Mark 4:19
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνος
world
G165
αἰῶνος
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
5 of 24
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλούτου
of riches
G4149
πλούτου
of riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
11 of 24
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμπνίγουσιν
choke
G4846
συμπνίγουσιν
choke
Strong's:
G4846
Word #:
19 of 24
to strangle completely, i.e., (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
21 of 24
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 #:
22 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;Matthew 19:23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.Luke 10:41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:Isaiah 5:2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.Isaiah 5:4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?2 Peter 1:8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.Ecclesiastes 4:8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
Historical Context
Jesus' three-fold diagnosis addresses universal human temptations transcending culture and era. Ancient world knew these thorns: anxiety about provision (Matthew 6:25-34), wealth's seduction (1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-19), sensual indulgence (1 John 2:15-17). Early Christians practiced simplicity, shared resources, resisted materialism. Church history records wealth corrupting institutional church (medieval opulence, simony). Reformers and Puritans warned against worldliness. Modern Western Christianity faces particular danger from materialism and consumerism—thorns choking fruitfulness while church attendance continues.
Questions for Reflection
- Which thorn poses greatest danger to your spiritual fruitfulness—worry, wealth, or wandering desires?
- How does materialism and consumerism function as thorns in contemporary Western Christianity?
- What practical steps can you take to remove these thorns and cultivate fruitfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus identifies three thorns: 'the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.'
The result: 'choke the word' (συμπνίγουσιν τὸν λόγον), making it 'unfruitful' (ἄκαρπος)—producing no spiritual fruit.