A farmer
The farmer represents Jesus or anyone who spreads the word of God. In the agrarian society of first-century Palestine, farming was a common occupation, making this imagery relatable to Jesus' audience. The farmer's role is to plant seeds, symbolizing the dissemination of the gospel message.

went out
This phrase indicates intentionality and purpose. The act of going out suggests a mission or task, reflecting the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. It highlights the proactive nature of spreading the gospel.

to sow his seed.
Sowing seed is a metaphor for preaching the word of God. The seed represents the message of the kingdom of God, as explained later in the parable. In ancient agriculture, sowing was done by hand, scattering seed across the ground, which required faith in the growth process. This act of sowing reflects the spiritual truth that the word of God must be spread widely and generously, trusting in God's power to bring growth, as seen in Isaiah 55:10-11, where God's word is compared to rain and snow that accomplishes His purpose.

- “Listen!” is more than a polite request; it is a command that demands every hearer’s full attention. Jesus often introduced vital truths this way—“He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9; compare Mark 7:14).

- The urgency recalls the Shema: “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4), underscoring that what follows is foundational for life with God.

- By starting with this word, Jesus signals that the parable will reveal kingdom realities hidden from casual observers (see Matthew 13:11). Those who lean in, like Mary at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39), receive understanding; the distracted miss out.

- The farmer pictures Christ first and, by extension, anyone who spreads God’s Word (2 Corinthians 9:6; James 5:7).

- He owns both the field and the seed, highlighting God’s sovereignty and generosity (Psalm 24:1).

- The everyday image affirms that God works through ordinary people and daily tasks—echoing Amos, the shepherd-prophet (Amos 7:14-15).

- “Went out” shows intentional movement. The sower leaves the safety of home to engage the field—just as the Father sent the Son into the world (John 3:17) and later sends us (John 20:21).

- It reminds believers not to wait for seekers to come to us but to go where people are, following Jesus’ example with the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-35) and the lost sheep (Luke 15:4).

- The phrase underscores urgency: the harvest is plentiful, laborers few (Matthew 9:37-38).

- The seed is explicitly identified by Jesus as “the word” (Mark 4:14).

- The farmer expects growth; he sows with faith (Psalm 126:5-6).

- He scatters broadly, not selectively—a call to share Scripture with all people (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

- Though some soil will prove unfruitful, the sower does not hold back. Galatians 6:9 urges the same perseverance: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”

Mark 4:3 invites hearers to lean in, observe the purposeful Sower, and imitate His heart. Jesus commands attention, reveals Himself as the Farmer who ventures into the world, and sows the life-giving word with generous expectation. Our task is to listen, follow Him into the field, and broadcast the same seed, trusting God to bring the harvest.

1. But not all who hear the gospel believe it and receive it; just as some of the seed sown fell by the wayside, on the hard footpath, where it could not penetrate the ground, but lay upon the surface, and so was picked up by the birds.

2. Again, not all who hear and believe persevere in the faith; some fall away; like the seed sown on rocky ground, which springs up indeed, but for want of depth of soil puts forth no root, and is soon scorched by the rising sun, and, being without root, withers away.

3. But further, not all who show faith bring forth the fruit of good works; like the seed sown among the thorns, which, growing up together with it, choked it (συνέπνιξαν αὐτὸ); such is the meaning. St. Luke has the words (συμφυεῖσαι αἱ ἄκανθαι ἀπέπνιξαν), "the thorns grew up with it and choked it." . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...