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Mark 4:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 4:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.
Mark 4:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14The sower soweth the word.
15And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.
16And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky [places], who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;
17and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble.
18And others are they that are sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word,
19and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.
← Mark 4:16Mark 4:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And have no root in themselves, etc..] The word has no root in their hearts, only in their natural affections: nor is the root of grace in them; there is no heart work, only speculative notions, and flashy affections: and so endure but for a time: they continue hearers and professors of the Gospel but for a small season; like the Jews, who rejoiced in the ministry of John the Baptist for a while, and then left him: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. As soon as any small degree of trouble comes upon them, and especially when there is a hot persecution of the professors of religion, because of the Gospel they have embraced;…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 13:18-23. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“have: Mar 4:5, Mar 4:6; Job 19:28, Job 27:8-10; Mat 12:31; Luk 12:10; Joh 8:31, Joh 15:2-7; Ti2 1:15, Ti2 2:17, Ti2 2:18, Ti2 4:10; Jo1 2:19 when: Mat 11:6, Mat 13:21, Mat 24:9, Mat 24:10; Co1 10:12, Co1 10:13; Gal 6:12; Th1 3:3-5; Ti2 4:16; Heb 10:29; Rev 2:10, Rev 2:13 Mark 4:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification