Mark 4:14-19
New English Translation
14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: Whenever they hear, immediately Satan[a] comes and snatches the word[b] that was sown in them. 16 These are the ones sown on rocky ground: As soon as they hear the word, they receive it with joy. 17 But[c] they have no root in themselves and do not endure.[d] Then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 Others are the ones sown among thorns: They are those who hear the word, 19 but[e] worldly cares, the seductiveness of wealth,[f] and the desire for other things come in and choke the word,[g] and it produces nothing.
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- Mark 4:15 sn Interestingly, the synoptic parallels each use a different word for Satan here: Matt 13:19 has “the evil one,” while Luke 8:12 has “the devil.” This illustrates the fluidity of the gospel tradition in often using synonyms at the same point of the parallel tradition.
- Mark 4:15 sn The word of Jesus has the potential to save if it germinates in a person’s heart, something the devil is very much against.
- Mark 4:17 tn Grk “And.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
- Mark 4:17 tn Grk “are temporary.”
- Mark 4:19 tn Grk “and.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
- Mark 4:19 tn Grk “the deceitfulness of riches.” Cf. BDAG 99 s.v. ἀπάτη 1, “the seduction which comes from wealth.”
- Mark 4:19 sn That is, their concern for spiritual things is crowded out by material things.
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