Mark 4:17

Verse

But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

American Standard Version (1901)

and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

Bible in Basic English

And they have no root in themselves, but go on for a time; then, when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, they quickly become full of doubts.

Free Bible Version

But since they have no real roots, they only last for a while until trouble or persecution comes, and then they quickly fall away.

Geneva Bible 1599

Yet haue they no roote in themselues, and endure but a time: for when trouble and persecution ariseth for the worde, immediatly they be offended.

King James (Authorized) Version

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

One Unity Resource Bible

They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

Plain English Version

But other people see them believing that word, and those other people make trouble for them, so they stop taking notice of God’s word. They soon turn their back and walk away from it.

Translation for Translators

But, because the message does not penetrate deeply [MET] into their hearts/inner beings, they believe it for only a short time. They are like the plants that did not have deep roots. When others treat such people badly or cause them to suffer because they believe, those people who are suffering soon stop believing God’s message.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They have no root in themselves, but endure for a short time. Then tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, and immediately they stumble.

Noah Webster Bible

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they relapse.

World English Bible

They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

Young's Literal Translation

and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.

Context

The Parable of the Sower Explained

¹⁶Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and at once receive it with joy.¹⁷But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

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Summary

In this verse, Jesus is explaining the Parable of the Sower to His disciples, specifically focusing on the seed sown among thorns. The thorns represent the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things that can choke the word of God and make it unfruitful. This serves as a warning to believers about the distractions and temptations of the world that can hinder spiritual growth and prevent the Word from taking root in their hearts. It underscores the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom above earthly concerns and staying vigilant against anything that may hinder one's faith.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he said unto them,.... At the same time, after he had explained the parable of the sower; for though the following parabolical and proverbial expressions were delivered by Christ at other, and different times, and some of them twice, as related by other evangelists; yet they might be all of them expressed or repeated at this time, by our Lord, showing why he explained the above parable to his disciples; and that though he delivered the mysteries of the Gospel in parables to them that were without, yet it was not his design that these things should be always kept a secret, and that from all men: for as the Gospel might be compared to seed, so likewise to a candle, the design and use of which is to give light to men: wherefore he asks, is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not to be set on a candlestick? when a candle is brought into a room, in the night, where company are together, to converse, or read, or work; is it proper that it should be covered with a bushel, or any other hollow vessel? or when brought into a bedchamber, is it right to put it under the bed? is it not most fitting and convenient, that it should be set in a candlestick, and then it will be of use to all in the room? so the Gospel, which is the candle of the Lord, he had lighted up in the evening of the Jewish world, in the land of Judea; it was not his will that it should be always, and altogether, and from all men, covered with parables, and dark sayings, without any explanation of them; but that the light of it should be communicated, especially to them his; disciples, who were to be the lights of the world, and which were to shine openly before men, for their good, and the glory of his heavenly Father; see Mat 5:14.

Mark 4:17

The Parable of the Sower Explained

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

American Standard Version (1901)

and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.

Bible in Basic English

And they have no root in themselves, but go on for a time; then, when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, they quickly become full of doubts.

Free Bible Version

But since they have no real roots, they only last for a while until trouble or persecution comes, and then they quickly fall away.

Geneva Bible 1599

Yet haue they no roote in themselues, and endure but a time: for when trouble and persecution ariseth for the worde, immediatly they be offended.

King James (Authorized) Version

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

One Unity Resource Bible

They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

Plain English Version

But other people see them believing that word, and those other people make trouble for them, so they stop taking notice of God’s word. They soon turn their back and walk away from it.

Translation for Translators

Unlocked Literal Bible

They have no root in themselves, but endure for a short time. Then tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, and immediately they stumble.

Noah Webster Bible

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they relapse.

World English Bible

They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

Young's Literal Translation

and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.