Mark 4:3
What does Mark 4:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 4:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 4:3 means
Jesus began His instruction with a call to listen intently, followed by the opening line of the Parable of the Sower. He immediately set the scene: a farmer engaged in the common agricultural practice of scattering seed. This simple image would have been instantly recognizable and relatable to His audience, drawing them into the narrative and preparing them for the spiritual lessons embedded within this common activity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A man went out to put seed in the earth:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Hearken, lo, the sower went forth to sow;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Hear ye: Behold, the sower went out to sow.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow.
Context
This verse directly launches into the Parable of the Sower, prompted by Jesus' command to "Hearken." It serves as the immediate introduction to the story that will unfold in the subsequent verses. This parable is foundational for understanding the reception of God's Word, and its beginning here lays the groundwork for the various responses described next, before Jesus offers His private interpretation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:14
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.
- Proverbs 8:32
Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways.
- Matthew 13:24
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:
- Mark 4:14
The sower soweth the word.
- Mark 7:14
And he called to him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear me all of you, and understand:
- Psalms 34:11
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of Jehovah.
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