King James Version

What Does Mark 4:17 Mean?

Mark 4:17 in the King James Version says “And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 4:17 · KJV


Context

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

18

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

19

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. lusts: or, inordinate desires


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus continues: '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.' The phrase 'no root in themselves' (οὐκ ἔχουσιν ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς) indicates lack of internal reality—profession without regeneration, enthusiasm without transformation. They 'endure but for a time' (πρόσκαιροί εἰσιν)—temporary, not permanent. Testing reveals rootlessness: 'affliction or persecution' (θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ) refers to pressure and active opposition 'for the word's sake' (διὰ τὸν λόγον). The result: 'immediately they are offended' (εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζονται)—they stumble, fall away, apostatize.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians faced family rejection, social ostracism, economic loss, imprisonment, and martyrdom. These trials exposed false professors who lacked genuine conversion. Church history records this pattern: persecution purifies church by removing nominal believers while strengthening genuine faith. The promise of persecution (2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:20) means testing is normal Christian experience. Some fall away proves they were never truly born again (1 John 2:19); others persevere, demonstrating genuine faith. Apostasy reveals counterfeit profession, not loss of genuine salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What trials or opposition have revealed areas where your faith lacks depth?
  2. How can you prepare for certain persecution and trials rather than expecting only blessing?
  3. What distinguishes those who endure trials from those who fall away?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

οὐκ2 of 19

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν3 of 19

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ῥίζαν4 of 19

root

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

ἐν5 of 19

in

G1722

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

ἑαυτοῖς6 of 19

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀλλὰ7 of 19

and

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πρόσκαιροί8 of 19

but for a time

G4340

for the occasion only, i.e., temporary

εἰσιν9 of 19

so endure

G1526

they are

εἶτα10 of 19

afterward

G1534

a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover

γενομένης11 of 19

ariseth

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

θλίψεως12 of 19

when affliction

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

13 of 19
G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

διωγμοῦ14 of 19

or persecution

G1375

persecution

διὰ15 of 19

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν16 of 19
G3588

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

λόγον17 of 19

the word's sake

G3056

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

εὐθὲως18 of 19

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

σκανδαλίζονται19 of 19

they are offended

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)


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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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