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 4:5KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 4:5 (KJV)

What does Mark 4:5 mean?

Mark 4:5 describes how some seeds fell on rocky or stony ground, where there was not much soil, and they quickly sprang up because the soil was shallow and lacked depth. The verse highlights that the quick growth was due to the lack of deep earth, not because the conditions were good for lasting growth.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, using the image of a farmer sowing seed to illustrate a spiritual lesson. The rocky ground represents a situation where something starts off with promise but lacks the foundation to endure. The focus is on the surface-level response and the limits that come from not having deep, nourishing soil.

The Greek behind Mark 4:5

  • πέτρα (petra, "stony ground") is translated here as "ground" (G4075), meaning rocky or stony soil. This kind of ground looks like it could support growth but hides a hard layer underneath, which prevents roots from going deep.
  • βάθος (bathos, "depth") appears as "depth" (G899), emphasizing the lack of deep soil. The Greek word points to the idea that what is missing is not just any soil, but enough depth for roots to anchor and sustain the plant.
  • εὐθύς (euthys, "immediately") is translated as "immediately" (G2112), showing that the seed sprouted right away. In Greek, this word often signals something happening without delay, which highlights the contrast between quick results and lasting growth.

Why Mark 4:5 matters

  • Mark 4:5 helps clarify that quick or enthusiastic beginnings do not guarantee lasting results if there is no solid foundation or depth.
  • The verse sets up the contrast for later parts of the parable, where Jesus explains why some responses to his message fade away quickly.
  • Understanding the imagery of shallow soil and quick growth helps readers grasp the broader lesson Jesus is teaching about the importance of depth and endurance in spiritual life.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G1816 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

“ground” Greek G4075 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
  • Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
  • Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

“depth” Greek G899 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
  • Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

“where” Greek G3699 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Luke 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.