Mark 4:17 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 4:17 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
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.

English Standard Version
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
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
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
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
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.

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.

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.

Cross References

Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me.

Matthew 13:21
Yet has he not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution rises because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Mark 4:16
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Mark 4:18
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

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Account Affliction Afterward Arises Ariseth Arising Endure Fall Firm Full Immediately Last Message Offended Oppression Overthrown Pain Persecution Quickly Root Sake Short Short-Lived Straightway Stumble Suffering Temporary Themselves Time Tribulation Trouble Within Word Word's

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's 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.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

16. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground, &c.—"Immediately" the seed in such a case "springs up"—all the quicker from the shallowness of the soil—"because it has no depth of earth." But the sun, beating on it, as quickly scorches and withers it up, "because it has no root" (Mr 4:6), and "lacks moisture" (Lu 8:6). The great truth here taught is that hearts superficially impressed are apt to receive the truth with readiness, and even with joy (Lu 8:13); but the heat of tribulation or persecution because of the word, or the trials which their new profession brings upon them quickly dries up their relish for the truth, and withers all the hasty promise of fruit which they showed. Such disappointing issues of a faithful and awakening ministry—alas, how frequent are they!