Mark 4:15

Authorized King James Version

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὗτοι

G3778

these

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

δέ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

εἰσιν

G1526

are they

they are

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρὰ

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδὸν·

G3598

the way side

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ὅπου

G3699

where

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἐσπαρμένον

G4687

is sown

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

#10

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

λόγον

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

#14

ἀκούσωσιν

G191

they have heard

to hear (in various senses)

#15

εὐθὲως

G2112

immediately

directly, i.e., at once or soon

#16

ἔρχεται

G2064

cometh

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#17

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

Σατανᾶς

G4567

Satan

the accuser, i.e., the devil

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

αἴρει

G142

taketh away

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

#21

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

λόγον

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#23

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ἐσπαρμένον

G4687

is sown

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

#25

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#26

ταῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

καρδίαις

G2588

hearts

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#28

αὐτῶν

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Study Resources

Parables of Jesus