King James Version

What Does Mark 4:7 Mean?

Mark 4:7 in the King James Version says “And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.”

Mark 4:7 · KJV

Context

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:

6

But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

7

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8

And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

9

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Other seed 'fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.' The seed germinates successfully, begins growing, but gets overwhelmed by competing vegetation. 'Choked' (συνέπνιξαν, synepnixan) means suffocated, strangled—aggressive thorns crowding out grain. The result: 'no fruit' (οὐκ ἔδωκεν καρπόν)—complete failure despite initial promise. Jesus later explains thorns represent 'cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things' that choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:18-19). This describes professing believers whose faith is gradually suffocated by competing priorities and affections.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Thorns and thistles resulted from the fall curse (Genesis 3:18). Palestinian agriculture constantly battled invasive weeds with deep, extensive root systems that competed for water and nutrients. Even cleared fields quickly re-grew thorns from dormant seeds and surviving roots. The agricultural challenge illustrated spiritual reality: worldliness, materialism, and misplaced priorities choke spiritual vitality. Early church fathers warned against wealth's dangers; monastic movements sought to escape worldly distractions; Reformers emphasized simplicity and contentment. Every generation faces thorns threatening to choke fruitfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'thorns'—worldly cares, materialism, competing loves—are choking your spiritual fruitfulness?
  2. How can you identify and remove these thorns before they completely suffocate your faith?
  3. What does this parable teach about the necessity of ongoing spiritual cultivation and weed removal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἄλλο2 of 17

“some”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἔπεσεν3 of 17

“fell”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

εἰς4 of 17

“among”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς5 of 17
G3588

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

ἄκανθαι6 of 17

“the thorns”

G173

a thorn

καὶ7 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἀνέβησαν8 of 17

“grew up”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

αἱ9 of 17
G3588

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

ἄκανθαι10 of 17

“the thorns”

G173

a thorn

καὶ11 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

συνέπνιξαν12 of 17

“choked”

G4846

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

αὐτό13 of 17

“it”

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

καὶ14 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

καρπὸν15 of 17

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

οὐκ16 of 17

“no”

G3756

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

ἔδωκεν17 of 17

“it yielded”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:3Luke 8:14Genesis 3:17-181 John 2:15-16Mark 4:18-19Matthew 13:7

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