The farmerIn the context of
Mark 4:14, the "farmer" represents Jesus Christ, who is the sower of the Word of God. This imagery is rooted in the agrarian culture of first-century Palestine, where farming was a common occupation. The farmer's role is to plant seeds, symbolizing the spreading of the Gospel. This metaphor is consistent with other biblical passages where God or His messengers are depicted as sowers, such as in
Isaiah 55:10-11, where God's word is likened to rain and snow that water the earth.
sows
The act of sowing involves scattering seeds with the intention of growth and harvest. In this parable, sowing represents the preaching and teaching of God's Word. The process of sowing is indiscriminate, indicating that the message of the Gospel is offered to all, regardless of their initial receptivity. This reflects the Great Commission inMatthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples to spread His teachings to all nations. The act of sowing also implies patience and faith, as the results are not immediate but require time to manifest.
the word.
"The word" refers to the message of the Kingdom of God, the teachings of Jesus, and the Gospel itself. In the broader biblical context, "the word" is often synonymous with divine truth and revelation, as seen inJohn 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word made flesh. The Word of God is living and active, as stated inHebrews 4:12, and has the power to transform lives. The parable emphasizes the importance of how individuals receive and respond to the Word, which can lead to spiritual growth and fruitfulness or be hindered by various obstacles.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The FarmerRepresents anyone who shares the Word of God, including Jesus, His disciples, and modern-day believers.
2.
The WordRefers to the message of the Gospel, the teachings of Jesus, and the truths of Scripture.
3.
The SowingThe act of spreading the Word of God, akin to planting seeds in various types of soil, which are the hearts of people.
Teaching Points
The Role of the SowerEvery believer is called to be a sower of the Word, sharing the Gospel with others.
The effectiveness of sowing is not dependent on the sower but on the power of the Word and the condition of the heart receiving it.
The Power of the WordThe Word of God is inherently powerful and transformative, capable of changing lives when it takes root in receptive hearts.
Believers should have confidence in the Word's ability to accomplish God's purposes.
Preparation of the HeartJust as soil must be prepared to receive seed, hearts must be open and receptive to the Word.
Believers should pray for God to prepare their hearts and the hearts of others to receive His Word.
Perseverance in SowingSowing the Word requires patience and perseverance, as not all seeds will immediately bear fruit.
Trust in God's timing and continue to sow faithfully, knowing that He is responsible for the growth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 4:14?
2.How can we actively "sow the word" in our daily lives today?
3.What obstacles might prevent us from effectively spreading God's word to others?
4.How does Mark 4:14 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.In what ways can we prepare our hearts to receive God's word?
6.How can we support others in understanding and applying the word sown?
7.What does "The sower sows the word" mean in Mark 4:14?
8.How does Mark 4:14 relate to the concept of evangelism?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Mark 4:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 4?
11.How do variations in the parable of the sower between Mark 4 and other Gospels not constitute contradictions in the Bible's message?
12.What defines a parable?
13.What constitutes evil speaking?
14.In Mark 6:14-29, how does the account of John the Baptist's beheading align with or contradict known historical records?What Does Mark 4:14 Mean
The farmerJesus interprets His own parable by identifying the sower.
• In its first sense, the Farmer is Christ Himself, “sent…to preach” (Mark 1:38).
• By extension, every believer commissioned to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) steps into this role.
• Paul echoes the image: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
• The Farmer is diligent and hopeful, mirroring “the hardworking farmer” commended in2 Timothy 2:6.
Takeaway: God works through ordinary people who simply scatter His truth; the effectiveness rests on Him.
sowsThe verb highlights purposeful, continual action.
• Sowing requires effort, patience, and faith, as pictured inPsalm 126:6—“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will surely return with shouts of joy.”
• It is generous: “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
• It is undiscriminating: seed is cast on every type of soil (Mark 4:4–8), reminding us that we cannot predict which hearts will receive the Word.
• It is expectant: “Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows” (Mark 4:26–27).
Takeaway: Keep scattering the message widely and consistently; God alone grants the harvest.
the wordThe seed is “the word of God” (Luke 8:11).
• It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16).
• Faith itself “comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
• It has imperishable life in it: “born again…through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).
• God guarantees results: “My word…will not return to Me empty but will accomplish what I desire” (Isaiah 55:11).
Takeaway: The message we spread is not man-made opinion but God’s own living seed, fully able to transform hearts.
summaryMark 4:14 teaches that Christ—and all who follow Him—broadcasts God’s life-giving Word with intention and hope. Our task is to sow faithfully; God’s task is to bring the increase. The verse invites confident, continual proclamation, trusting the inherent power of Scripture to germinate and bear fruit in every heart prepared by the Lord.
Verse 14. -
The sower soweth the word. St. Matthew (
Matthew 13:19) calls it "the word of the kingdom" - an expression equivalent to "the gospel of the kingdom," not merely moral truth, but spiritual and eternal.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
TheὉ(Ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.farmerσπείρων(speirōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4687:To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.sowsσπείρει(speirei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4687:To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.word.λόγον(logon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.
Links
Mark 4:14 NIVMark 4:14 NLTMark 4:14 ESVMark 4:14 NASBMark 4:14 KJV
Mark 4:14 BibleApps.comMark 4:14 Biblia ParalelaMark 4:14 Chinese BibleMark 4:14 French BibleMark 4:14 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Mark 4:14 The farmer sows the word (Mar Mk Mr) 
