Bible Strands
Mark 4:16
Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and at once receive it with joy.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus explains the parable of the sower to his disciples, transitioning from the seeds along the path to those sown on rocky ground.
The words — πετρώδη (petrōdē) means rocky places, and ὁμοίως (homoiōs) means likewise, structurally linking the two seed types in the explanation.
The thread — The pattern of hearing without enduring appears in Luke 8:13, which notes they believe for a season but lack root, and Ezekiel 33:31, which records people sitting to hear words without putting them into practice.
Why it lands — The text states these individuals hear and receive the word with immediate joy but have no root, causing them to fall away when trouble or persecution arrives. It requires a reader to verify that their response to the word sustains through testing rather than collapsing after initial excitement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
Cross-references
- Mark 6:20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
- Luke 8:13 The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away.
- Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
- Matthew 13:20 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.
- John 5:35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.
- Acts 8:13 Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.
- Matthew 8:19 And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
- Acts 8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
- Acts 24:25 As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”
- Mark 10:17 As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”