Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 7
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
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 #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνέπνιξαν
choked
G4846
συνέπνιξαν
choked
Strong's:
G4846
Word #:
12 of 17
to strangle completely, i.e., (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd
αὐτό
it
G846
αὐτό
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:3For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.Luke 8:14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.Matthew 13:22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.Matthew 13:7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:Luke 8:7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.Luke 12:15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.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.
Historical Context
Thorns and thistles resulted from the fall curse (Genesis 3:18). Palestinian agriculture constantly battled invasive weeds with deep, extensive root systems that competed for water and nutrients. Even cleared fields quickly re-grew thorns from dormant seeds and surviving roots. The agricultural challenge illustrated spiritual reality: worldliness, materialism, and misplaced priorities choke spiritual vitality. Early church fathers warned against wealth's dangers; monastic movements sought to escape worldly distractions; Reformers emphasized simplicity and contentment. Every generation faces thorns threatening to choke fruitfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'thorns'—worldly cares, materialism, competing loves—are choking your spiritual fruitfulness?
- How can you identify and remove these thorns before they completely suffocate your faith?
- What does this parable teach about the necessity of ongoing spiritual cultivation and weed removal?
Analysis & Commentary
Other seed 'fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.' The seed germinates successfully, begins growing, but gets overwhelmed by competing vegetation. 'Choked' (συνέπνιξαν, synepnixan) means suffocated, strangled—aggressive thorns crowding out grain. The result: 'no fruit' (οὐκ ἔδωκεν καρπόν)—complete failure despite initial promise. Jesus later explains thorns represent 'cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things' that choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:18-19). This describes professing believers whose faith is gradually suffocated by competing priorities and affections.