Mark 4:1-41 King James Bible KJV

Purpose of the Parables, Parable of the Sower, Parable of The Mustard Seed, Parable of the Growing Seed, Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:1-41 King James Bible KJV. Mark 4 emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding the teachings of Jesus, especially concerning the Kingdom of God. Through parables, Jesus illustrates the different ways people respond to God’s word, the mysterious growth of God’s Kingdom, and its immense potential. The calming of the storm at the chapter’s end underscores Jesus’ authority and calls for greater faith in him.

Mark 4:1-41 King James Bible KJV
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The Parable of the Sower – verses 1-20

Jesus tells the parable of a sower who scatters seed on different types of soil: along the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. The seed represents the word of God, and the different soils represent different responses to the word. The parable illustrates how people receive God’s word in various ways. Some are indifferent (the path), others are shallow and fall away (rocky ground), some are choked by life’s worries (thorns), and some accept it and bear fruit (good soil). Jesus emphasizes the importance of being receptive and fruitful.

The Purpose of the Parables – verses 10-12 and 21-25

Jesus explains to his disciples that parables are used to reveal truths about the Kingdom of God to those who are open to it while concealing them from those who are not. He also teaches about the importance of letting light shine and hearing well. Parables serve as a way to both reveal and conceal spiritual truths. Jesus encourages his listeners to be attentive and responsive because the measure they use in hearing and responding will be the measure they receive.

The Parable of the Growing Seed – verses 26-29

Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a man who scatters seed on the ground. The seed grows by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel. The man harvests it when it is ripe. This parable emphasizes the mysterious and automatic growth of God’s Kingdom. It grows in ways that are not fully understood by human effort, highlighting God’s sovereignty in bringing about the growth of His Kingdom.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed – verses 30-32

Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds but grows into the largest of all garden plants, providing shelter for birds. This parable illustrates how the Kingdom of God starts small but grows into something great and all-encompassing. It signifies the potential and expansive nature of God’s reign.

Jesus Calms the Storm – verses 35-41

Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm arises. The disciples are terrified, but Jesus calms the storm with a command, rebuking the wind and waves. He then questions the disciples’ faith, and they are left in awe, asking, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ authority over nature and challenges the disciples to trust in his power. It also reveals more about Jesus’ divine identity, prompting the disciples to reflect on who he truly is.

Mark 4:1-41 King James Bible – KJV

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:
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.
10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
14 The sower soweth the word.
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.
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.
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?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?