Discovery BoxMark 4:29 
Context4:29 And when the grain is ripe, he sends in the sickle 1 because the harvest has come.” 2
Mark 6:52
Context6:52 because they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Mark 10:5
Context10:5 But Jesus said to them, “He wrote this commandment for you because of your hard hearts. 3
Mark 15:10
Context15:10 (For he knew that the chief priests had handed him over because of envy.) 4
1 tn The Greek word εὐθύς (euqus, often translated “immediately” or “right away”) has not been translated here. It sometimes occurs with a weakened, inferential use (BDAG 406 s.v. 2), not contributing significantly to the flow of the narrative. For further discussion, see R. J. Decker, Temporal Deixis of the Greek Verb in the Gospel of Mark with Reference to Verbal Aspect (SBG 10), 73-77.
2 sn Because the harvest has come. This parable is found only in Mark (cf. Matt 13:24-30) and presents a complete picture of the coming of God’s kingdom: (1) sowing; (2) growth; (3) harvest. Some understand the parable as a reference to evangelism. While this is certainly involved, it does not seem to be the central idea. In contrast to the parable of the sower which emphasizes the quality of the different soils, this parable emphasizes the power of the seed to cause growth (with the clear implication that the mysterious growth of the kingdom is accomplished by God), apart from human understanding and observation.
3 tn Grk “heart” (a collective singular).
4 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author.
