Devine Scripture

Mark 4:17

What does Mark 4:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:17 means

The problem for those on the "rocky places" is their lack of deep spiritual "root." Their faith is shallow and temporary, enduring only for a short season. When difficult circumstances, such as tribulation or persecution, arise *because of* their commitment to the Word, their superficial faith quickly falters, and they fall away. This highlights the necessity of deep spiritual grounding to withstand life's inevitable tests.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they have no root in themselves, but go on for a time; then, when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, they quickly become full of doubts.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they have no root in themselves, but are only for a time: and then when tribulation and persecution ariseth for the word they are presently scandalized.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and they have no root in themselves, but are for a time: then, tribulation arising, or persecution on account of the word, immediately they are offended.

Context

This verse completes the explanation of the seed sown on rocky ground, immediately following the description of their joyful, but superficial, reception. It provides the crucial reason for their eventual failure: a lack of spiritual depth. This explanation contrasts with the truly fruitful ground and sets up the next scenario, where different worldly concerns hinder the Word, rather than outward persecution.

v.16And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;

v.17This passage

v.18And others are they that are sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 24:9

    Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.

  • John 8:31

    Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples;

  • 2 Timothy 4:10

    for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.

  • Galatians 6:12

    As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

  • 2 Timothy 4:16

    At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

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