Matthew Henry on Mark 4:1-20

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult!

It will help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all.

Of the many that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it.

The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last.

Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by indulging the body.

God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.

More for Mark 4:1-20

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Parable of the SowerMark 4:1-20 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. The foregoing chapter began with Christ's entering into the synagogue (Mark 4:1); this chapter begins with Christ's teaching again by the sea side. Thus he changed his method, that if possible…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-41Mark 4:1-41 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1Mark 4:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryAnd again he began to teach by the seaside. This return to the seaside is mentioned by St. Mark only. From this time our Lord's teaching began to be more public. The room and the little courtyard no longer sufficed for…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-20Mark 4:1-20 · The Pulpit CommentarySpiritual sowing. It is a picturesque and memorable sight. Multitudes of people, of all classes and from every part of the land, have assembled on the western shore of the Galilean lake, where Jesus is daily occupied in…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1Mark 4:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryDivine teaching from the fisherman's boat. Matthew gives us, in the thirteenth chapter of his Gospel, a series of seven parables, which correspond with the three which Mark records here. They all illustrate the nature a…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-25Mark 4:1-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe duty of faithfully hearing the Word. He who taught by every act of his life, and who had already given many most important lessons with his lips, now, after the interruptions just recorded, "began to teach" more for…

commentaryThe Parable of the SowerTHE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. The foregoing chapter began with Christ's entering into the synagogue (Mark 4:1); this chapter begins with Christ's teaching again by the sea side. Thus he changed his method, that if possible…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-41EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1Divine teaching from the fisherman's boat. Matthew gives us, in the thirteenth chapter of his Gospel, a series of seven parables, which correspond with the three which Mark records here. They all illustrate the nature a…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-20Spiritual sowing. It is a picturesque and memorable sight. Multitudes of people, of all classes and from every part of the land, have assembled on the western shore of the Galilean lake, where Jesus is daily occupied in…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-20The process of truth in the soul. "Word" in the parable stands for truth in general. It is the Greek logos, which contains everything relating to ideas and the reception of them. I. THE RELATION OF TRUTH TO THE SOUL. It…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1And again he began to teach by the seaside. This return to the seaside is mentioned by St. Mark only. From this time our Lord's teaching began to be more public. The room and the little courtyard no longer sufficed for…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-20Parallel passages: Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 8:4-18.— Parabolic teaching. I. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. 1. Benefit of acquaintance with Scripture topography. To the right comprehension of Scripture acquaintance with Scriptur…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-25The duty of faithfully hearing the Word. He who taught by every act of his life, and who had already given many most important lessons with his lips, now, after the interruptions just recorded, "began to teach" more for…Joseph S. Exell and contributors