Mark 4:18

18 `And these are they who toward the thorns are sown: these are they who are hearing the word,

Mark 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 4:18

And these are they that are sown among thorns
Such hearers of the word are designed by the thorny ground, upon which other seed fell, as it was sown, who are of worldly dispositions; who are immoderately careful and anxious about the things of this life, and are bent upon acquiring earthly riches, and gratifying their carnal and sensual appetites:

such as hear the word;
who notwithstanding are prevailed upon through custom, or the dictates of their consciences, to attend upon the ministry of the word.

Mark 4:18 In-Context

16 `And these are they, in like manner, who on the rocky ground are sown: who, whenever they may hear the word, immediately with joy do receive it,
17 and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled.
18 `And these are they who toward the thorns are sown: these are they who are hearing the word,
19 and the anxieties of this age, and the deceitfulness of the riches, and the desires concerning the other things, entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20 `And these are they who on the good ground have been sown: who do hear the word, and receive, and do bear fruit, one thirty-fold, and one sixty, and one an hundred.'
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.