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
Parables are word pictures not of visible things, but rather of things of the mind and the spirit. That which cannot be seen with the eyes of the body, a parable will reveal to the eyes of the mind, informing the subtlety of the intellect by means of things perceivable by the senses, and as it were tangible. .
Jesus did not ordinarily assume that his teaching would remain hidden. He expected it to be proclaimed openly in every direction. Yet it is possible, in defensive circumstances, to utter something openly and yet veiled at the same time. Something may be said not strictly in secret, but in a secret way. Note that it was not in secret that Jesus said “they may indeed see but not perceive.” If this had not been spoken openly, there would have been no sense to the phrase “not seeing.” The same hearer may not perceive the level on which something is spoken openly, yet on another level secretly understood. The very things which his detractors had heard without understanding were such as could not with justice or truth be turned into a criminal charge against him. As often as they tried by their questions to find something by which to accuse him, he gave them such replies as utterly confounded all their plots and left no ground for the calumnies they devised.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:13 And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
At times our Savior spoke the Word to the apostles by means of mysterious sayings. For prophecy says of him: “He will open his mouth in parables, and will declare things kept secret from the foundation of the world.” … The efficacy of the Word itself, being strong and powerful, gradually draws into itself secretly and invisibly everyone who receives it.
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:14 ‹The sower soweth the word.›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The Greek culture, along with its philosophy, was preparatory. By this it is made clear how obliquely, not with a straight direction, gifts have come from God to humanity—in that miscellaneous way that showers fall down on the good land, and on the dunghill, and on the houses. Then both grass and wheat sprout. Both figs and reckless trees grow on sepulchers. These things are like a figure of the truth disclosing itself. All enjoy the same influence of the rain. But they do not have the same grace as those which spring up in rich soil, inasmuch as they are withered or plucked up. And here we are aided by the parable of the sower, which the Lord interpreted. Finally there is only one cultivator of the soil of the human soul. It is the One who from the beginning, from the foundations of the world, has been sowing living seeds by which all things grow. In each age the Word has come down upon all like rain. But the times and places which received these gifts account for the differences which exist…. Some cultures have rightly sought out the word of truth through understanding. “But Abraham was not justified by works, but by faith.” It is therefore of no advantage to them after the end of life, even if they do good works now, if they do not have faith.
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:15 ‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
While we are sleeping, the enemy is sowing weeds. This is why the Lord commanded his disciples to be always on the outlook. Those who are not actively bringing forth fruits of righteousness are quickly covered over and lost among the brambles. Yet if they exercise diligence and receive the word of God as a graft into themselves, they may again recover the pristine nature of humanity, created after the image and likeness of God. .
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:16 ‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
Please log in to use all functions!
There are currently no tags for this verse.
Mark 4:17 ‹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.›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Let us, therefore, following the faith of the apostles, hol frequent communion with our Lor. For the worl is like the sea to us, belove, of which it is written, “There go the ships, an Leviathan that you forme to sport in it.” We float upon this sea, like win, with everyone irecting his own course with his own free will. Uner the pilotage of the Wor, one may safely approach the port. But, if possesse by waywar inclinations, one is in peril by storm an may suffer shipwreck. For as in the ocean there are storms an waves, so in the worl there are many afflictions an trials. The unbelieving therefore, “have no root in themselves, but enure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the wor, immeiately they fall away,” just as the Lor sai. They are not likely to enure the complications which arise from afflictions, if they are fixe upon the temporal an not confirme in the faith. Letter, Easter a..
Author: Athanasius the Apostolic Rank: Pope AD: 373
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:18 ‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
When the Word is choked, it is not merely due to the thorns as such, but to the negligence of those allowing them to spring up. There is a way, if there is a will, to hinder evil growth and use wealth appropriately. For this reason he warned not of “the world” but of the “care of the world”; not “riches” as such but “the deceitfulness of riches.” Let us not place the blame on what we possess, but on our own corrupt mind. For it is possible to be rich and not be deceived. It is possible to be in this world, and not be choked with its cares. For indeed riches have two contrary disadvantages; one, anxiety over them, wearing us out, and spreading darkness over us; and the other, luxury, which makes us soft…. Do not marvel at his calling our luxuries “thorns.” If you are intoxicated in your sense you may not be aware of this. One is in sound health who knows that luxury pricks sharper than any thorn. Luxury wastes the soul away even worse than anxiety. It causes more grievous pains both to body and soul. For no one is as seriously harmed by anxiety as by immoderate indulgence…. It brings on premature old age, dulls the senses, darkens our reasoning, blinds the keensighted mind, and makes the body flabby. The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily
Allow the Spirit of God to dwell within you; then in his love he will come and make a habitation with you; he will reside in you and live in you. If your heart is pure you will see him and he will sow in you the good seed of reflection upon his actions and wonder at his majesty. This will happen if you take the trouble to weed out from your soul the undergrowth of sporadic desires, along with the thorns and tares of bad habits. .
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:19 ‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
Please log in to use all functions!
Mark 4:20 ‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Explaining the Parable of the Sower
The Lord makes it clear that if they understand the parable of the sower, they will understand all parables. For this parable lays the foundation for all other parables.
He does not say that He Himself is the sower, but emphasizes what the sower does. This fits the character of this Gospel in which He is presented as the true Servant. A servant is about what he does, not who he is. The work of the Servant is to sow the Word, these are the words of God. Only the Word gives fruit. Fruit is not obtained through civilization, education, upbringing, or examples, however useful these things may be. The sower sows only the Word and nothing else. The effect of the sown Word does not lie in the Word, but in the condition of the soil. The soil in which the seed falls represents the spiritual state of the human being who hears the Word.
Mark speaks of the seed as “the Word”. Matthew speaks of the seed as “the Word of the kingdom” [Matt 13:19], which indicates the content of the Word. Luke speaks of the seed as “the Word of God” [Luke 8:11], which indicates the source, the origin of the Word.
Those who are beside the road are those who have hardened hearts. When they hear the Word, it does nothing to them. They are so under the influence of satan that he immediately takes away the sown Word. In this group we see the scribes. With them the soil is so hard that nothing of the seed can grow. Demonic powers take it away. But the application is also for us. For example, we can say: ‘I don’t understand anything’ and then we proceed to the order of the day, without making any effort to understand what we have read. Satan wants us to react like this.
The next group of people consists of those who “immediately receive it with joy”. Joy, however, is never the first result of the sown Word. The first thing the Word does is to discover man to himself, through which he sees that he is a lost sinner who deserves hell. When God speaks to someone, He speaks to that person’s conscience, awakening a sense of sin and guilt [Acts 2:37]. When people joyfully accept the Word immediately, there is no root. People can become emotional from what they see or hear without their conscience being reached [Acts 23:27-28]. As soon as pressure is put on them because of their confession, they will be exposed. God uses oppression or persecution to test the authenticity of faith.
In this second group and also in the next group, we can see the Lord’s relatives. They are not enemies of Him and the Word. There is a soil in which the seed falls and shoots. Yet there is no fruit. This happens when the Word is only accepted by feeling. They become happy and get a warm feeling, but the conscience remains unaffected. When they are away from the sphere of the Word, they have forgotten everything again. The sown Word has not convinced the heart of sin and judgment. That would bring repentance. The application to us is that there is a danger that anything but our conscience will be appealed to, so that we will not be brought to a life of dedication to Christ.
The third category of people who hear the Word are compared to those who are sown between the thorns. These people live in conditions that influence them so much that the Word heard is overgrown by them. The circumstances in which they live can consist of worries, wealth, and desires.
Poverty and wealth are two extremes. Both have the great danger of seizing us so much that we forget the Word [Prov 30:8-9]. He who is poor must be wary that the worries do not occupy him in such a way that the Word cannot do its work. He who is rich must be wary that he is not carried away by the deceitfulness of riches by which he becomes disconnected from God and the Word cannot affect him.
For all people, desires for all kinds of other things can come in, that is, into the heart. The things we have are a danger, and the things we don’t have are if we want them. What the eye sees awakens the desire to want it. If someone can only think about that, he shuts himself off from the workings of the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. This too has its application to the believers.
Even on the good soil there is a difference in result. What is fatal for the unbeliever can seriously harm the fruit of the believer. Fruit can be described as follows: the received blessing is returned to God – what we do by worshiping Him for that blessing He has given – and life is lived in His presence and to His glory. In this way God receives fruit from the life of His own.
As said, in the Gospel according to Matthew we see the reverse order because it is about what man does with what is entrusted to him and then we see that decay occurs in it. Here it is about the service, and in this we see an increase, because the Lord’s service is aimed at us producing more fruit.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 13-20
13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-20
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,3‹Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:›4‹And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.›5‹And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:›6‹But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.›7‹And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.›8‹And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.›9And he said unto them, ‹He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.›10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11And he said unto them, ‹Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all› [these] ‹things are done in parables:›12‹That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and› [their] ‹sins should be forgiven them.›13And he said unto them, ‹Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?›14‹The sower soweth the word.›15‹And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.›16‹And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;›17‹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.›18‹And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,›19‹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.›20‹And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive› [it], ‹and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.›
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Hom. in Matt., 44: Which we must understand was not done without a purpose, but that He might not leave any one behind Him, but have all His hearers before His face.
For He rouses the minds of His hearers by a parable, pointing out objects to the sight, to make His discourse more manifest.
Further, as a sower does not makea distinction in the ground which is beneath him, but simply and without distinction puts in the seed, so also He Himself addresses all. And to signify this, He says, “And as he sowed, some fell by the way-side.”.
But further He mentions good ground, saying, “And other fell on good ground.” For the difference of the fruits follows the quality of the ground. But great is the love of the Sower for men, for the first He commends, and rejects not the second, and gives a place to the third.
This, however, the greater portion of the seed is not lost through the fault of the owner, but of the earth, which received it, that is, of the soul, which hears. And indeed the real husbandman, if he sowed in this way, would be rightly blamed; for he is not ignorant that rock, or the road, or thorny ground, cannot become fertile. But in spiritual things it is not so; for there it is possible that stony ground may become fertile; and that the road should not be trodden down, and that the thorns maybe destroyed, for if this could not take place, he would not have sown there. By this, therefore, He gives to us hope of repentance. It goes on, “And He said unto them, He thathath ears to hear, let him hear.”.
Vict. Ant.e Cat. in Marc.: Thus, therefore, they see and they do not see, they hear and do not understand, for their seeing and hearing comes to them from God’s grace, but their seeing and not understanding comes to them from their unwillingness to receive grace, and closing their eyes, and pretending that they could not see; neither do they acquiesce in what was said, and so are not changed as to the ir sins by hearing and seeing, but rather are made worse.
Vict. Ant.e Cat. in Marc.: But His speaking to them only in parables, and yet not leaving off speaking to them entirely, shows that to those who are placed near to what is good, though they may have no good in themselves, still good is shewndisguised.There follows, “And He said unto them, Knowye not this parable, how then shall ye know all parables?”.
in Matt., Hom. 44: And indeed the prophet has compared the teaching of the people to the planting of a vine; in this place however it is compared to sowing, to show that obedience is now shorter and more easy, and will sooner yield fruit.
A parable is a comparison made between things discordant by nature, under some similitude. For parable is the Greek for a similitude, when we point out by some comparisons what we would have understood. In this way we say an iron man, when we desire that he should be understood to be hardy and strong; when to be swift, we compare him to winds and birds. But He speaks to the multitudes in parables, with His usual providence, that those who could not take in heavenly things, might conceive what they heard by an earthly similitude.
For it was necessary that they to whom He spoke in parables should ask for what they did not understand, and learn by the Apostle whom they despised, the mystery of the kingdom which they themselves had not.
Or else the fruits of the earth are contained in thirty, sixty, or a hundred-fold, that is, in the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel.
The fields have but one season of harvest; but from the Scripture there gushes forth a stream of saving doctrine. The field when reaped lies idle, and at rest, and the branches when the vine is stripped lie withered and dead. The Scriptures are garnered each day, yet the years of its interpreters never come to an end; and the clusters of its vines, which in it are those of hope, though are gathered each day, are likewise without end. Commentary on Tatian’s Diatessaron, Proem.
Work diligently the soil while you may. Break up your fallow with the plough. Cast away the stones from your field, and dig out the thorns. Be unwilling to have a “hard heart,” such as makes the Word of God of no effect. Be unwilling to have a “thin layer of soil,” in which the root of divine love can find no depth in which to enter. Be unwilling to “choke the good seed” by the cares and the lusts of this life, when it is being scattered for your good. When God is the sower and we are the ground, we are called to work to be good ground.
Quaest, 14, in Matt.: Or else they deserved this, their not understanding, and yet this in itself was done in mercy to them, that they might know their sins, and, being converted, merit pardon.
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Mark 4:21 And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›
Under a Basket or Under a Bed
After the Lord Jesus has compared the Word to seed sown to bear fruit, He now compares the Word to a lamp [Phil 2:15]; [Ps 119:105]. Where there is fruit, there is also testimony. The fruit must become a light. The implanted Word not only results in salvation of people and fruit among believers, but also leads to testimony.
He speaks “to them”, they are the ones who ask for the explanation [Verse 10]. They are now also held responsible for giving testimony. The light received must be dispersed. The spreading of light has nothing to do with the possession or exercise of a gift, but with the new life that Christ is and becomes visible.
Just as the seed remains without fruit or produces but little fruit due to certain causes, the light of testimony can also be dimmed due to certain causes. A first cause is the basket. This is a picture of commerce or activity. Activities of all kinds can occupy a person in such a way that there is no room for a testimony to the Lord.
Another cause is the bed that can become a large bed like that of Og king of Bashan [Deut 3:11]. This is a picture of laziness and ease. Also because of this, Christians do not bear witness to the Lord Jesus. They prefer an easy life rather than the effort to go out and tell others of Him.
The light belongs on the lampstand, so that it is spread unhindered. To be a light is more difficult than speaking to a large group. It is about showing the Lord Jesus as the light in all things of life every day, all day long.
The Lord warns that it will become public how our testimony has been. There will come a time when everything that covered the light and prevented it from spreading will come to light. Everything that could not bear the light will be revealed, even the most hidden motives of the heart [1Cor 4:5].
The purpose of this warning is that we will be faithful in giving our testimony. The Lord is also saying that the hidden faithful remnant of the Jews will someday be manifested in the future. The little fruit will be seen everywhere. The fact that what He said in secret and is written down here by Mark is also a fulfillment of that word.
This word about the light, like His word about the seed [Verse 9], is of personal importance to every listener. In order to both bear fruit and radiate light, we must listen. The call “if a person has ears to hear, let him hear” is therefore an urgent appeal to each of the disciples individually.
In listening, the disciples must heed what they hear, for God will act with them according to their faithfulness in the stewardship of the Word entrusted to them. We must heed what we hear, for it is our task to distribute what we ourselves have received. That is why it is important to listen and keep our ear to the ground. Do we get up in the morning with the desire to listen to the Lord [Isa 50:4]?
Our spiritual poverty comes to light when we have nothing to share. With the standard of measure with which we measure others, we ourselves will be measured. Only they possess something who distribute it in grace, and they will receive more abundantly [Prov 11:25]. Those who as a matter of fact possess nothing will also lose the pretense of what they possess.
For example, the Jews possessed the oracles or words of God [Rom 3:2], but they did not really possess them because they did not recognize Him about Whom it is all about. Therefore they – the unbelieving Jews – will lose everything that God’s Word contains for them and on which they boast. The same goes for the Christians who are Christians by name only, who confess Christ only with their mouths, but have no new life.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-25
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
A well, when pumped regularly, produces purer water. If neglected, and no one uses it, it changes into a source of pollution. Use keeps metal brighter, but disuse produces rust. For, in a word, exercise produces a healthy condition both in souls and bodies. So “No one lights a candle and puts it under a bowl, but upon a candlestick, that it may give light.” For of what use is wisdom, if it fails to make those who hear it wise? Stromateis
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
"No one lighteth a candle, and putteth it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may give light to those who are regarded worthy of the feast."
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
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Mark 4:22 ‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›
Under a Basket or Under a Bed
After the Lord Jesus has compared the Word to seed sown to bear fruit, He now compares the Word to a lamp [Phil 2:15]; [Ps 119:105]. Where there is fruit, there is also testimony. The fruit must become a light. The implanted Word not only results in salvation of people and fruit among believers, but also leads to testimony.
He speaks “to them”, they are the ones who ask for the explanation [Verse 10]. They are now also held responsible for giving testimony. The light received must be dispersed. The spreading of light has nothing to do with the possession or exercise of a gift, but with the new life that Christ is and becomes visible.
Just as the seed remains without fruit or produces but little fruit due to certain causes, the light of testimony can also be dimmed due to certain causes. A first cause is the basket. This is a picture of commerce or activity. Activities of all kinds can occupy a person in such a way that there is no room for a testimony to the Lord.
Another cause is the bed that can become a large bed like that of Og king of Bashan [Deut 3:11]. This is a picture of laziness and ease. Also because of this, Christians do not bear witness to the Lord Jesus. They prefer an easy life rather than the effort to go out and tell others of Him.
The light belongs on the lampstand, so that it is spread unhindered. To be a light is more difficult than speaking to a large group. It is about showing the Lord Jesus as the light in all things of life every day, all day long.
The Lord warns that it will become public how our testimony has been. There will come a time when everything that covered the light and prevented it from spreading will come to light. Everything that could not bear the light will be revealed, even the most hidden motives of the heart [1Cor 4:5].
The purpose of this warning is that we will be faithful in giving our testimony. The Lord is also saying that the hidden faithful remnant of the Jews will someday be manifested in the future. The little fruit will be seen everywhere. The fact that what He said in secret and is written down here by Mark is also a fulfillment of that word.
This word about the light, like His word about the seed [Verse 9], is of personal importance to every listener. In order to both bear fruit and radiate light, we must listen. The call “if a person has ears to hear, let him hear” is therefore an urgent appeal to each of the disciples individually.
In listening, the disciples must heed what they hear, for God will act with them according to their faithfulness in the stewardship of the Word entrusted to them. We must heed what we hear, for it is our task to distribute what we ourselves have received. That is why it is important to listen and keep our ear to the ground. Do we get up in the morning with the desire to listen to the Lord [Isa 50:4]?
Our spiritual poverty comes to light when we have nothing to share. With the standard of measure with which we measure others, we ourselves will be measured. Only they possess something who distribute it in grace, and they will receive more abundantly [Prov 11:25]. Those who as a matter of fact possess nothing will also lose the pretense of what they possess.
For example, the Jews possessed the oracles or words of God [Rom 3:2], but they did not really possess them because they did not recognize Him about Whom it is all about. Therefore they – the unbelieving Jews – will lose everything that God’s Word contains for them and on which they boast. The same goes for the Christians who are Christians by name only, who confess Christ only with their mouths, but have no new life.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-25
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
All my parables, doctrines, and actions, which appear now to you so full of mystery, shall not always be so: in due time they shall all be publicly expounded by you, my apostles, and by your successors. (Tirinus)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
Why does the Lord call us the light of the world? Why has he compared us to a city on a hill? Are we not called to shine in the midst of darkness, and stand up high for those most sunk down? If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel, you will soon notice that you yourself will be in the dark. You will find others bumping into you. So what can you do to illumine the world? Let your faith produce good works. Be a reflection of God’s light. The good is not preoccupied with darkness. It rejoices in being seen. It exults over the very pointings which are made at it. Christian modesty not only wishes to be modest, but also it wishes to be beheld as what it actually is.
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
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Mark 4:23 ‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›
Under a Basket or Under a Bed
After the Lord Jesus has compared the Word to seed sown to bear fruit, He now compares the Word to a lamp [Phil 2:15]; [Ps 119:105]. Where there is fruit, there is also testimony. The fruit must become a light. The implanted Word not only results in salvation of people and fruit among believers, but also leads to testimony.
He speaks “to them”, they are the ones who ask for the explanation [Verse 10]. They are now also held responsible for giving testimony. The light received must be dispersed. The spreading of light has nothing to do with the possession or exercise of a gift, but with the new life that Christ is and becomes visible.
Just as the seed remains without fruit or produces but little fruit due to certain causes, the light of testimony can also be dimmed due to certain causes. A first cause is the basket. This is a picture of commerce or activity. Activities of all kinds can occupy a person in such a way that there is no room for a testimony to the Lord.
Another cause is the bed that can become a large bed like that of Og king of Bashan [Deut 3:11]. This is a picture of laziness and ease. Also because of this, Christians do not bear witness to the Lord Jesus. They prefer an easy life rather than the effort to go out and tell others of Him.
The light belongs on the lampstand, so that it is spread unhindered. To be a light is more difficult than speaking to a large group. It is about showing the Lord Jesus as the light in all things of life every day, all day long.
The Lord warns that it will become public how our testimony has been. There will come a time when everything that covered the light and prevented it from spreading will come to light. Everything that could not bear the light will be revealed, even the most hidden motives of the heart [1Cor 4:5].
The purpose of this warning is that we will be faithful in giving our testimony. The Lord is also saying that the hidden faithful remnant of the Jews will someday be manifested in the future. The little fruit will be seen everywhere. The fact that what He said in secret and is written down here by Mark is also a fulfillment of that word.
This word about the light, like His word about the seed [Verse 9], is of personal importance to every listener. In order to both bear fruit and radiate light, we must listen. The call “if a person has ears to hear, let him hear” is therefore an urgent appeal to each of the disciples individually.
In listening, the disciples must heed what they hear, for God will act with them according to their faithfulness in the stewardship of the Word entrusted to them. We must heed what we hear, for it is our task to distribute what we ourselves have received. That is why it is important to listen and keep our ear to the ground. Do we get up in the morning with the desire to listen to the Lord [Isa 50:4]?
Our spiritual poverty comes to light when we have nothing to share. With the standard of measure with which we measure others, we ourselves will be measured. Only they possess something who distribute it in grace, and they will receive more abundantly [Prov 11:25]. Those who as a matter of fact possess nothing will also lose the pretense of what they possess.
For example, the Jews possessed the oracles or words of God [Rom 3:2], but they did not really possess them because they did not recognize Him about Whom it is all about. Therefore they – the unbelieving Jews – will lose everything that God’s Word contains for them and on which they boast. The same goes for the Christians who are Christians by name only, who confess Christ only with their mouths, but have no new life.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-25
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
And let him learn that he is not to bury in unjust silence the instructions or the examples I give him; but must exercise them for the light and direction of others. (Bible de Vence)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
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Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›
Under a Basket or Under a Bed
After the Lord Jesus has compared the Word to seed sown to bear fruit, He now compares the Word to a lamp [Phil 2:15]; [Ps 119:105]. Where there is fruit, there is also testimony. The fruit must become a light. The implanted Word not only results in salvation of people and fruit among believers, but also leads to testimony.
He speaks “to them”, they are the ones who ask for the explanation [Verse 10]. They are now also held responsible for giving testimony. The light received must be dispersed. The spreading of light has nothing to do with the possession or exercise of a gift, but with the new life that Christ is and becomes visible.
Just as the seed remains without fruit or produces but little fruit due to certain causes, the light of testimony can also be dimmed due to certain causes. A first cause is the basket. This is a picture of commerce or activity. Activities of all kinds can occupy a person in such a way that there is no room for a testimony to the Lord.
Another cause is the bed that can become a large bed like that of Og king of Bashan [Deut 3:11]. This is a picture of laziness and ease. Also because of this, Christians do not bear witness to the Lord Jesus. They prefer an easy life rather than the effort to go out and tell others of Him.
The light belongs on the lampstand, so that it is spread unhindered. To be a light is more difficult than speaking to a large group. It is about showing the Lord Jesus as the light in all things of life every day, all day long.
The Lord warns that it will become public how our testimony has been. There will come a time when everything that covered the light and prevented it from spreading will come to light. Everything that could not bear the light will be revealed, even the most hidden motives of the heart [1Cor 4:5].
The purpose of this warning is that we will be faithful in giving our testimony. The Lord is also saying that the hidden faithful remnant of the Jews will someday be manifested in the future. The little fruit will be seen everywhere. The fact that what He said in secret and is written down here by Mark is also a fulfillment of that word.
This word about the light, like His word about the seed [Verse 9], is of personal importance to every listener. In order to both bear fruit and radiate light, we must listen. The call “if a person has ears to hear, let him hear” is therefore an urgent appeal to each of the disciples individually.
In listening, the disciples must heed what they hear, for God will act with them according to their faithfulness in the stewardship of the Word entrusted to them. We must heed what we hear, for it is our task to distribute what we ourselves have received. That is why it is important to listen and keep our ear to the ground. Do we get up in the morning with the desire to listen to the Lord [Isa 50:4]?
Our spiritual poverty comes to light when we have nothing to share. With the standard of measure with which we measure others, we ourselves will be measured. Only they possess something who distribute it in grace, and they will receive more abundantly [Prov 11:25]. Those who as a matter of fact possess nothing will also lose the pretense of what they possess.
For example, the Jews possessed the oracles or words of God [Rom 3:2], but they did not really possess them because they did not recognize Him about Whom it is all about. Therefore they – the unbelieving Jews – will lose everything that God’s Word contains for them and on which they boast. The same goes for the Christians who are Christians by name only, who confess Christ only with their mouths, but have no new life.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-25
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Pay attention then to what you hear this day, that you may retain it, and communicate it to others, your brethren; for as you measure to others, so shall it be meted unto you; yes, more shall be given to you, who receive the word of God, if you be attentive to preserve it yourselves, and to communicate it to your brethren. (Bible de Vence)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
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Mark 4:25 ‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›
Whenever we grasp a new truth and allow it to work in our lives, we can be sure that more will be given to us. On the other hand, if we no longer respond to truths, then we will lose what we have already acquired.
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
After the Lord Jesus has compared the Word to seed sown to bear fruit, He now compares the Word to a lamp [Phil 2:15]; [Ps 119:105]. Where there is fruit, there is also testimony. The fruit must become a light. The implanted Word not only results in salvation of people and fruit among believers, but also leads to testimony.
He speaks “to them”, they are the ones who ask for the explanation [Verse 10]. They are now also held responsible for giving testimony. The light received must be dispersed. The spreading of light has nothing to do with the possession or exercise of a gift, but with the new life that Christ is and becomes visible.
Just as the seed remains without fruit or produces but little fruit due to certain causes, the light of testimony can also be dimmed due to certain causes. A first cause is the basket. This is a picture of commerce or activity. Activities of all kinds can occupy a person in such a way that there is no room for a testimony to the Lord.
Another cause is the bed that can become a large bed like that of Og king of Bashan [Deut 3:11]. This is a picture of laziness and ease. Also because of this, Christians do not bear witness to the Lord Jesus. They prefer an easy life rather than the effort to go out and tell others of Him.
The light belongs on the lampstand, so that it is spread unhindered. To be a light is more difficult than speaking to a large group. It is about showing the Lord Jesus as the light in all things of life every day, all day long.
The Lord warns that it will become public how our testimony has been. There will come a time when everything that covered the light and prevented it from spreading will come to light. Everything that could not bear the light will be revealed, even the most hidden motives of the heart [1Cor 4:5].
The purpose of this warning is that we will be faithful in giving our testimony. The Lord is also saying that the hidden faithful remnant of the Jews will someday be manifested in the future. The little fruit will be seen everywhere. The fact that what He said in secret and is written down here by Mark is also a fulfillment of that word.
This word about the light, like His word about the seed [Verse 9], is of personal importance to every listener. In order to both bear fruit and radiate light, we must listen. The call “if a person has ears to hear, let him hear” is therefore an urgent appeal to each of the disciples individually.
In listening, the disciples must heed what they hear, for God will act with them according to their faithfulness in the stewardship of the Word entrusted to them. We must heed what we hear, for it is our task to distribute what we ourselves have received. That is why it is important to listen and keep our ear to the ground. Do we get up in the morning with the desire to listen to the Lord [Isa 50:4]?
Our spiritual poverty comes to light when we have nothing to share. With the standard of measure with which we measure others, we ourselves will be measured. Only they possess something who distribute it in grace, and they will receive more abundantly [Prov 11:25]. Those who as a matter of fact possess nothing will also lose the pretense of what they possess.
For example, the Jews possessed the oracles or words of God [Rom 3:2], but they did not really possess them because they did not recognize Him about Whom it is all about. Therefore they – the unbelieving Jews – will lose everything that God’s Word contains for them and on which they boast. The same goes for the Christians who are Christians by name only, who confess Christ only with their mouths, but have no new life.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-25
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
They who do not profit by the knowledge of the word of God, shall in punishment of their neglect, lose the advantage which they may seem to have, since it will turn in the end to their greater condemnation: and moreover, by trusting to their own judgment, they interpret the word in a perverse sense, and thus also lose what they seem to have. (Nicholas of Lyra) — Let those who talk so much about Scripture, and interpret it according to their own private spirit or fancy, see lest this also attach to them. (Haydock)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
After the question of the disciples concerning the parable, and its explanation, He well subjoins, “And He said unto them, Is a candle brought” As if He said, A parable is given, not that it should remain obscure, and hidden as if under a bed or abushel, but that it should be manifested to those who are worthy. The candle within us is that of our intellectual nature, and it shines either clearly or obscurely according to the proportion of our illumination. For if meditations which feed the light, and the recollection with which such a light is kindled, are neglected, it is presently extinguished.
in Matt., Hom. 15: Or else, “There is nothing hid;” as if He said, If ye conduct your life with care, accusation will not be able to obscure your light.
Vict. Ant.e Cat. in Marc.: Or else, He who has the desire and wish to hear and to seek, to him shall be given. But he who has not the desire of hearing divine things, even what he happens to have of the written law is taken from him.
Again it may be said, that he“hath not,” who has not truth. But our Lord says that “he hath,” because he has a lie, for every one whose understanding believes a lie, thinks that he has something.
Or else the candle is the discourse concerning the three sorts of seed. The bushel or the bed is the hearing of the disobedient. The Apostles are the candlestick, whom the word of the Lord hath enlightened. Wherefore it goes on, “For there is nothinghidden”The hidden and secret thing is the parable of the seed, which comes forth to light, when it is spoken of by the Lord.
According to the measure of his faith the understanding of mysteries is divided to every man, and the virtues of knowledge will also be added to them.
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Mark 4:26 And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›
This parable is found only in Mark. It can be interpreted in at least two ways. The man can stand for the Lord Jesus, who during His public ministry "scatters seed upon the ground" and then returns to heaven. The seed begins to grow – in a mysterious manner, hardly noticeable, but unstoppable. From small beginnings, a great harvest of true believers develops.
Or the parable is meant as an encouragement for the disciples. Their task is to sow. They may sleep at night, get up during the day, but they know that God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish what He has sent it to do. Through a mysterious and wonderful process, without the aid of human power or skill, the Word works on human hearts and brings forth fruit for God. The man sows and waters, but God gives the growth. In this interpretation, the explanation of [Verse 29] is difficult. Only God can send the sickle at harvest time. But in the parable, the sower corresponds to the one who later also sends the sickle when the grain is ripe.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells a parable about the kingdom of God. He compares that kingdom to a man casting seed upon the soil. That man is He Himself. He sows to bring the kingdom of God into being. The coming into being of that kingdom is His work. This and the next parable speak about the two sides of the Christian testimony on earth. In the first parable – that one is found only in this Gospel – we see the Lord Jesus as a man who has sown and seemingly does not further concern himself with the seed.
Just as the seed rises without any action on the part of the sower, so Christ will let the gospel spread itself in the world without intervening in any noticeable way. The defining characteristic of the kingdom is that the King is not present. To the servant, it means simply sowing and leaving the growth to the Lord. We do not have to care what the seed does, we only have to sow.
We know that God gives the growth [1Cor 3:6]. The servant cannot make any contribution to that. He sows and can do nothing else. The progress of the gospel does not depend on the activity and efficiency of the workers, but on the power of the seed itself. It is the Word of God that works [1Thess 2:13]. On the process of growth we have no influence. But what is done in faithfulness to God, He blesses in secret. This ‘growth law’ illustrates growing in grace and in understanding spiritual realities. We do not become matured Christians all of a sudden; it takes a process.
When God’s work in the hidden is completed, the harvest can take place. Then we see the great Servant become active again. Just as He is personally involved in sowing, so is He involved in mowing, even though He is seemingly not involved during growth.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
So it is with him who announces the gospel of the kingdom of God, as with the sower. For whether he sleep or rise, the seed will grow up while he knoweth not; and the well prepared soil will, by the blessing of God, be productive: so the word of God shed abroad in the heart of man, will increase and fructify independently of all the preacher’s solicitude, till he who has received it, being arrived at the measure of the age and fulness of Christ, shall be withdrawn by God from this world, and be called to himself. (Bible de Vence)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
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Mark 4:27 ‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›
This parable is found only in Mark. It can be interpreted in at least two ways. The man can stand for the Lord Jesus, who during His public ministry "scatters seed upon the ground" and then returns to heaven. The seed begins to grow – in a mysterious manner, hardly noticeable, but unstoppable. From small beginnings, a great harvest of true believers develops.
Or the parable is meant as an encouragement for the disciples. Their task is to sow. They may sleep at night, get up during the day, but they know that God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish what He has sent it to do. Through a mysterious and wonderful process, without the aid of human power or skill, the Word works on human hearts and brings forth fruit for God. The man sows and waters, but God gives the growth. In this interpretation, the explanation of [Verse 29] is difficult. Only God can send the sickle at harvest time. But in the parable, the sower corresponds to the one who later also sends the sickle when the grain is ripe.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells a parable about the kingdom of God. He compares that kingdom to a man casting seed upon the soil. That man is He Himself. He sows to bring the kingdom of God into being. The coming into being of that kingdom is His work. This and the next parable speak about the two sides of the Christian testimony on earth. In the first parable – that one is found only in this Gospel – we see the Lord Jesus as a man who has sown and seemingly does not further concern himself with the seed.
Just as the seed rises without any action on the part of the sower, so Christ will let the gospel spread itself in the world without intervening in any noticeable way. The defining characteristic of the kingdom is that the King is not present. To the servant, it means simply sowing and leaving the growth to the Lord. We do not have to care what the seed does, we only have to sow.
We know that God gives the growth [1Cor 3:6]. The servant cannot make any contribution to that. He sows and can do nothing else. The progress of the gospel does not depend on the activity and efficiency of the workers, but on the power of the seed itself. It is the Word of God that works [1Thess 2:13]. On the process of growth we have no influence. But what is done in faithfulness to God, He blesses in secret. This ‘growth law’ illustrates growing in grace and in understanding spiritual realities. We do not become matured Christians all of a sudden; it takes a process.
When God’s work in the hidden is completed, the harvest can take place. Then we see the great Servant become active again. Just as He is personally involved in sowing, so is He involved in mowing, even though He is seemingly not involved during growth.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
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Mark 4:28 ‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›
This parable is found only in Mark. It can be interpreted in at least two ways. The man can stand for the Lord Jesus, who during His public ministry "scatters seed upon the ground" and then returns to heaven. The seed begins to grow – in a mysterious manner, hardly noticeable, but unstoppable. From small beginnings, a great harvest of true believers develops.
Or the parable is meant as an encouragement for the disciples. Their task is to sow. They may sleep at night, get up during the day, but they know that God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish what He has sent it to do. Through a mysterious and wonderful process, without the aid of human power or skill, the Word works on human hearts and brings forth fruit for God. The man sows and waters, but God gives the growth. In this interpretation, the explanation of [Verse 29] is difficult. Only God can send the sickle at harvest time. But in the parable, the sower corresponds to the one who later also sends the sickle when the grain is ripe.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells a parable about the kingdom of God. He compares that kingdom to a man casting seed upon the soil. That man is He Himself. He sows to bring the kingdom of God into being. The coming into being of that kingdom is His work. This and the next parable speak about the two sides of the Christian testimony on earth. In the first parable – that one is found only in this Gospel – we see the Lord Jesus as a man who has sown and seemingly does not further concern himself with the seed.
Just as the seed rises without any action on the part of the sower, so Christ will let the gospel spread itself in the world without intervening in any noticeable way. The defining characteristic of the kingdom is that the King is not present. To the servant, it means simply sowing and leaving the growth to the Lord. We do not have to care what the seed does, we only have to sow.
We know that God gives the growth [1Cor 3:6]. The servant cannot make any contribution to that. He sows and can do nothing else. The progress of the gospel does not depend on the activity and efficiency of the workers, but on the power of the seed itself. It is the Word of God that works [1Thess 2:13]. On the process of growth we have no influence. But what is done in faithfulness to God, He blesses in secret. This ‘growth law’ illustrates growing in grace and in understanding spiritual realities. We do not become matured Christians all of a sudden; it takes a process.
When God’s work in the hidden is completed, the harvest can take place. Then we see the great Servant become active again. Just as He is personally involved in sowing, so is He involved in mowing, even though He is seemingly not involved during growth.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Observe how the created order has advanced little by little toward fruitfulness. First comes the grain, and from the grain arises the shoot, and from the shoot emerges the shrub. From there the boughs and leaves gather strength, and the whole that we call a tree expands. Then follows the swelling of the germen, and from the germen bursts the flower, and from the flower the fruit opens. The fruit itself, primitive for a while, and unshapely, keeping the straight course of its development, is matured, little by little, to the full mellowness of its flavor. In just this way has righteousness grown in history. The proximate righteousness found in the created order is grounded in the holy God whose righteousness first emerged in a rudimentary stage as an undeveloped natural apprehension in the presence of the holy One. Then it advanced through the law and prophets to childhood. At long last through the gospel, God’s righteousness has been personally manifested with the vital energies of youth. Now through the paraclete, righteousness is being manifested in its mature stage.
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
First comes the grain, and from the grain arises the shoot, and from the shoot struggles out the shrub: thereafter boughs and leaves gather strength, and the whole that we call a tree expands: then follows the swelling of the germen, and from the germen bursts the flower, and from the flower the fruit opens: that fruit itself, rude for a while, and unshapely, little by little, keeping the straight course of its development, is trained to the mellowness of its flavour.
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
And the cup His blood, if they do not call Himself the Son of the Creator of the world, that is, His Word, through whom the wood fructifies, and the fountains gush forth, and the earth gives "first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear."
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Mark 4:29 ‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
This parable is found only in Mark. It can be interpreted in at least two ways. The man can stand for the Lord Jesus, who during His public ministry "scatters seed upon the ground" and then returns to heaven. The seed begins to grow – in a mysterious manner, hardly noticeable, but unstoppable. From small beginnings, a great harvest of true believers develops.
Or the parable is meant as an encouragement for the disciples. Their task is to sow. They may sleep at night, get up during the day, but they know that God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish what He has sent it to do. Through a mysterious and wonderful process, without the aid of human power or skill, the Word works on human hearts and brings forth fruit for God. The man sows and waters, but God gives the growth. In this interpretation, the explanation of [Verse 29] is difficult. Only God can send the sickle at harvest time. But in the parable, the sower corresponds to the one who later also sends the sickle when the grain is ripe.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells a parable about the kingdom of God. He compares that kingdom to a man casting seed upon the soil. That man is He Himself. He sows to bring the kingdom of God into being. The coming into being of that kingdom is His work. This and the next parable speak about the two sides of the Christian testimony on earth. In the first parable – that one is found only in this Gospel – we see the Lord Jesus as a man who has sown and seemingly does not further concern himself with the seed.
Just as the seed rises without any action on the part of the sower, so Christ will let the gospel spread itself in the world without intervening in any noticeable way. The defining characteristic of the kingdom is that the King is not present. To the servant, it means simply sowing and leaving the growth to the Lord. We do not have to care what the seed does, we only have to sow.
We know that God gives the growth [1Cor 3:6]. The servant cannot make any contribution to that. He sows and can do nothing else. The progress of the gospel does not depend on the activity and efficiency of the workers, but on the power of the seed itself. It is the Word of God that works [1Thess 2:13]. On the process of growth we have no influence. But what is done in faithfulness to God, He blesses in secret. This ‘growth law’ illustrates growing in grace and in understanding spiritual realities. We do not become matured Christians all of a sudden; it takes a process.
When God’s work in the hidden is completed, the harvest can take place. Then we see the great Servant become active again. Just as He is personally involved in sowing, so is He involved in mowing, even though He is seemingly not involved during growth.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 26-29
26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
When the fruit is brought forth: literally, when the fruit (1) hath produced. By the fruit is here meant the seed; i.e. when the seed by degrees hath produced the blade, then the ear, and lastly the corn, which is become ripe. (Witham) — This is a secondary sense of the text, when the fruit hath come to maturity, and by no means a forced interpretation.
Footnote (1) Cum produxerit fructus. In the Greek, fructus is in the nominative case; otan de parado o karpos, &c.
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
Vict. Ant.e Cat. in Marc.: A parable occurred, a little above, about the three seeds which perished in various ways, and the one which was saved; in which last Healso shows three differences, according to the proportion of faith andpractice.Here, however, He puts forth a parable concerning those only who are saved. Wherefore it is said, “And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground”.
Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.: Or else He calls by the name of kingdom of God, faith in Him, and in the economy of His Incarnation; which kingdom indeed is as if a man should throw seed. For He Himself being God and the Son of God, having without change been made man, has cast seed upon the earth, that is, He has enlightened the whole world by the word of divine knowledge.
Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.: Or Christ Himself is the man who rises, for He sat waiting with patience, that they who received seed should bear fruit. He rises, that is, by the word of His love, He makes us grow to the bringing forth fruit, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand, by which is meant the day, and on the left, by which is meant the night of persecution; for by these the seed springs up, and does not wither.
Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.: Or else He says, “He knoweth not,” that He may show the free-will of those who receive the word, for He commits a work to our will, and does not work the whole Himself alone, lest the good should seem involuntary. For the earth brings forth fruits of its own accord, that is, she is brought to bear fruit without being compelled by a necessity contrary to her will. “First the blade.”
For the seed is the word of life, the ground is the human heart, and the sleep of the man means the death of the Saviour. The seed springs up night and day, because after the sleep of Christ, the number of Christians, through calamity and prosperity, continued to flourish more and more in faith, and to wax greater in deed.
But when He says, “Heknoweth not how,” He is speaking in a figure; that is, He does not make known to us, who amongst us will produce fruit unto the end.
That is, fear. For “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Then the full corn in the ear;” Or because we must not only put forth leaves by obedience, but also learn prudence, and, like the stalk of corn, remain upright without minding the winds which blow us about. We must also take heed to our soul by a diligent recollection, that, like the ears, we may bear fruit, that is, show forth the perfect operation of virtue.
The sickle is death or the judgment, which cuts down all things; the harvest is the end of the world.
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Mark 4:30 And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›
This parable illustrates the growth of the Kingdom from a small beginning as a mustard seed into a tree or large bush, large enough for birds to nest in.
The Kingdom began with a small, persecuted minority. Then it became more popular and was promoted by authorities as a state religion. The growth was immense, but unhealthy, because it was achieved by many people who professed allegiance to the King in words only, but were not truly converted.
Vance Havner commented on this:
As long as the church bore its wounds, it moved forward. But as soon as it was adorned with medals, its cause was no longer advanced. There were more glorious days for the church when Christians were thrown to the lions as prey. Later, they themselves sat with subscriptions in the best seats of the arena. [1]
Therefore, the mustard bush represents Christianity, which has become a nesting place for all sorts of false teachers. It stands for the external form of the Kingdom, as it exists today.
Footnote [1] Vance Havner, no further details available.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 30-32
30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells another parable of the kingdom of God. He introduces it with the question to picture or present it. He knows, but He wants to make His hearers aware of the parable He is about to tell.
This parable of the mustard seed we know from Matthew 13 [Matt 13:31-32]. There the Lord compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. What He calls there the kingdom of heaven, He calls here the kingdom of God. Both are compared to a mustard seed. So it is the same kingdom, but each is seen from a different point of view. In one case it is about the reign of heaven, in the other case it is about the reign of God. What is the same is that the kingdom is not established in public glory, but is established in a hidden form because of the rejection of the King. In fact, it is established in the hearts of people who confess to have accepted the rejected Lord as King.
The beginning of the kingdom is small. It began with a handful of disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem, where only one hundred and twenty people were gathered [Acts 1:15]. The kingdom has not remained small, but has expanded. This did not happen, however, only by adding those who were truly born again. It has become a great power because masses of people have come who saw advantages in acknowledging that Lord, but without really bowing down and submitting to Him. We see this in professing Christianity that strives for power and influence and wants to be accepted in the world.
The birds here are a picture of demonic powers. They find shelter in the professing, apostate church at the end of its history, which is professing Christianity under the leadership of the roman-catholic church, Babylon the great [Rev 18:2]. The faithful servant sees all this, but he waits patiently until “the crop” is there and “the harvest” has come [Verse 29].
Verses that belong to this explanation: 30-32
30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
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Mark 4:31 [It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›
This parable illustrates the growth of the Kingdom from a small beginning as a mustard seed into a tree or large bush, large enough for birds to nest in.
The Kingdom began with a small, persecuted minority. Then it became more popular and was promoted by authorities as a state religion. The growth was immense, but unhealthy, because it was achieved by many people who professed allegiance to the King in words only, but were not truly converted.
Vance Havner commented on this:
As long as the church bore its wounds, it moved forward. But as soon as it was adorned with medals, its cause was no longer advanced. There were more glorious days for the church when Christians were thrown to the lions as prey. Later, they themselves sat with subscriptions in the best seats of the arena. [1]
Therefore, the mustard bush represents Christianity, which has become a nesting place for all sorts of false teachers. It stands for the external form of the Kingdom, as it exists today.
Footnote [1] Vance Havner, no further details available.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 30-32
30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells another parable of the kingdom of God. He introduces it with the question to picture or present it. He knows, but He wants to make His hearers aware of the parable He is about to tell.
This parable of the mustard seed we know from Matthew 13 [Matt 13:31-32]. There the Lord compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. What He calls there the kingdom of heaven, He calls here the kingdom of God. Both are compared to a mustard seed. So it is the same kingdom, but each is seen from a different point of view. In one case it is about the reign of heaven, in the other case it is about the reign of God. What is the same is that the kingdom is not established in public glory, but is established in a hidden form because of the rejection of the King. In fact, it is established in the hearts of people who confess to have accepted the rejected Lord as King.
The beginning of the kingdom is small. It began with a handful of disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem, where only one hundred and twenty people were gathered [Acts 1:15]. The kingdom has not remained small, but has expanded. This did not happen, however, only by adding those who were truly born again. It has become a great power because masses of people have come who saw advantages in acknowledging that Lord, but without really bowing down and submitting to Him. We see this in professing Christianity that strives for power and influence and wants to be accepted in the world.
The birds here are a picture of demonic powers. They find shelter in the professing, apostate church at the end of its history, which is professing Christianity under the leadership of the roman-catholic church, Babylon the great [Rev 18:2]. The faithful servant sees all this, but he waits patiently until “the crop” is there and “the harvest” has come [Verse 29].
Verses that belong to this explanation: 30-32
30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
That which is, he says, nothing, and which consists of nothing, inasmuch as it is indivisible-(I mean) a point-will become through its own reflective power a certain incomprehensible magnitude. This, he says, is the kingdom of heaven, the grain of mustard seed,
The word which proclaims the kingdom of heaven is sharp and pungent as mustard. It represses bile (anger) and checks inflammation (pride). From this word flows the soul’s true vitality and fitness for eternity. To such increased size did the growth of the word come that the tree which sprang from it (that is the Church of Christ now being established over the whole earth) filled the world, so that the birds of the air (that is, holy angels and lofty souls) dwelt in its branches. Fragments from the Catena of Nicetas, Bishop of Heraclea
Author: Clement Of Alexandria Rank: Author AD: 215
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Mark 4:32 ‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
This parable illustrates the growth of the Kingdom from a small beginning as a mustard seed into a tree or large bush, large enough for birds to nest in.
The Kingdom began with a small, persecuted minority. Then it became more popular and was promoted by authorities as a state religion. The growth was immense, but unhealthy, because it was achieved by many people who professed allegiance to the King in words only, but were not truly converted.
Vance Havner commented on this:
As long as the church bore its wounds, it moved forward. But as soon as it was adorned with medals, its cause was no longer advanced. There were more glorious days for the church when Christians were thrown to the lions as prey. Later, they themselves sat with subscriptions in the best seats of the arena. [1]
Therefore, the mustard bush represents Christianity, which has become a nesting place for all sorts of false teachers. It stands for the external form of the Kingdom, as it exists today.
Footnote [1] Vance Havner, no further details available.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 30-32
30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-01-05 Source:
Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck
The Lord tells another parable of the kingdom of God. He introduces it with the question to picture or present it. He knows, but He wants to make His hearers aware of the parable He is about to tell.
This parable of the mustard seed we know from Matthew 13 [Matt 13:31-32]. There the Lord compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. What He calls there the kingdom of heaven, He calls here the kingdom of God. Both are compared to a mustard seed. So it is the same kingdom, but each is seen from a different point of view. In one case it is about the reign of heaven, in the other case it is about the reign of God. What is the same is that the kingdom is not established in public glory, but is established in a hidden form because of the rejection of the King. In fact, it is established in the hearts of people who confess to have accepted the rejected Lord as King.
The beginning of the kingdom is small. It began with a handful of disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem, where only one hundred and twenty people were gathered [Acts 1:15]. The kingdom has not remained small, but has expanded. This did not happen, however, only by adding those who were truly born again. It has become a great power because masses of people have come who saw advantages in acknowledging that Lord, but without really bowing down and submitting to Him. We see this in professing Christianity that strives for power and influence and wants to be accepted in the world.
The birds here are a picture of demonic powers. They find shelter in the professing, apostate church at the end of its history, which is professing Christianity under the leadership of the roman-catholic church, Babylon the great [Rev 18:2]. The faithful servant sees all this, but he waits patiently until “the crop” is there and “the harvest” has come [Verse 29].
Verses that belong to this explanation: 30-32
30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
It is up to us to sow this mustard seed in our minds and let it grow within us into a great tree of understanding reaching up to heaven and elevating all our faculties; then it will spread out branches of knowledge, the pungent savor of its fruit will make our mouths burn, its fiery kernel will kindle a blaze within us inflaming our hearts, and the taste of it will dispel our unenlightened repugnance. Yes, it is true: a mustard seed is indeed an image of the kingdom of God. Christ is the kingdom of heaven. Sown like a mustard seed in the garden of the virgin’s womb, he grew up into the tree of the cross whose branches stretch across the world. Crushed in the mortar of the passion, its fruit has produced seasoning enough for the flavoring and preservation of every living creature with which it comes in contact. As long as a mustard seed remains intact, its properties lie dormant; but when it is crushed they are exceedingly evident. So it was with Christ; he chose to have his body crushed, because he would not have his power concealed…. Christ became all things in order to restore all of us in himself. The man Christ received the mustard seed which represents the kingdom of God; as man he received it, though as God he had always possessed it. He sowed it in his garden, that is in his bride, the Church. The Church is a garden extending over the whole world, tilled by the plough of the gospel, fenced in by stakes of doctrine and discipline, cleared of every harmful weed by the labor of the apostles, fragrant and lovely with perennial flowers: virgins’ lilies and martyrs’ roses set amid the pleasant verdure of all who bear witness to Christ and the tender plants of all who have faith in him. Such then is the mustard seed which Christ sowed in his garden. When he promised a kingdom to the patriarchs, the seed took root in them; with the prophets it sprang up; with the apostles it grew tall; in the Church it became a great tree putting forth innumerable branches laden with gifts. And now you too must take the wings of the psalmist’s dove, gleaming gold in the rays of divine sunlight, and fly to rest for ever among those sturdy, fruitful branches. No snares are set to trap you there; fly off, then, with confidence and dwell securely in its shelter.
In the same manner, then, the catholicity of our mother becomes palpable when others who are not her sons make war on her. It is a fact that this little branch of worshipers in Africa has been broken off from the great tree which embraces the whole world in the spreading of its branches. She is in labor with them in charity, that they may return to the root without which they cannot have true life.
Its seed is indeed very plain, and of little value; but if bruised or crushed it shows forth its power. So faith first seems a simple thing; but if it is bruised by its enemies it gives forth proof of its power, so as to fill others who hear or read of it with the odor of its sweetness. Our martyrs, Felix, Nabor and Victor, possessed the sweet odor of faith; but they dwelt in obscurity. When the persecution came, they laid down their arms, and bowed their necks, and being stricken by the sword they diffused to all the ends of the earth the grace of their martyrdom…. The Lord himself is the grain of mustard seed. He was without injury; but the people were unaware of him as a grain of mustard seed of which they took no notice. He chose to be bruised, that we might say: “For we are the good odor of Christ unto God.”
Author: Ambrosius von Mailand Rank: Bishop AD: 397
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Mark 4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].
Using Parables
The Lord has spoken more parables, but Mark does not recount them for us. The parables used are attuned to the hearers. The Lord uses language they can understand. He knows what they are capable of hearing, and He takes that into account. This is also an important clue for us. When we tell others something about the Lord, we have to consider what they can comprehend.
Through the use of parables, the true disciples become public. Those who really want to learn from Him understand that He wants to teach them with the parables, and they ask Him for the meaning. These are “His own disciples”. They are taught separately by Him about the explanation. That doesn’t mean the crowd is being kept ignorant. He tells parables they can understand, but for the deeper meaning they depend on the Lord’s explanation.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 33-34
33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
This seems to contradict what was said [in] [Verse 12], that seeing they may not see, [seeing they may see, and not perceive,?] &c.; but we must observe, that parables have more explanations than one, some more easy, whilst others are more difficult to be understood. In parables, the multitude understood the more literal interpretation, whilst Christ explains the more abstruse and hidden sense to his apostles. Hence there is no contradiction in these texts. (Nicholas of Lyra)
Author: George Leo Haydock Rank: Author AD: 1849 Source:
Title: Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary Year (original): 1859 Number of pages: 571 Print: Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York
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Mark 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Using Parables
The Lord has spoken more parables, but Mark does not recount them for us. The parables used are attuned to the hearers. The Lord uses language they can understand. He knows what they are capable of hearing, and He takes that into account. This is also an important clue for us. When we tell others something about the Lord, we have to consider what they can comprehend.
Through the use of parables, the true disciples become public. Those who really want to learn from Him understand that He wants to teach them with the parables, and they ask Him for the meaning. These are “His own disciples”. They are taught separately by Him about the explanation. That doesn’t mean the crowd is being kept ignorant. He tells parables they can understand, but for the deeper meaning they depend on the Lord’s explanation.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 33-34
33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses that belong to this explanation: 21-34
21And he said unto them, ‹Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?›22‹For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.›23‹If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.›24And he said unto them, ‹Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.›25‹For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.›26And he said, ‹So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;›27‹And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.›28‹For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.›29‹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.›30And he said, ‹Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?›31[It is] ‹like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:›32‹But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.›33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Christ Jesus our Lord clearly declared himself as to who he was while he lived on earth…. Who then of sound mind can possibly suppose that those whom the Lord ordained to be leaders and teachers were ignorant of anything essential to salvation? Who could suppose that he who kept them, as he did, so close to himself in their daily attentiveness, in their discipline, in their companionship, to whom, when they were alone, he used to expound all things which were obscure, telling them that “to them it was given to know those mysteries,” which it was not permitted the people to understand—now would he leave them ignorant? Prescription Against Heretics ,
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
Soever He is the Son, of what substance soever He is man and God, of what faith soever He is the, teacher, of what reward soever He is the Promiser, did, whilst He lived on earth, Himself declare what He was, what He had been, what the Father's will was which He was administering, what the duty of man was which He was prescribing; (and this declaration He made, ) either openly to the people, or privately to His disciples, of whom He had chosen the twelve chief ones to be at His side.
keeping them, as He did, inseparable (from Himself) in their attendance, in their discipleship, in their society, to whom, "when they were alone, He used to expound "all things
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
And also because the wisdom spoken amongst the perfect expands, to an extent greater than all other sayings, that which was told to men in short discourses, for there is nothing greater than this truth.
Then after this, Mark, who delights in brevity, to show the nature of the parables, subjoins, “And with many such parables spake He the word unto them as they could hear Him.”
Or else, that seed is very small in fear, but great when it has grown into charity, which is greater than all herbs: for “God is love,” But the boughs which it puts forth are those of mercy and compassion, since under its shade the poor of Christ, who are meant by the living creatures of the heavens, delight to dwell.
For they were worthy to hear mysteries apart, in the most secret haunt of wisdom, for they were men, who, removed from the crowds of evil thoughts, remained in the solitude of virtue; and wisdom is received in a time of quiet.
And Peter said: "We remember that our Lord and Teacher, commanding us, said, `Keep the mysteries for me and the sons of my house.' Wherefore also He explained to His disciples privately the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.
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Mark 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›
The Storm at Sea
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
The Storm at Sea
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
They awakene the Wor, who was sailing with them, an immeiately the sea became smooth at the comman of its Lor, an they were save. They became proclaimers an teachers at the same time, attesting the miracles of our Savior, an also teaching us to imitate their example. Letter, Easter a..
Author: Athanasius the Apostolic Rank: Pope AD: 373
Even while he was asleep on the pillow, the Lord was testing his disciples, when a miracle was wrought that was calculated especially to put even the wicked to contrition. For when he arose, and rebuked the sea, and silenced the storm, he plainly disclosed two things: that the storm of the sea was not simply from winds, but from the fear of the Lord who walked upon it; and that the Lord who rebuked it was not a creature, but rather its creator.
Author: Athanasius the Apostolic Rank: Pope AD: 373
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
The Storm at Sea
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
The Storm at Sea
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
I have also set forth His humanity to the Jews in these manners: since He is hungry, is thirsty; since He gave food and drink; since He walks, and retired; since He slept upon a pillow;
He was tired—yet he is the “rest” of the weary and the burdened. He was overcome by heavy sleep—yet he goes lightly over the sea, rebukes the winds, and relieves the drowning Peter. Oration , On the Son
And so he sleeps, leaving them in fear, in which their senses would be sharpened to perceive the significance of what was to come. For no one feels what takes place in another’s body as acutely as that which happens in his own. .
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Commands over nature, illness, and infirmity cannot be issued by any human. It is a divine power that, in almost all cases, led those who witnessed it to confess the divinity of Christ.
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
When he disperses its waves, Habakkuk’s words are fulfilled, where he speaks of the Lord “scattering the waters in his passage.” When at his rebuke the sea is calmed, Nahum’s prophesy is fulfilled: “He rebukes the sea and makes it dry.”
Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220
Pay close attention to the Lord’s words; whenever he instructs us about the Father, he knows that by using terms of personal authority, such as “I will; be clean”; and “Peace! Be still!” and “But I say to you”; and “You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you”; and other similar expressions, we will be led to recognize his authority as master and creator. By these encounters we are meeting the Father of the Son, the Father who creates through the Son. This does not insinuate that the Father’s creation is imperfect, or that the Son’s energy is feeble, but shows their unity of will.
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›
The Storm at Sea
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
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Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
The Storm at Sea
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, Mark gives us an overview of the Lord’s service and of our service. He is the true Servant and prepares us as servants to follow in His footsteps. He has shown the results of the Divine service in the parable of the sower. The fruit is comparatively small. What brings fruit must become more fruit, and then the fruit must become light. What He has taught in secret must be passed on publicly to others. Then He also tells in two parables the two sides of the service that are important for today’s dispensation. It is about the inner and the outer side of growth. God works the growth, but outwardly it becomes a tree.
In the last event of this chapter, the storm at sea, we also see that the Lord is asleep, as in the first parable [Verse 27]. He sleeps aboard the boat in the storm. In the storm we see the outward circumstances directed against “the One Who serves” and His servants.
The Lord has been busy all day, until the evening (cf. [Ps 104:23]). When evening falls, He commands His disciples to go over to the other side. He says: “Let us go over.” He goes with them. He’s with them, though He sleeps. So it seems sometimes when we serve Him. We know He’s with us, but sometimes it seems like He’s asleep. As long as there are no storms, we don’t notice, but when storms come, who we are will be revealed and we will see Who He is.
When He goes aboard, He leaves the crowd behind. The disciples take Him, “just as He was”, into the boat. This addition, which only Mark gives us, shows us how important it is to allow the Lord into our life “just as He is” and not to create another image of Him. It doesn’t suit us to tell Him how He should be and that we don’t allow Him into our life until He answers our ideas about Him.
We have to ask ourselves how we take Him with us in our individual and also in our church boat of life. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11 about the danger of tolerating someone who preaches another Jesus than he has preached [2Cor 11:4]. If we do that, we do not take Him with us just as He is. In order to know whether we take the Lord Jesus “just as He was”, we will have to open the Bible. If we keep what we read about Him in our heart, it will result in us living our lives according to His will. Then He will take the first place in everything and will be followed and served by us with love and thankfulness.
In addition to the boat on which He is aboard, there are other boats with Him. It is reminiscent of those believers who do all kinds of things in His Name. They are not with the disciples [Mark 9:38-39], but the Lord uses them because they are acting in His Name. All those other boats are also at sea and in the storm, but they are with Him. Although He is not with them on board, they also share in the blessing of quieting the storm.
The disciples in the storm are a picture of servants in trials. This event is also a picture of the history of faithful servants through the ages. After showing the development of the sown Word in the previous parables, the Holy Spirit now shows how things will go with the disciples in the time when the Word is sown. They will be in great difficulty. The enemy will create a storm against them.
The storm into which the disciples will go is no ordinary storm. They were used to something. Surely, the fishermen among them were familiar with the water. But here even the most experienced sailors lose all trust in their own skill and, what is worse, their trust in their sleeping Master.
The Lord sleeps in perfect rest, while everything around Him is in turmoil. He is completely opposite of the man in the next chapter. That man is in a place of absolute rest, the tombs, but nowhere is it so restless as in his heart [Mark 5:1-7].
Here we have the only reference in the Gospels to the Lord’s sleep. He sleeps the sleep of complete trust in His God [Ps 4:8]. From His rest they could have learned to be calm as well. However, we do not see that. We see that they awaken Him and then blame Him for not caring that they perish.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-20 Source:
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, “Peace, be still,” there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 35-41
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‹Let us pass over unto the other side.›36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‹Peace, be still.› And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, ‹Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?›41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source:
Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry
Hom. in Matt. 28: The Lord took the disciples indeed, that they might be spectators of the miracle which was coming, but He took them alone, that no others might see that they were of such little faith. Wherefore, to show that others went across separately, it is said, “And there were also with Him other ships. "Lest again the disciples might be proud of being alone taken, He permits them to be in danger; and besides this, in order that they might learn to bear temptations manfully. Wherefore it goes on, “And there arose agreat storm of wind;” and that He might impress upon them a greater sense of the miracle which was to be done, He gives time for their fear, by sleeping. Wherefore there follows, “And He was Himself in the hinder part of the ship "For if He had been awake, they would either not have feared, not have asked Him to save them when the storm arose, or they would not have thought that He could do any such things.
Hom. in Matt. 28: Shewing His humility, and thus teaching us many lessons of wisdom. But not yet did the disciples who remained about Him know His glory; they thought indeed that if Hearose He could command the winds, but could by no means do so reposing orasleep.And therefore there follows, “And they awake Him, and say unto Him, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
For they were worthy to hear mysteries apart, in the most secret haunt of wisdom, for they were men, who, removed from the crowds of evil thoughts, remained in the solitude of virtue; and wisdom is received in a time of quiet.
After His teaching, they come from that place to the sea, and are tossed by the waves. Wherefore it is said, “And the same day, when the even was come”.
Mystically, however, the hinder part of the ship is the beginning of the Church, in which the Lord sleeps in the body only, for He never sleepeth who keepeth Israel; for the ship with its skins of dead animals keeps in the living, and keeps out the waves, and is bound together by wood, that is, by the cross and the death of the Lord the Church is saved. The pillow is the body of the Lord, on which His Divinity, which is as His head, has come down. But the wind and the sea are devils and persecutors, to whom He says Peace, when He restrains the edicts of impious kings, as Hewill.The great calm is the peace of the Church after oppression, or a contemplative after an active life.
The ship carried his humanity, but the power of his Godhead carried the ship and all that was in it. In order that he might show that even his humanity did not require the ship, instead of the planks which a shipwright puts together and fastens, he, like the architect of creation, made the waters firm and joined them together solidly under his feet. So just as the Lord strengthened the hands of Simeon the priest, that his arms might bear up in the temple the strength that was bearing up all, so did he strengthen the feet of Simon the apostle, that they might bear themselves up on the water. So that name which bore the firstbegotten in the temple was afterwards borne up by the firstbegotten in the sea.
When you have to listen to abuse, that means you are being buffeted by the wind. When your anger is roused, you are being tossed by the waves. So when the winds blow and the waves mount high, the boat is in danger, your heart is imperiled, your heart is taking a battering. On hearing yourself insulted, you long to retaliate; but the joy of revenge brings with it another kind of misfortune—shipwreck. Why is this? Because Christ is asleep in you. What do I mean? I mean you have forgotten his presence. Rouse him, then; remember him, let him keep watch within you, pay heed to him…. A temptation arises: it is the wind. It disturbs you: it is the surging of the sea. This is the moment to awaken Christ and let him remind you of those words: “Who can this be? Even the winds and the sea obey him.”
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
