Mark 4

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 4 of 16

1 And again He began to teach beside the sea. And a large crowd was gathered to Him, so that He stepped into the boat in order to sit in the sea. And all the crowd were on the land toward the sea.

2 And He taught them many things in parables, and said to them in His teaching:

3 Listen! Behold, the sower went out to sow.

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Chapter Summary

1 The parable of the sower, 14 and the meaning. 26 The parable of the seed growing secretly. 35 Christ calms the storm at sea.

Key Greek Words

παραβολή parable G3850
σπείρω to sow G4687
λόγος the Word G3056
βασιλεία kingdom G932
μυστήριον mystery G3466
καρποφορέω bear fruit G2592

People & Context

Jesus Christ

Teaches the crowd in parables, explains them privately, and stills the windstorm at sea by His word.

The Twelve

Those around Him who ask about the parable in private and are given to know the mystery of the kingdom.

The Disciples

In the boat with Him; awaken Him in the storm and marvel that wind and sea obey Him.

Satan

Named in the parable's meaning as the one who at once takes away the Word sown beside the road.

Timeline

The Parable of the Sower

Jesus teaches a large crowd from a boat on the sea, sharing the parable of the sower whose seeds fall on the road, rocky places, thorn-bushes, and good ground. He privately explains to the Twelve that the seed is the Word and the soils represent different responses to it.

Mark 4:1-20
Parables of the Lamp and Seeds

Jesus teaches that a lamp should be placed on a lampstand, not under a basket. He then compares the kingdom of God to a seed that sprouts and grows of itself until the harvest, and to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a plant with great branches.

Mark 4:21-34
Calming the Windstorm

While crossing the sea, a great windstorm fills the boat with water. Jesus, sleeping on the stern, is awakened by terrified disciples. He rebukes the wind and sea, causing a great calm, and questions their lack of faith.

Mark 4:35-41

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