Mark 4:3

Ἀκούετε. Hear ye. This translation preserves the resemblance to Deuteronomy 6:4 (quoted Mark 12:29), and also shows the connexion between the opening note and the concluding one, “let him hear” (Mark 4:9). This preparatory “Hear ye” is preserved by Mk alone. The people on the beach were talking to one another, and it was necessary more than once (ἔλεγεν) to call their attention: ἰδού serves the same purpose. Cf. Proverbs 4:1; Proverbs 5:1; Proverbs 22:17; Sir 3:1, etc.

ὁ σπείρων. The sower, the representative of his class. Winer, p. 132. The art. is in all three, and in all three places is ignored in A.V.; cf. Mark 2:16; Mark 3:13; Mark 4:13; Mark 5:13; Mark 11:4; Mark 13:28; Mark 14:66. Moreover, A.V. varies the order of the opening words, although the Greek order is the same in all three Gospels.

σπεῖραι. The infin. of purpose is often preceded by τοῦ. Lk. is specially fond of τοῦ in this connexion, and both Mt. and Lk. have it here. Winer, p. 408.