Scripture Reading

Mark.3.31-Mark.4.29

Mark.3.31-Mark.4.29

Mark.3.31

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

Mark.3.31

Jesus responded, "Who do you think are my mother and brothers?"

Mark.3.31

Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.

Mark.3.31

Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him.

Mark.3.31

Jesus' mother and brothers arrived at the house where he was teaching. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them.

Mark.3.32

And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

Mark.3.32

Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, "Right here, right in front of you--my mother and my brothers.

Mark.3.32

A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."

Mark.3.32

And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."

Mark.3.32

There was a crowd around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you."

Mark.3.33

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

Mark.3.33

Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Mark.3.33

"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.

Mark.3.33

But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"

Mark.3.33

Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"

Mark.3.34

And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

Mark.3.34

Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!

Mark.3.34

Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!

Mark.3.34

And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!

Mark.3.34

Then he looked at those around him and said, "These are my mother and brothers.

Mark.3.35

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Mark.3.35

Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Mark.3.35

Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Mark.3.35

For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."

Mark.3.35

Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Mark.4.1

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Mark.4.1

He went back to teaching by the sea. A crowd built up to such a great size that he had to get into an offshore boat, using the boat as a pulpit as the people pushed to the water's edge.

Mark.4.1

Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge.

Mark.4.1

And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea.

Mark.4.1

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. There was such a large crowd along the shore that he got into a boat and sat down and spoke from there.

Mark.4.2

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Mark.4.2

He taught by using stories, many stories.

Mark.4.2

He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:

Mark.4.2

Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching:

Mark.4.2

He began to teach the people by telling many stories such as this one:

Mark.4.3

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

Mark.4.3

"Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed.

Mark.4.3

"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Mark.4.3

"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.

Mark.4.3

"Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.

Mark.4.4

And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

Mark.4.4

As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it.

Mark.4.4

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

Mark.4.4

And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it.

Mark.4.4

As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.

Mark.4.5

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.4.5

Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots,

Mark.4.5

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.

Mark.4.5

Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.

Mark.4.5

Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The plant sprang up quickly,

Mark.4.6

But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

Mark.4.6

so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly.

Mark.4.6

But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

Mark.4.6

But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.

Mark.4.6

but it soon wilted beneath the hot sun and died because the roots had no nourishment in the shallow soil.

Mark.4.7

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

Mark.4.7

Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it.

Mark.4.7

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.

Mark.4.7

And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.

Mark.4.7

Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades so that it produced no grain.

Mark.4.8

And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark.4.8

Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.

Mark.4.8

Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."

Mark.4.8

But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."

Mark.4.8

Still other seed fell on fertile soil and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted." Then he said,

Mark.4.9

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark.4.9

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

Mark.4.9

Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Mark.4.9

And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

Mark.4.9

"Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!"

Mark.4.10

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Mark.4.10

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories.

Mark.4.10

When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.

Mark.4.10

But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.

Mark.4.10

Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him, "What do your stories mean?"

Mark.4.11

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Mark.4.11

He told them, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom--you know how it works. But to those who can't see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight.

Mark.4.11

He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables

Mark.4.11

And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,

Mark.4.11

He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secret about the Kingdom of God. But I am using these stories to conceal everything about it from outsiders,

Mark.4.12

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Mark.4.12

These are people--Whose eyes are open but don't see a thing, Whose ears are open but don't understand a word, Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven."

Mark.4.12

so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"

Mark.4.12

so that "Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them."'

Mark.4.12

so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: 'They see what I do, but they don't perceive its meaning. They hear my words, but they don't understand. So they will not turn from their sins and be forgiven.'

Mark.4.13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Mark.4.13

He continued, "Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way.

Mark.4.13

Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?

Mark.4.13

And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?

Mark.4.13

"But if you can't understand this story, how will you understand all the others I am going to tell?

Mark.4.14

The sower soweth the word.

Mark.4.14

"The farmer plants the Word.

Mark.4.14

The farmer sows the word.

Mark.4.14

The sower sows the word.

Mark.4.14

The farmer I talked about is the one who brings God's message to others.

Mark.4.15

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Mark.4.15

Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them.

Mark.4.15

Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

Mark.4.15

And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Mark.4.15

The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the message, but then Satan comes at once and takes it away from them.

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;

Mark.4.16

"And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm.

Mark.4.16

Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

Mark.4.16

These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Mark.4.16

The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy.

Mark.4.17

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.4.17

But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.

Mark.4.17

But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Mark.4.17

and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.

Mark.4.17

But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word.

Mark.4.18

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Mark.4.18

"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news

Mark.4.18

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;

Mark.4.18

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word,

Mark.4.18

The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News,

Mark.4.19

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Mark.4.19

but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.

Mark.4.19

but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Mark.4.19

and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Mark.4.19

but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced.

Mark.4.20

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark.4.20

"But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams."

Mark.4.20

Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."

Mark.4.20

But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."

Mark.4.20

But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted."

Mark.4.21

And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

Mark.4.21

Jesus went on: "Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don't you put it up on a table or on the mantel?

Mark.4.21

He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?

Mark.4.21

Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?

Mark.4.21

Then Jesus asked them, "Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed to shut out the light? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.

Mark.4.22

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Mark.4.22

We're not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open.

Mark.4.22

For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

Mark.4.22

For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.

Mark.4.22

"Everything that is now hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light.

Mark.4.23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark.4.23

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?

Mark.4.23

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

Mark.4.23

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

Mark.4.23

Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!

Mark.4.24

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Mark.4.24

"Listen carefully to what I am saying--and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way.

Mark.4.24

"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more.

Mark.4.24

Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

Mark.4.24

And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand--and even more, besides.

Mark.4.25

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Mark.4.25

Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."

Mark.4.25

Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

Mark.4.25

For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."

Mark.4.25

To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them."

Mark.4.26

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

Mark.4.26

Then Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man

Mark.4.26

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.

Mark.4.26

And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground,

Mark.4.26

Jesus also said, "Here is another illustration of what the Kingdom of God is like: A farmer planted seeds in a field,

Mark.4.27

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

Mark.4.27

who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows--he has no idea how it happens.

Mark.4.27

Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

Mark.4.27

and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.

Mark.4.27

and then he went on with his other activities. As the days went by, the seeds sprouted and grew without the farmer's help,

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.

Mark.4.28

The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain.

Mark.4.28

All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.

Mark.4.28

For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.

Mark.4.28

because the earth produces crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.

Mark.4.29

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

Mark.4.29

When the grain is fully formed, he reaps--harvest time!

Mark.4.29

As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

Mark.4.29

But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

Mark.4.29

And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle."