Mark 4:17

17 But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once.

Mark 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 4:17

And have no root in themselves
The word has no root in their hearts, only in their natural affections: nor is the root of grace in them; there is no heart work, only speculative notions, and flashy affections:

and so endure but for a time:
they continue hearers and professors of the Gospel but for a small season; like the Jews, who rejoiced in the ministry of John the Baptist for a while, and then left him:

afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's
sake, immediately they are offended.
As soon as any small degree of trouble comes upon them, and especially when there is a hot persecution of the professors of religion, because of the Gospel they have embraced; such hearers are stumbled at these things, and cannot bear the loss of any thing, or endure any thing severe for the sake of the word they have professed a pleasure in; and therefore, rather than suffer, they relinquish at once their profession of it.

Mark 4:17 In-Context

15 Some people are like the seeds that fall along the path; as soon as they hear the message, Satan comes and takes it away.

16 Other people are like the seeds that fall on rocky ground. As soon as they hear the message, they receive it gladly.

17 But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once.

18 Other people are like the seeds sown among the thorn bushes. These are the ones who hear the message,

19 but the worries about this life, the love for riches, and all other kinds of desires crowd in and choke the message, and they don't bear fruit.