Mark 4:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρὰ
by
G3844
παρὰ
by
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 28
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
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν·
the way side
G3598
ὁδὸν·
the way side
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
7 of 28
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
ἐσπαρμένον
is sown
G4687
ἐσπαρμένον
is sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
9 of 28
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
11 of 28
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
13 of 28
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
16 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἴρει
taketh away
G142
αἴρει
taketh away
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
20 of 28
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
22 of 28
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσπαρμένον
is sown
G4687
ἐσπαρμένον
is sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
24 of 28
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Matthew 13:19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.Mark 4:4And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.Luke 8:12Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.Isaiah 53:1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?Acts 5:3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Matthew 22:5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.Revelation 20:7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Historical Context
Paths through fields became hard-packed from constant traffic. Scattered seed on such soil couldn't penetrate, remaining vulnerable to birds. Jesus reveals spiritual reality: some hearts are so hardened by sin, unbelief, or worldliness that gospel never penetrates. Satan works through distraction, deception, alternative explanations, and false teaching to prevent conversion. Early church experienced this—opponents disrupted preaching (Acts 13:45; 17:5; 18:6), false teachers spread heresies (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), persecution intimidated hearers. Church history records satanic opposition to every gospel advance.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'paths' of hardness in your heart prevent God's word from penetrating deeply?
- How does Satan attempt to snatch away truth you hear in Scripture or preaching?
- What spiritual disciplines help protect your heart from satanic theft of God's word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus explains the path-seed: '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.' The path (hardened by constant trampling) represents hardened hearts impervious to gospel penetration. Seed remains on surface where birds devour it. Satan actively opposes gospel reception—'cometh immediately' (εὐθὺς ἔρχεται) shows his swift response to thwart salvation. The verb 'taketh away' (αἴρει) indicates forceful removal. This reveals spiritual warfare's reality: gospel proclamation provokes satanic opposition. Hardened hearts provide Satan easy access to snatch truth before it roots.