Mark 4:5
And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
Original Language Analysis
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχειν
it had
G2192
ἔχειν
it had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
γῆς·
earth
G1093
γῆς·
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
10 of 20
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
πολλήν
much
G4183
πολλήν
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 20
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξανέτειλεν
it sprang up
G1816
ἐξανέτειλεν
it sprang up
Strong's:
G1816
Word #:
14 of 20
to start up out of the ground, i.e., germinate
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχειν
it had
G2192
ἔχειν
it had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Ezekiel 36:26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.Luke 8:6And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.Amos 6:12Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:Ezekiel 11:19And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
Historical Context
Palestinian terrain featured limestone bedrock beneath thin topsoil, especially in hillcountry regions. Farmers couldn't always detect shallow soil until planting revealed it. Seeds in such soil germinated quickly (warmth from stones, less soil to penetrate) but withered rapidly when roots hit rock. Jesus' audience immediately understood the image. This geological reality becomes spiritual metaphor: some hear the word with immediate joy but have no root (Mark 4:16-17)—emotional response without genuine conversion or cost-counting.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you distinguish between genuine conversion and mere emotional enthusiasm for Jesus?
- What practices cultivate spiritual depth and root development in your life?
- How does this parable warn against seeking immediate, dramatic results in evangelism while neglecting patient discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Some seed 'fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.' Rocky ground (limestone bedrock with thin topsoil) allowed germination but prevented root development. The phrase 'immediately it sprang up' (εὐθὺς ἐξανέτειλεν) indicates rapid, enthusiastic growth—deceptively promising but unsustainable. Shallow roots couldn't access moisture or nutrients. This represents emotional, superficial response to gospel—initial enthusiasm without depth or perseverance. The emphasis on 'immediately' recurs throughout Mark (favorite word), here highlighting hasty but shallow commitment lacking staying power.