Mark 4:5
New International Version
Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.

New Living Translation
Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.

English Standard Version
Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.

Berean Standard Bible
Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.

Berean Literal Bible
And other fell upon the rocky place where it had not much soil, and it sprang up immediately, because of not having depth of soil.

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

New King James Version
Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.

New American Standard Bible
Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.

NASB 1995
“Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.

NASB 1977
“And other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.

Legacy Standard Bible
And other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.

Amplified Bible
Other seed fell on rocks where there was not much soil; and immediately a plant sprang up because the soil had no depth.

Christian Standard Bible
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly, since the soil wasn’t deep.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn’t have deep soil.

American Standard Version
And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth:

Contemporary English Version
Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn't very deep.

English Revised Version
And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Other seeds were planted on rocky ground, where there wasn't much soil. The plants sprouted quickly because the soil wasn't deep.

Good News Translation
Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The seeds soon sprouted, because the soil wasn't deep.

International Standard Version
Others fell on stony ground, where they didn't have a lot of soil. They sprouted at once, because the soil wasn't deep.

Majority Standard Bible
Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.

NET Bible
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it did not have much soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.

New Heart English Bible
And others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.

Webster's Bible Translation
And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.

Weymouth New Testament
Some falls on the rocky ground where it finds but little earth, and it shoots up quickly because it has no depth of soil;

World English Bible
Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and other fell on the rocky ground, where it did not have much earth, and immediately it sprang forth, because of having no depth of earth,

Berean Literal Bible
And other fell upon the rocky place where it had not much soil, and it sprang up immediately, because of not having depth of soil.

Young's Literal Translation
and other fell upon the rocky ground, where it had not much earth, and immediately it sprang forth, because of not having depth of earth,

Smith's Literal Translation
And other fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth; and quickly it sprang forth, for it had no deepness of earth:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And other some fell upon stony ground, where it had not much earth; and it shot up immediately, because it had no depth of earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, others fell upon stony ground, where it did not have much soil. And it rose up quickly, because it had no depth of soil.

New American Bible
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.

New Revised Standard Version
Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Other fell upon the rock, where there was not sufficient soil; and it sprung up earlier because the ground was not deep enough;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But other seed fell on rock where there was not much soil, and immediately it sprouted because there was no depth of soil.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Other seed fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth: and it immediately sprung up, because it had no depth of earth.

Godbey New Testament
And other fell upon stones, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

Haweis New Testament
And some fell on a rocky soil, where it had not much mold, and immediately it sprung up, because it had no depth of earth:

Mace New Testament
some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth.

Weymouth New Testament
Some falls on the rocky ground where it finds but little earth, and it shoots up quickly because it has no depth of soil;

Worrell New Testament
And other fell on the rocky ground where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because of not having depth of earth;

Worsley New Testament
and some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it sprang up immediately, because it had not depth of earth;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Sower
4And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:5-6
Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. / But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

Luke 8:6
Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the seedlings withered because they had no moisture.

Isaiah 5:1-2
I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour!

Jeremiah 4:3
For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.

Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Hosea 10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.

Psalm 1:4
Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.

Psalm 92:7
that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

Job 8:11-13
Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water? / While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up more quickly than grass. / Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.

Isaiah 40:7-8
The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Jeremiah 17:5-6
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. / He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

2 Kings 19:26
Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.

Hosea 13:3
Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, like smoke through an open window.

James 1:11
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

1 Peter 1:24
For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,


Treasury of Scripture

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

Mark 4:16,17
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; …

Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Jump to Previous
Deep Depth Earth Falls Fell Finds Forth Ground Immediately Little Others Places Quickly Rocky Seed Shallow Shoots Soil Sprang Sprung Stones Stony Straight Straightway
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Deep Depth Earth Falls Fell Finds Forth Ground Immediately Little Others Places Quickly Rocky Seed Shallow Shoots Soil Sprang Sprung Stones Stony Straight Straightway
Mark 4
1. The parable of the sower,
14. and the meaning thereof.
21. We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.
26. The parable of the seed growing secretly;
30. and of the mustard seed.
35. Jesus stills the storm on the sea.














Some fell on rocky ground
In the context of Jesus' parable of the sower, the "rocky ground" represents a type of heart condition or spiritual receptivity. In the agricultural context of ancient Israel, rocky ground was common, especially in the hilly regions of Galilee where Jesus often taught. This type of soil had a thin layer of earth over a bedrock, making it difficult for plants to establish deep roots. Spiritually, this symbolizes individuals who initially receive the word of God with enthusiasm but lack the depth needed for sustained growth. This imagery is consistent with the Old Testament's frequent use of agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual truths (e.g., Isaiah 5:1-7).

where it did not have much soil
The lack of much soil indicates a superficial reception of the word. In biblical terms, soil often represents the heart or the inner life of a person. Jeremiah 4:3 advises, "Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns," emphasizing the need for a prepared heart to receive God's word. The thin soil suggests a lack of preparation or depth in one's spiritual life, which can lead to a shallow faith that is easily disrupted by trials or temptations.

It sprang up quickly
The quick sprouting of the seed reflects an immediate and enthusiastic response to the gospel message. This can be seen in the initial excitement and joy that often accompanies a new believer's conversion experience. However, this rapid growth is not sustainable without a strong foundation. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be compared to the Israelites' initial eagerness to follow God, which often waned in the face of adversity (Exodus 19:8; 32:1).

because the soil was shallow
The shallowness of the soil is a metaphor for a lack of spiritual depth and maturity. In the New Testament, Paul warns against being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14), highlighting the need for deep roots in faith. The shallow soil represents a heart that is not fully committed or prepared to endure challenges, similar to the seed that withers under the sun due to its lack of root. This serves as a cautionary message about the importance of cultivating a deep, enduring relationship with Christ, who is the true vine (John 15:1-8).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The speaker of the parable, teaching the crowd by the sea.

2. The Sower
Represents those who spread the Word of God.

3. Rocky Ground
Symbolizes a type of heart or person who receives the Word with initial enthusiasm but lacks depth.

4. The Seed
Represents the Word of God.

5. The Crowd
The audience listening to Jesus' parable, representing various types of hearers of the Word.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Depth in Faith
True faith requires depth and commitment, not just initial enthusiasm.

The Dangers of a Shallow Heart
A heart that is not deeply rooted in the Word is susceptible to falling away during trials and temptations.

Cultivating Good Soil
Believers are encouraged to cultivate their hearts to be receptive and deep, allowing the Word to take root and grow.

Perseverance in Trials
Trials test the depth of our faith; a deep-rooted faith will endure and grow stronger.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart to ensure it is not rocky ground, but fertile soil for the Word.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Other [ seed ]
ἄλλο (allo)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

fell
ἔπεσεν (epesen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4098: A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

rocky ground,
πετρῶδες (petrōdes)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4075: Rocky, stony. From petra and eidos; rock-like, i.e. Rocky.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

it did not have
εἶχεν (eichen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

much
πολλήν (pollēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

soil.
γῆν (gēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

It sprang up
ἐξανέτειλεν (exaneteilen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1816: To rise (spring) up out (of the ground). From ek and anatello; to start up out of the ground, i.e. Germinate.

quickly,
εὐθὺς (euthys)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

because
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the soil
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

was shallow.
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.


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NT Gospels: Mark 4:5 Others fell on the rocky ground where (Mar Mk Mr)
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