Mark 4:15
New International Version
Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

New Living Translation
The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.

English Standard Version
And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.

Berean Standard Bible
Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

Berean Literal Bible
And these are those along the road, where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word having been sown in them.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

New American Standard Bible
These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

NASB 1995
“These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

NASB 1977
“And these are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And these are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown: when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

Amplified Bible
These [in the first group] are the ones along the road where the word is sown; but when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

Christian Standard Bible
Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the ones along the path where the word is sown: when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them.

American Standard Version
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.

Contemporary English Version
The seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message. But Satan soon comes and snatches it away from them.

English Revised Version
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some people are like seeds that were planted along the road. Whenever they hear the word, Satan comes at once and takes away the word that was planted in them.

Good News Translation
Some people are like the seeds that fall along the path; as soon as they hear the message, Satan comes and takes it away.

International Standard Version
Some people are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. When they hear it, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

Majority Standard Bible
Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

NET Bible
These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: Whenever they hear, immediately Satan comes and snatches the word that was sown in them.

New Heart English Bible
And these are the ones by the road where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
Those who receive the seed by the way-side are those in whom the Message is sown, but, when they have heard it, Satan comes at once and carries away the Message sown in them.

World English Bible
The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and these are they by the way where the word is sown: and whenever they may hear, Satan immediately comes, and he takes away the word that has been sown in their hearts.

Berean Literal Bible
And these are those along the road, where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word having been sown in them.

Young's Literal Translation
and these are they by the way where the word is sown: and whenever they may hear, immediately cometh the Adversary, and he taketh away the word that hath been sown in their hearts.

Smith's Literal Translation
And these are they by the way, where the word is sown; and when they hear, quickly comes Satan, and takes away the word sown in their hearts.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown, and as soon as they have heard, immediately Satan cometh and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now there are those who are along the way, where the word is sown. And when they have heard it, Satan quickly comes and takes away the word, which was sown in their hearts.

New American Bible
These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them.

New Revised Standard Version
These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Those on the roadside are those in whom the word is sown; and when they have heard it, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word which is sown in their hearts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But these upon the side of the road are those who have the word sown in them, and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes the word away that was sown in their hearts.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
These are they that received seed by the wayside, where the word is sown; and when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Godbey New Testament
And those who are by the way-side, where the word is sown; and when they hear it, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which was sown in their hearts.

Haweis New Testament
Now these are they by the road side; where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan cometh, and taketh away the word sown on their hearts:

Mace New Testament
they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Weymouth New Testament
Those who receive the seed by the way-side are those in whom the Message is sown, but, when they have heard it, Satan comes at once and carries away the Message sown in them.

Worrell New Testament
And these are those by the wayside, where the word is sown; and, when they hear, straightway Satan comes, and catches away the word which has been sown in them.

Worsley New Testament
where the word is sown; but when they have heard it, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Sower Explained
14The farmer sows the word. 15 Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and at once receive it with joy.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:19
When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Luke 8:12
The seeds along the path are those who hear, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

John 12:31
Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.

1 John 2:13-14
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. / I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Genesis 3:1-5
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ...

Job 1:6-7
One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Zechariah 3:1-2
Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”

Psalm 119:11
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.


Treasury of Scripture

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

these.

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.

Genesis 19:14
And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Isaiah 53:1
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Satan.

Job 1:6-12
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them…

Zechariah 3:1
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Jump to Previous
Adversary Carries Ear Evil Hear Heard Hearts Immediately Message Once Ones Path Planted Receive Road Satan Seed Side Sown Straight Way Wayside Way-Side Whenever Word
Jump to Next
Adversary Carries Ear Evil Hear Heard Hearts Immediately Message Once Ones Path Planted Receive Road Satan Seed Side Sown Straight Way Wayside Way-Side Whenever Word
Mark 4
1. The parable of the sower,
14. and the meaning thereof.
21. We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.
26. The parable of the seed growing secretly;
30. and of the mustard seed.
35. Jesus stills the storm on the sea.














Some are like the seeds along the path
This phrase introduces the first type of soil in Jesus' Parable of the Sower. The "seeds along the path" represent individuals who hear the word of God but are immediately vulnerable to losing it. In the historical context of ancient Palestine, paths were hard and compacted, making it difficult for seeds to penetrate and grow. Spiritually, this symbolizes a heart that is hardened or indifferent to the gospel, unable to absorb the truth due to various distractions or preconceived notions.

where the word is sown
The "word" here refers to the message of the Kingdom of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The act of sowing signifies the preaching and teaching of this message. In the Greek, the term "sown" (σπείρω, speirō) implies a deliberate and purposeful action, indicating that the dissemination of the gospel is intentional and widespread. Historically, sowing was a common agricultural practice, and Jesus uses this familiar imagery to convey spiritual truths.

As soon as they hear it
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy with which the word is received. The Greek word for "hear" (ἀκούω, akouō) suggests not just the act of hearing but also the opportunity for understanding and acceptance. However, the quickness of hearing also highlights the vulnerability of these individuals to external influences before the word can take root.

Satan comes
The mention of "Satan" introduces the spiritual warfare aspect of the parable. In the conservative Christian perspective, Satan is viewed as the adversary of God and His people, actively working to thwart the spread of the gospel. The Greek term for "comes" (ἔρχεται, erchomai) indicates an active and intentional approach by Satan to disrupt the process of spiritual growth.

and takes away the word
The action of "takes away" (αἴρω, airō) in Greek conveys the idea of removing or snatching away. This reflects the spiritual reality that Satan seeks to prevent the word from taking root in a person's heart. Theologically, this underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need for believers to guard their hearts against the enemy's schemes.

that was sown in them
The phrase "that was sown in them" reiterates the initial act of sowing, emphasizing that the word had indeed been planted within these individuals. However, the lack of receptivity and the interference of Satan result in the word being unfruitful. This highlights the necessity for a receptive heart and the role of personal responsibility in nurturing one's faith.

(15) In their hearts.--The better MSS. give simply, "in them."

Verse 15. - Straightway cometh Satan. St. Matthew (Matthew 13:19) says, "then cometh (ὁ πονηρὸς) the evil one;" the same expression which our Lord uses in the Lord's Prayer, and which helps to justify the English rendering in the Revised Version there. As the seed failing by the wayside is refused by the hard and well-trodden ground, and so is readily picked up by the birds; in like manner, the seed of God's Word, falling upon a heart rendered callous by the custom of sinning, is straightway snatched away by "the evil one," urging the heart again to its accustomed sins. Well may we pray to be delivered from this "evil one."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Some]
οὗτοι (houtoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

are like
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the [seeds]
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

along
παρὰ (para)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

path,
ὁδὸν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

is sown.
σπείρεται (speiretai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4687: To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.

As soon as
εὐθὺς (euthys)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

they hear [it],
ἀκούσωσιν (akousōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

Satan
Σατανᾶς (Satanas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4567: An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.

comes
ἔρχεται (erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

takes away
αἴρει (airei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 142: To raise, lift up, take away, remove.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

that
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

was sown
ἐσπαρμένον (esparmenon)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4687: To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

them.
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Mark 4:15 The ones by the road are (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 4:14
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