The Meaning of Mark 4:17 Explained

Mark 4:17

KJV: 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.

YLT: and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.

Darby: and they have no root in themselves, but are for a time: then, tribulation arising, or persecution on account of the word, immediately they are offended.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Mark 4:17 Mean?

Context Summary

Mark 4:10-41 - Growth In God's Kingdom
How quick the Master was to observe the meaning of natural symbols! To Him all things were unfoldings of eternal mystery, and the ways of men unconsciously mirrored the unseen. Are there bushels in your life? Use them as lamp stands, not as coverings. All secrets come out; beware of what you say. All measures come back to us; take care how you mete. The mysterious co-operation of God in nature, and the gradual process of growth, are analogous to the co-working of the Holy Spirit with all faithful sowers of the Word, and the imperceptible stages through which the soul reaches maturity.
The stilling of the storm, Mark 4:35-41. They that bear Christ's company must prepare for squalls. Yet, why should we fear, when the Master is on board, who can impress His commands on wind and sea-to the wind, Peace; to the sea, Be still! "The Lord on high is mightier than the waves of the sea." A moment ago he was so weary as to sleep amid the storm, but at a word of appeal from those He loves, He shows Himself able to save to the uttermost. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 4

1  The parable of the sower,
14  and the meaning thereof
21  We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others
26  The parable of the seed growing secretly;
30  and of the mustard seed
35  Jesus stills the storm on the sea

What do the individual words in Mark 4:17 mean?

and not they have root in themselves but temporary are then having arisen tribulation or persecution on account of the word immediately they fall away
καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιροί εἰσιν εἶτα γενομένης θλίψεως διωγμοῦ διὰ τὸν λόγον εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζονται

ἔχουσιν  they  have 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.
ῥίζαν  root 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ῥίζα  
Sense: a root.
ἑαυτοῖς  themselves 
Parse: Reflexive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἑαυτοῦ  
Sense: himself, herself, itself, themselves.
πρόσκαιροί  temporary 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: πρόσκαιρος  
Sense: for a season.
γενομένης  having  arisen 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
θλίψεως  tribulation 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: θλῖψις  
Sense: a pressing, pressing together, pressure.
διωγμοῦ  persecution 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: διωγμός  
Sense: persecution.
διὰ  on  account  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
λόγον  word 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
εὐθὺς  immediately 
Parse: Adverb
Root: εὐθέως  
Sense: straightway, immediately, forthwith.
σκανδαλίζονται  they  fall  away 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: σκανδαλίζω  
Sense: to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, metaph. to offend.