King James Version

What Does Mark 4:19 Mean?

Mark 4:19 in the King James Version says “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Mark 4:19 · KJV

Context

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

20

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

21

And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? bushel: the word in the original signifieth a less measure

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus identifies three thorns: '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.' (1) 'Cares of this world' (αἱ μέριμναι τοῦ αἰῶνος)—anxious worry about temporal concerns, legitimate needs becoming consuming preoccupations. (2) 'Deceitfulness of riches' (ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου)—wealth's deceptive promise of security and satisfaction it cannot deliver. (3) 'Lusts of other things' (αἱ περὶ τὰ λοιπὰ ἐπιθυμίαι)—desires for anything besides God. The result: 'choke the word' (συμπνίγουσιν τὸν λόγον), making it 'unfruitful' (ἄκαρπος)—producing no spiritual fruit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' three-fold diagnosis addresses universal human temptations transcending culture and era. Ancient world knew these thorns: anxiety about provision (Matthew 6:25-34), wealth's seduction (1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-19), sensual indulgence (1 John 2:15-17). Early Christians practiced simplicity, shared resources, resisted materialism. Church history records wealth corrupting institutional church (medieval opulence, simony). Reformers and Puritans warned against worldliness. Modern Western Christianity faces particular danger from materialism and consumerism—thorns choking fruitfulness while church attendance continues.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which thorn poses greatest danger to your spiritual fruitfulness—worry, wealth, or wandering desires?
  2. How does materialism and consumerism function as thorns in contemporary Western Christianity?
  3. What practical steps can you take to remove these thorns and cultivate fruitfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

αἱ2 of 24
G3588

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

μέριμναι3 of 24

“the cares”

G3308

solicitude

τοῦ4 of 24
G3588

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

αἰῶνος5 of 24

“world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου,6 of 24

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καὶ7 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἡ8 of 24
G3588

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

ἀπάτη9 of 24

“the deceitfulness”

G539

delusion

τοῦ10 of 24
G3588

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

πλούτου11 of 24

“of riches”

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

καὶ12 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

αἱ13 of 24
G3588

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

περὶ14 of 24

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τὰ15 of 24
G3588

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

λοιπὰ16 of 24

“other things”

G3062

remaining ones

ἐπιθυμίαι17 of 24

“the lusts”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

εἰσπορευόμεναι18 of 24

“entering in”

G1531

to enter (literally or figuratively)

συμπνίγουσιν19 of 24

“choke”

G4846

to strangle completely, i.e., (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd

τὸν20 of 24
G3588

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

λόγον21 of 24

“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

καὶ22 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἄκαρπος23 of 24

“unfruitful”

G175

barren (literally or figuratively)

γίνεται24 of 24

“it becometh”

G1096

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

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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:15-171 Timothy 6:9-101 Timothy 6:17Philippians 4:61 Peter 4:2-3Matthew 19:23

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