Mark 4:16

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

οὗτοί

G3778

these

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

εἰσιν

G1526

are they

they are

ὁμοίως

G3668

likewise

similarly

οἱ

G3588

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

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰ

G3588

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

πετρώδη

G4075

stony ground

rock-like, i.e., rocky

σπειρόμενοι

G4687

which are sown

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

#10

οἳ

G3739

who

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

ὅταν

G3752

when

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

#12

ἀκούσωσιν

G191

they have heard

to hear (in various senses)

#13

τὸν

G3588

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

#14

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

#15

εὐθὲως

G2112

immediately

directly, i.e., at once or soon

#16

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#17

χαρᾶς

G5479

gladness

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#18

λαμβάνουσιν

G2983

receive

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#19

αὐτόν

G846

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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Study Resources

Parables of Jesus