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.

MARK 4:17KJV
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Mark 4:17 (KJV)

What does Mark 4:17 mean?

Mark 4:17 describes people who respond positively to Jesus’ message at first but do not have a lasting foundation within themselves, so when trouble or opposition comes because of the message, they quickly fall away. This verse explains why some people’s faith does not last when difficulties arise.

In this part of the Gospel, Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples. He is talking about different ways people receive his teaching. Mark 4:17 focuses on those who seem eager at first but give up as soon as following Jesus becomes hard, especially when facing hardship or criticism because of their beliefs.

The Greek behind Mark 4:17

  • ῥίζα (rhiza) — "root": This word means a root, as in the part of a plant that anchors and nourishes it. Here, it points to an inner strength or depth that is missing, so the person cannot endure.
  • θλῖψις (thlipsis) — "affliction": This word often refers to pressure, trouble, or distress. It highlights that the difficulties are not just mild discomforts but real hardships.
  • σκανδαλίζονται (skandalizontai) — "offended": The Greek carries the sense of stumbling or falling away, not just being upset. It means to lose faith or abandon one’s commitment because of the challenges.

Why Mark 4:17 matters

  • Mark 4:17 clarifies that a quick or enthusiastic start in faith does not guarantee perseverance; depth and inner conviction are necessary for lasting commitment.
  • The verse emphasizes that challenges and opposition are expected for those who follow Jesus, and these can reveal the true strength of a person’s faith.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of why some people seem to fall away from faith under pressure, connecting it to the broader teaching of the parable about different responses to Jesus’ message.

Where else these words appear

“time” Greek G4340 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
  • Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

“persecution” Greek G1375 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“afterward” Greek G1534 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

“root” Greek G4491 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Romans 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.