King James Version

What Does Mark 4:15 Mean?

Mark 4:15 in the King James Version says “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and take... — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Mark 4:15 · KJV


Context

13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

14

The sower soweth the word.

15

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

16

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

17

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. offended: or, stumbled, or, caused to fall into sin


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains the path-seed: 'these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.' The path (hardened by constant trampling) represents hardened hearts impervious to gospel penetration. Seed remains on surface where birds devour it. Satan actively opposes gospel reception—'cometh immediately' (εὐθὺς ἔρχεται) shows his swift response to thwart salvation. The verb 'taketh away' (αἴρει) indicates forceful removal. This reveals spiritual warfare's reality: gospel proclamation provokes satanic opposition. Hardened hearts provide Satan easy access to snatch truth before it roots.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paths through fields became hard-packed from constant traffic. Scattered seed on such soil couldn't penetrate, remaining vulnerable to birds. Jesus reveals spiritual reality: some hearts are so hardened by sin, unbelief, or worldliness that gospel never penetrates. Satan works through distraction, deception, alternative explanations, and false teaching to prevent conversion. Early church experienced this—opponents disrupted preaching (Acts 13:45; 17:5; 18:6), false teachers spread heresies (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), persecution intimidated hearers. Church history records satanic opposition to every gospel advance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'paths' of hardness in your heart prevent God's word from penetrating deeply?
  2. How does Satan attempt to snatch away truth you hear in Scripture or preaching?
  3. What spiritual disciplines help protect your heart from satanic theft of God's word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
οὗτοι1 of 28

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

δέ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰσιν3 of 28

are they

G1526

they are

οἱ4 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρὰ5 of 28

by

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν6 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδὸν·7 of 28

the way side

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ὅπου8 of 28

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἐσπαρμένον9 of 28

is sown

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

10 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγον11 of 28

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ12 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅταν13 of 28

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἀκούσωσιν14 of 28

they have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

εὐθὲως15 of 28

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἔρχεται16 of 28

cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

17 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σατανᾶς18 of 28

Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

καὶ19 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αἴρει20 of 28

taketh away

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸν21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγον22 of 28

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τὸν23 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐσπαρμένον24 of 28

is sown

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ἐν25 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς26 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίαις27 of 28

hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

αὐτῶν28 of 28

their

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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