Devine Scripture

Mark 4:18

What does Mark 4:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:18 means

Jesus then explained that the seed sown "among the thorns" represents those who hear the Word but allow other things to compete with and choke it out. This category encompasses individuals whose hearts are divided, indicating a struggle between spiritual truth and worldly commitments. Their hearing does not lead to fruitfulness because of these competing influences.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And others are those planted among the thorns; these are they who have given ear to the word,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And these are they who toward the thorns are sown: these are they who are hearing the word,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And others there are who are sown among thorns: these are they that hear the word,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And others are they who are sown among the thorns: these are they who have heard the word,

Context

This verse moves Jesus' interpretation to the third type of ground in the Parable of the Sower, following the explanation of the rocky ground. It introduces a new set of hindrances to the Word taking root and bearing fruit, distinct from external persecution or immediate spiritual theft. This sets the stage for the specific identification of what constitutes these "thorns" in the subsequent verse.

v.17and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

v.18This passage

v.19and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 13:22

    And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

  • Mark 4:7

    And other fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

  • Luke 8:14

    And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

  • Jeremiah 4:3

    For thus saith Jehovah to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

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