Mark 4:21

"Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”"

Key Reflection

In Mark 4:21, Jesus is elaborating on the parable of the sower, using the imagery of seeds being planted in good soil to describe those who hear and accept God's word. The original audience, familiar with agricultural metaphors, would have understood that "good ground" represents fertile hearts receptive to the message. Interestingly, this verse builds upon the earlier part of the passage (Mark 4:18) by specifying the outcomes for different types of listeners—some bearing abundant fruit, reflecting a varied response to God's teachings among the faithful.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. Is a candle brought, etc. A candle is not lit up to be put immediately under a measure, or a bed, where it can give no light. Its design is to give light. So my preaching by parables is not designed to obscure the truth, but to throw light on it. You should understand those parables; and, understanding them, should impart the truth to others also, as a candle throws its beams upon a dark world. Bushel. In the original, a measure for grain, containing about twelve quarts. Bed. A couch, either to sleep on at night, or to recline on at their meals. Probably the latter is here meant, and is equivalent to our saying, a candle is not brought to be put under the table, but on it.

Related Verses

More from Mark 4

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