Mark 4:17
◄  Mark 4:17  ►
New International Version (©2011)
But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

New Living Translation (©2007)
But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.

English Standard Version (©2001)
And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble.

International Standard Version (©2012)
but since they don't have any roots, they last for only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes along because of the word, they immediately fall away.

NET Bible (©2006)
But they have no root in themselves and do not endure. Then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately they fall away.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
“And they have no root in themselves, but they abide for a while, and when there is distress or persecution because of the word, they are soon subverted.”

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
But they don't develop any roots. They last for a short time. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, they immediately fall [from faith].

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

American King James Version
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution rises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

American Standard Version
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.

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Darby Bible Translation
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.

English Revised Version
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 relapse.

Weymouth New Testament
but they have no root within them. They last for a time; then, when suffering or persecution comes because of the Message, they are immediately overthrown.

World English Bible
They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

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

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:1-20 This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And have no root in themselves,.... The word has no root in their hearts, only in their natural affections: nor is the root of grace in them; there is no heart work, only speculative notions, and flashy affections:

and so endure but for a time: they continue hearers and professors of the Gospel but for a small season; like the Jews, who rejoiced in the ministry of John the Baptist for a while, and then left him:

afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. As soon as any small degree of trouble comes upon them, and especially when there is a hot persecution of the professors of religion, because of the Gospel they have embraced; such hearers are stumbled at these things, and cannot bear the loss of any thing, or endure any thing severe for the sake of the word they have professed a pleasure in; and therefore, rather than suffer, they relinquish at once their profession of it.

Mark 4:17 Parallel Commentaries

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The Parable of the Sower Explained
…16And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution rises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. 18And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, …

Matthew 11:6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."
Matthew 13:21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Mark 4:16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.
Mark 4:18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;