◄ Mark 4:17 ►
But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Study Bible
But they themselves have no root
This phrase highlights the lack of depth in the spiritual life of certain individuals. In the context of the Parable of the Sower, the seed represents the word of God, and the soil represents the hearts of people. A rootless plant cannot sustain itself, symbolizing a superficial faith that lacks a firm foundation. Biblically, roots often symbolize stability and nourishment (Jeremiah 17:8). Without roots, believers are vulnerable to external pressures and internal doubts. This imagery is consistent with the Old Testament's emphasis on being deeply rooted in God's word (Psalm 1:3).

and they remain for only a season
The temporary nature of their faith is emphasized here. The phrase suggests that their commitment is short-lived, much like the seed that falls on rocky ground and sprouts quickly but withers under the sun. This reflects the cultural context of ancient Palestine, where the climate could be harsh, and only well-rooted plants could survive. The idea of a "season" also connects to Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks of a time for every purpose, indicating that without depth, faith cannot endure the changing seasons of life.

When trouble or persecution comes because of the word
This part of the verse addresses the inevitable challenges that arise from living out one's faith. In the early Christian context, believers often faced persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. The phrase "because of the word" indicates that these troubles are directly related to their commitment to the gospel. This echoes Jesus' warnings in John 15:20, where He tells His disciples that they will face persecution as He did. The historical context of the early church, as seen in Acts, shows that persecution was a common experience for believers.

they quickly fall away
The rapidity of their departure from faith underscores the fragility of their initial commitment. This falling away, or apostasy, is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where believers are warned to remain steadfast (Hebrews 3:12). The Greek term used here can also imply stumbling or being scandalized, suggesting that the challenges they face cause them to abandon their faith. This serves as a cautionary message about the importance of perseverance and the dangers of a shallow faith, as seen in the exhortations of Paul to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The speaker of the parable, teaching about the Kingdom of God through the Parable of the Sower.

2. The Sower
Represents anyone who spreads the Word of God.

3. The Seed
Symbolizes the Word of God being sown into the hearts of people.

4. The Rocky Ground
Represents those who receive the Word with joy but have no root.

5. Trouble or Persecution
Challenges that arise because of one's faith in the Word.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Deep Roots
Spiritual depth is crucial for enduring faith. Without deep roots, believers are vulnerable to falling away when faced with challenges.

Expecting Trials and Persecution
Believers should anticipate trials and persecution as part of their faith journey. These challenges test the authenticity and depth of one's faith.

Joy in Receiving the Word
Initial joy in receiving the Word is important, but it must be accompanied by a commitment to grow deeper in understanding and application.

Cultivating a Strong Foundation
Regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices for developing deep spiritual roots.

Perseverance in Faith
True faith perseveres through difficulties. Believers are called to remain steadfast and trust in God's promises despite external pressures.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to have "no root" in the context of your personal faith journey, and how can you work towards developing deeper roots?

2. How can you prepare yourself to face trouble or persecution because of your faith, and what practical steps can you take to remain steadfast?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in receiving the Word. How did you ensure that this joy led to deeper spiritual growth?

4. In what ways can you cultivate a strong foundation in your faith community to support your spiritual growth?

5. How do the teachings in John 15:5-6 and Colossians 2:6-7 inform your understanding of remaining rooted in Christ, and how can you apply these principles in your daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 13:20-21
This parallel passage in Matthew provides additional context to the Parable of the Sower, emphasizing the temporary nature of faith without deep roots.

John 15:5-6
Jesus speaks about the importance of abiding in Him, which relates to having deep roots in faith.

Ephesians 3:17
Paul prays for believers to be rooted and grounded in love, highlighting the necessity of deep spiritual roots.

Colossians 2:6-7
Encourages believers to be rooted and built up in Christ, reinforcing the need for a strong foundation in faith.

James 1:2-4
Discusses the testing of faith through trials, which can lead to perseverance and maturity.
Sermons
Parabolic TeachingJ.J. Given Mark 4:1-20
The Process of Truth in the SoulE. Johnson Mark 4:1-20
The Duty of Faithfully Hearing the WordR. Green Mark 4:1-25
The Parable of the SowerA.F. Muir Mark 4:3-9, 18-23
The Parable of the SowerA.F. Muir Mark 4:3-9, 18-23
The Parable of the SowerA.F. Muir Mark 4:3-9, 18-23
The Perils and the Prospects of the Good Seed of the KingdomA. Rowland Mark 4:15-20
People
Jesus
Places
Galilee, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Account, Affliction, Afterward, Arises, Ariseth, Arising, Doubts, Endure, Fall, Firm, Full, Immediately, Message, Offended, Oppression, Overthrown, Pain, Persecution, Quickly, Relapse, Root, Sake, Short, Short-lived, Straightway, Stumble, Stumbled, Suffering, Temporary, Themselves, Tribulation, Trouble, Within, Word's
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 4:17

     4971   seasons, of life

Mark 4:1-20

     2357   Christ, parables

Mark 4:1-34

     2345   Christ, kingdom of

Mark 4:10-20

     8319   perception, spiritual

Mark 4:13-17

     4504   roots

Mark 4:13-20

     2060   Christ, patience of
     4540   weeds

Mark 4:14-20

     1690   word of God

Mark 4:16-17

     4354   rock

Mark 4:16-19

     8743   faithlessness, nature of

Library
October 1 Evening
Grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.--EPH. 4:15. First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.--Till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. They measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 21 Evening
Master, carest thou not that we perish?--MARK 4:38. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.--While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.--God heard the voice of the lad: and the angel of …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Lamps and Bushels
'And Jesus 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?'--Mark iv. 21. The furniture of a very humble Eastern home is brought before us in this saying. In the original, each of the nouns has the definite article attached to it, and so suggests that in the house there was but one of each article; one lamp, a flat saucer with a wick swimming in oil; one measure for corn and the like; one bed, raised slightly, but sufficiently to admit …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Four Soils for one Seed
'And when He was alone, they that were about Him with the twelve asked of Him the parable. 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: 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. 13. And He said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Storm Stilled
'And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 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. 37. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 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? 39. And He arose, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Toiling Christ
'They took Him even as He was in the ship.... And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow.'--Mark iv. 36, 38. Among the many loftier characteristics belonging to Christ's life and work, there is a very homely one which is often lost sight of; and that is, the amount of hard physical exertion, prolonged even to fatigue and exhaustion, which He endured. Christ is our pattern in a great many other things more impressive and more striking; and He is our pattern in this, that 'in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Seed Growing Itself. ^B Mark IV. 26-29. ^b 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth; 27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. [In the kingdom of grace, as well as in the kingdom of nature, we are laborers together with God. As preachers, teachers, or friends we sow the seed of the kingdom and God brings it to perfection (I. Cor. iii. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Seed Growing Secretly.
"And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."--MARK iv. 26-29. This is the only parable that is peculiar to Mark. The subjects contained in …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Ancient Versions of the Old Testament.
In the present chapter only those versions of the Old Testament are noticed which were made independently of the New. Versions of the whole Bible, made in the interest of Christianity, are considered in the following part. I. THE GREEK VERSION CALLED THE SEPTUAGINT. 1. This is worthy of special notice as the oldest existing version of the holy Scriptures, or any part of them, in any language; and also as the version which exerted a very large influence on the language and style of the New Testament; …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Harvest.
Harvest. See! the corn again in ear! How the fields and valleys smile! Harvest now is drawing near To repay the farmer's toil: Gracious LORD, secure the crop, Satisfy the poor with food; In thy mercy is our hope, We have sinned but thou art good. While I view the plenteous grain As it ripens on the stalk; May I not instruction gain, Helpful, to my daily walk? All this plenty of the field Was produced from foreign seeds; For the earth itself would yield Only crops of useless weeds. Though, when …
John Newton—Olney Hymns

Of Avoiding Heresies and Superstitions, and what is the Only True Catholic Church.
But since many heresies have existed, and the people of God have been rent into divisions at the instigation of demons, the truth must be briefly marked out by us, and placed in its own peculiar dwelling-place, that if any one shall desire to draw the water of life, he may not be borne to broken cisterns [898] which hold no water, but may know the abundant fountain of God, watered by which he may enjoy perpetual light. Before all things, it is befitting that we should know both that He Himself and …
Lactantius—The divine institutes

On Earthly Things
The earth is man himself; in the gospel: another has fallen into the good earth. The same in a bad part about the sinner: you devour the earth all the days of your life. [Mark 4:18; Genesis 3:14] The dry lands are the flesh of a fruitless man; in Ecclesiastes, to work in a dry land with evil and sorrow. [Ecclesiastes 37:3] The dust is a sinner or the vanity of the flesh; in the psalm: like the dust, which the wind blows about. [Ps. 1:4 Vulgate] The mud is the gluttony of sinners; in the psalm: tear …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

On the Animals
The birds are the saints, because they fly to the higher heart; in the gospel: and he made great branches that the birds of the air might live in their shade. [Mark 4:32] Flying is the death of the saints in God or the knowledge of the Scriptures; in the psalm: I shall fly and I shall be at rest. [Ps. 54(55):7 Vulgate] The wings are the two testaments; in Ezekiel: your body will fly with two wings of its own. [Ez. 1:23] The feathers are the Scriptures; in the psalm: the wings of the silver dove. …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Four Miracles
"And there was a great calm." MARK 4:39 (R.V.) "Behold, him that was possessed with devils, sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion." v. 15 (R.V.) "Who touched Me?" v. 31 (R.V.) "Talitha cumi." v. 41 (R.V.) THERE are two ways, equally useful, of studying Scripture, as there are of regarding the other book of God, the face of Nature. We may bend over a wild flower, or gaze across a landscape; and it will happen that a naturalist, pursuing a moth, loses sight of a mountain …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Parables
"And again He began to teach by the sea side. And there is gathered unto Him a very great multitude, so that He entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land. And He taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in His teaching. . . . "And when He was alone, they that were about Him with the twelve asked of Him the parables. And He said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Chapter: 4:21-25 Lamp and Stand
"And He said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed? and not to be put on the stand? For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear. And He said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you: and more shall be given unto you. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Seed Growing Secretly
"And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth; and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, straightway he putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come." MARK 4:26-29 (R.V.) ST. Mark alone records this parable of a sower who sleeps by night, and rises for other business by …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Sower
"Hearken: Behold the sower went forth to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it. And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And other fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And others fell into the good ground, …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Mustard Seed
"And He said, How shall we liken the kingdom of God? or in what parable shall we set it forth? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown upon the earth, though it be less than all the seeds that are upon the earth, yet when it is sown, groweth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and putteth out great branches; so that the birds of the heaven can lodge under the shadow thereof. And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it: and without …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Two Storms (Jesus Walking on the Water)
"And on that day, when even was come, He saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side. And leaving the multitude, they take Him with them, even as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling. And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish? And He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision A. Introduction. ^A Matt. XIII. 1-3; ^B Mark IV. 1, 2; ^C Luke VIII. 4. ^a 1 On that day went Jesus out of the house [It is possible that Matthew here refers to the house mentioned at Mark iii. 19. If so, the events in Sections XLVIII.-LVI. all occurred on the same day. There are several indications in the gospel narratives that this is so], and sat by the sea side. ^b 1 And again he began again to teach by the sea side. [By the Sea of Galilee.] And there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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