King James Version

What Does Mark 4:3 Mean?

Mark 4:3 in the King James Version says “Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:”

Mark 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

2

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

3

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

4

And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

5

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus commands: 'Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow.' The double imperative—'Hearken' (Ἀκούετε, listen attentively) and 'Behold' (ἰδοὺ, look, pay attention)—emphasizes the parable's importance. These commands demand focused, responsive listening, not casual hearing. The parable's subject is universal: a farmer sowing seed. In agrarian society, everyone understood sowing—scattering seed across plowed field. The simplicity disguises profound spiritual truth about gospel reception. Jesus uses familiar image to teach about varying responses to God's word. The imperative to 'hearken' becomes thematic—the parable is about how people hear (Mark 4:9, 23-24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian agriculture followed ancient patterns—farmers hand-scattered seed across prepared fields. Sowing preceded deeper plowing that covered seed. This explains seed falling on path, rocky ground, and thorns—not carelessness but standard practice. The parable's agricultural imagery resonated immediately with Jesus' audience, mostly rural peasants and fishermen familiar with farming cycles. Prophets regularly used agricultural metaphors (Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12), establishing continuity between Jesus' teaching and Old Testament revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the double command to listen challenge casual, inattentive hearing of Scripture?
  2. What distractions prevent you from truly 'hearkening' to God's word?
  3. How does understanding this as parable about hearing affect your approach to Bible study?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
Ἀκούετε1 of 7

“Hearken”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἰδού,2 of 7

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐξῆλθεν3 of 7

“there went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ὁ4 of 7
G3588

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

σπεῖραι5 of 7

“a sower”

G4687

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

τοῦ6 of 7
G3588

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

σπεῖραι7 of 7

“a sower”

G4687

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

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:6-9James 2:5John 4:35-38Deuteronomy 4:1Matthew 13:26Luke 8:5-8

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