Mark 4:28

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Mark 4:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within.

King James Version KJV

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

American Standard Version ASV

The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The earth gives fruit by herself; first the leaf, then the head, then the full grain.

Free Bible Version FBV

The earth produces a harvest by itself. First a shoot appears, then the heads of grain, and then the heads of grain ripen.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the earth bringeth foorth fruite of it selfe, first the blade, then the eares, after that full corne in the eares.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for of itself doth the earth bear fruit, first a blade, afterwards an ear, afterwards full corn in the ear;

World English Bible WEB

For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of itself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For the earth of itself bringeth forth fruit, first the blade, then the ear, afterwards the full corn in the ear.

Translation for Translators T4T

First the stalks appeared. Then the heads appeared. Then the full kernels in the heads appeared.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 4:28

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Mark 4:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αυτοματη γαρ η γη καρποφορει πρωτον χορτον ειτα σταχυν ειτα πληρη σιτον εν τω σταχυι

αυτοματη automatos G844 by itself Adj-NSF

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

γη gē G1093 earth: soil Noun-NSF

καρποφορει karpophoreō G2592 to bear fruit Verb-PAI-3S

πρωτον prōton G4412 first Adv-S

χορτον chortos G5528 grass Noun-ASM

ειτα eita G1534 then Adv

σταχυν stachus G4719 head of grain Noun-ASM

ειτα eita G1534 then Adv

πληρη plērēs G4134 full Adj-ASM

σιτον sitos G4621 grain Noun-ASM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM

σταχυι stachus G4719 head of grain Noun-DSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Mark 4:28

αυτοματη automatos G844 "by itself" Adj-NSF

This word means something happens by itself, like in Mark 4:28 where the earth produces crops automatically. It describes actions that occur naturally or spontaneously.

Definition: αὐτόματος -ον, and -η, -ον (etym. doubtful; see Boisacq, Prellwitz, see word), [in LXX, Lev.25:5, 11, 4Ki.19:29 (סָפִיחַ), Jos.6:5, Job.24:24, Wis.17:6 * ;] __1. of persons, acting of one's own will. __2. Of inanimate things and natural agencies, of itself, of its own accord: γῆ Mrk.4:28 (MM, see word); πύλη, Act.12:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: of own accord, of self See also: Acts 12:10; Mark 4:28.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

γη gē G1093 "earth: soil" Noun-NSF

The Greek word for earth or ground, referring to soil, a region, or the entire globe, as seen in Luke 21:35 and Acts 1:8.

Definition: γῆ, γῆς, ἡ, [in LXX for אֲדָמָה ,אֶרֶץ, etc. ;] __1. the earth, world: Luk.21:35, Act.1:8, Heb.11:13, Rev.3:10, al.; opposite to οὐρανός, Mat.5:18 11:25, Mrk.13:27, al. __2. land; __(a) opposite to sea or water: Mrk.4:1, Luk.5:3, Jhn.6:21, al.; __(b) as subject to cultivation: Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:8, Luk.13:7, Heb.6:7, al.; __(with) the ground: Mat.10:29, Mrk.8:6, Luk.24:5, Jhn.8:6, al.; __(d) a region, country: Luk.4:25, Rom.9:28, Jas.5:17; γῆ Ἰσραήλ, Mat.2:20, 21; Χαλδαίων, Act.7:4; ἡ Ἰουδαία γῆ, Jhn.3:22; with genitive of person(s), Act.7:3. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 224 NT verses. KJV: country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world See also: 1 Corinthians 8:5; Mark 4:1; Hebrews 1:10.

καρποφορει karpophoreō G2592 "to bear fruit" Verb-PAI-3S

To bear fruit means to produce good results, like a plant growing and giving fruit. Jesus taught about this in Matthew 13:23 and Mark 4:20. It's about living a life that shows good things happening.

Definition: καρπο-φορέω, -ῶ [in LXX: Hab.3:17 (פָּרַח), Wis.10:7 * ;] to bear fruit: χόρτον, Mrk.4:28 (cf. Wis, l.with). Metaphorical, of conduct: Mat.13:23, Mrk.4:20, Luk.8:15, Rom.7:4-5, Col.1:10; mid., Col.1:6.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: be (bear, bring forth) fruit(-ful) See also: Colossians 1:6; Mark 4:28; Romans 7:4.

πρωτον prōton G4412 "first" Adv-S

The word for first in time, place, or importance, used in Ephesians 4:22 and John 7:50. It can also mean before or formerly, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:15 and Hebrews 4:6.

Definition: πρῶτον, πρῶτος, see: πρότερος A. Compar., πρότερος, -α, -ον, [in LXX for רִאשׁוֹן ,לִפָנִים, etc. ;] before, of time, place, rank, etc.; in NT always of Time, before, former: Eph.4:22. Adverbially, πρότερον, before, aforetime, formerly: Jhn.7:50, 2Co.1:15, Heb.4:6; opposite to ἔπειτα, Heb.7:27; τὸ π., Jhn.6:62 9:8, Gal.4:13, 1Ti.1:13; αἱ π. ἡμέραι, Heb.10:32; αἱ π. ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.1:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 60 NT verses. KJV: before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all) See also: 1 Corinthians 11:18; Luke 10:5; 1 Peter 4:17.

χορτον chortos G5528 "grass" Noun-ASM

This word refers to grass or herbage, often used to describe a place for pasture, as in Matthew 13:26 and Mark 6:39.

Definition: χόρτος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for עֶשֶׂב, also for חָצִיר, etc. ;] __1. an enclosure, a feeding place (Hom.). __2. food, esp. for cattle, grass: Mat.13:26 14:19, Mrk.4:28 6:39, Luk.12:28, Jhn.6:10, 1Co.3:12, Jas.1:10-11, 1Pe.1:24" (LXX), Rev.9:4; χ. χλωρός, Mrk.6:39, Rev.8:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: blade, grass, hay See also: 1 Corinthians 3:12; Mark 4:28; 1 Peter 1:24.

ειτα eita G1534 "then" Adv

The Greek word for 'then' shows sequence or time, like in Mark 8:25 and 1 Timothy 3:10. It can also mean 'moreover' or 'next' in a list. This word helps us understand when and how events happen in the Bible.

Definition: εἶτα adv., denoting sequence; __1. of time; then, next: Mrk.8:25, Luk.8:12, Jhn.13:5 19:27 20:27, 1Ti.3:10, Jas.1:15; before genitive abs., Mrk.4:17; in enumerations, 1Co.15:5 15:7 15:24, 1Ti.2:13. __2. In argument; __(a) therefore, then, __(b) furthermore: Heb.12:9 (cf. εἶτεν).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: after that(-ward), furthermore, then See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; James 1:15; Hebrews 12:9.

σταχυν stachus G4719 "head of grain" Noun-ASM

A head of grain is the top part of a grain plant, as seen in Matthew 12:1 and Mark 2:23. Jesus used grain to teach about growth and harvest.

Definition: στάχυς, -υος, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for שִׁבֹּל ;] an ear of corn: Mat.12:1, Mrk.2:23 4:28, Luk.6:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: ear (of corn) See also: Luke 6:1; Mark 4:28; Matthew 12:1.

ειτα eita G1534 "then" Adv

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: after that(-ward), furthermore, then See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; James 1:15; Hebrews 12:9.

πληρη plērēs G4134 "full" Adj-ASM

Something that is full is complete or filled up, like the baskets in Matthew 14:20. This can be physical or spiritual, like being full of faith or the Holy Spirit.

Definition: πλήρης, -ες [in LXX chiefly for מָלֵא ;] __1. full, filled: Mat.14:20 15:37; with genitive of thing(s), Mrk.8:19; λέπρας, Luk.5:12; metaphorically, of the soul: πνεύματος ἀγίου, Luk.4:1, Act.6:3 7:55 11:24; πίστεως, Act.6:5; χάριτος, ib. Act.6:8; χ. καὶ ἀληθείας (where π. is indecl.; see M, Pr., 50; Milligan, NTD, 65, with reff. in each), Jhn.1:14; δόλου, Act.13:10; θυμοῦ, Act.19:28; ἔργων ἀγαθῶν, Act.9:36. __2. full, complete: μισθός, II Jn 8; σῖτος (π. prob. indecl. here; see on Jhn.1:14, supr.), Mrk.4:28.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: full See also: 2 John 1:8; Acts 19:28; Matthew 15:37.

σιτον sitos G4621 "grain" Noun-ASM

This word means grain, especially wheat. It is used in many parts of the New Testament, including Matthew 3:12 and Luke 12:18, to describe wheat or corn. The KJV translation is 'corn' or 'wheat'.

Definition: σῖτος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for דָּגָן ;] wheat, corn: Mat.3:12 13:25, 29-30 Mrk.4:28, Luk.3:17 12:18 16:7 22:32, Jhn.12:24, Act.27:38, 1Co.15:37, Rev.6:6 18:13.† σιτίοι, -ου, τό (dimin. of σῖτος), [in LXX: Pro.30:22 (לֶחֶם)* ;] __1. corn, grain: Act.7:12 (but see 131., § 9, 1). __2. Mostly in pl., σιτία, bread, food, provisions (LXX, l.with, Hdt., al.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: corn, wheat See also: 1 Corinthians 15:37; Mark 4:28; Revelation 6:6.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σταχυι stachus G4719 "head of grain" Noun-DSM

A head of grain is the top part of a grain plant, as seen in Matthew 12:1 and Mark 2:23. Jesus used grain to teach about growth and harvest.

Definition: στάχυς, -υος, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for שִׁבֹּל ;] an ear of corn: Mat.12:1, Mrk.2:23 4:28, Luk.6:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: ear (of corn) See also: Luke 6:1; Mark 4:28; Matthew 12:1.

Study Notes — Mark 4:28

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Mark 4:28 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 4:28
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Sermons on Mark 4:28

Context — The Seed Growing Secretly

26Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. 27Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how.

28All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within.

29And as soon as the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle, because the harvest has come. ” 30Then He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 4:31–32	It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.”
2	Hosea 6:3	So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.
3	Philippians 1:9–11	And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
4	Ecclesiastes 3:11	He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.
5	Colossians 1:10	so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
6	Philippians 1:6	being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7	Isaiah 61:11	For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden enables seed to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
8	Ecclesiastes 3:1	To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
9	Matthew 13:26	When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.
10	1 Thessalonians 3:12–13	And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Mark 4:28 Summary

This verse, Mark 4:28, tells us that the earth produces a crop all by itself, without any help from us, and it goes through different stages of growth, from the stalk to the head to the grain. This is like how our spiritual lives grow, we start with a small seed of faith, and over time, with God's help, it grows into something strong and fruitful, as seen in Matthew 13:31-32, where Jesus teaches about the mustard seed and the yeast. Just like a farmer waits for the crop to be ready, we need to be patient and trust that God is working in our lives, even when we can't see it, as expressed in Isaiah 40:31, 'those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the earth to produce a crop 'all by itself' in Mark 4:28?

This phrase highlights the miraculous and automatic nature of spiritual growth, similar to how the earth produces crops without human intervention, as seen in Psalm 104:14 where God gives us 'plants for man to cultivate' and in Isaiah 55:10-11 where God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish its purpose.

Why does the verse mention the specific stages of crop development, such as the stalk, head, and grain?

The stages of crop development illustrate the gradual and progressive nature of spiritual growth, emphasizing that just as a crop needs time to mature, our spiritual development is a process that unfolds over time, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 3:18 to 'be transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory'

How does this verse relate to our role in the kingdom of God?

This verse reminds us that while we have a part to play in scattering seed, as mentioned in Mark 4:26, the actual growth and development of the crop is beyond our control, and we must trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 8:28, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him'

What is the significance of the grain ripening within the head of the crop?

The ripening of the grain symbolizes the maturation of our faith and the readiness for harvest, as mentioned in Mark 4:29, where the grain is ripe and ready to be harvested, illustrating the idea that our spiritual growth will eventually lead to a time of reckoning and fruitfulness, as seen in Galatians 6:9, 'let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up'

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and let Him bring about growth and development, rather than trying to control the outcome?
How can I cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, just as a farmer waits for the crop to mature, and what scriptures can I meditate on to strengthen my faith?
In what ways can I 'scatter seed' in my daily life, and how can I trust that God will bring about a harvest, as mentioned in Matthew 13:3-9, where Jesus teaches about sowing seeds and reaping a harvest?
What does it mean for me to 'ripen' in my faith, and how can I cooperate with God's process of spiritual growth in my life, as encouraged in Hebrews 6:1, to 'leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity'

Gill's Exposition on Mark 4:28

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself,.... Without any further help, or cultivation from the husbandman; though under the influence of the sun, dews, and showers of rain from heaven: this is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 4:28

Ver. 28. See Poole on "6"

Trapp's Commentary on Mark 4:28

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Ver. 28. First the blade, then the ear] And the husbandman looks upon it with delight, in the hope of a harvest; so doth God take in good part our weak beginnings, while we strive to be better: his blessing is upon our very buds, Isaiah 44:3. The first springs in the womb of grace are precious to him, Ephesians 2:1.

Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 4:28

(28) The earth bringeth forth fruit of herself.—Stress is laid on the spontaneity of growth; and the lesson drawn from it is obviously one at once of patience and of faith. It is not well in the spiritual husbandry, either of the nations of the world or of individual souls, to be taking up the seeds to see whether they are growing. It is wiser to sow the seed, and to believe that sun and rain will quicken it. Thus, the words find an interesting parallel, like, and yet different, in the precept of Ecc 11:6, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” First the blade, then the ear.—Following the same lines as before, we have (1) three stages in the growth of the Church of Christ in the field of the world, and (2) three like stages representing the influence of the new truth on thoughts, purposes, acts, in the individual soul.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Mark 4:28

Verse 28. Bringeth forth - of herself] αυτοματη. By its own energy, without either the influence or industry of man. Similar to this is the expression of the poet: - Namque aliae, NULLIS HOMlNUM COGENTIBUS, ipsae SPONTE SUA veniunt. VIRG. Geor. l. ii. v. 10. "Some (trees) grow of their own accord, without the labour of man." All the endlessly varied herbage of the field is produced in this way. The full corn] πληρησιτον, FULL wheat; the perfect, full-grown, or ripe corn. Lucian uses κενοςκαρπος, EMPTY fruit, for imperfect, or unripe fruit. See Kypke. The kingdom of God, which is generated in the soul by the word of life, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, is first very small; there is only a blade, but this is full of promise, for a good blade shows there is a good seed at bottom, and that the soil in which it is sown is good also. Then the ear-the strong stalk grows up, and the ear is formed at the top; the faith and love of the believing soul increase abundantly; it is justified freely through the redemption that is in Christ; it has the ear which is shortly to be filled with the ripe grain, the outlines of the whole image of God. Then the full corn. The soul is purified from all unrighteousness; and, having escaped the corruption that is in the world, it is made a partaker of the Divine nature, and is filled with all the fulness of God.

Cambridge Bible on Mark 4:28

28. of herself] = of its own accord, spontaneously. It is used of the gate of St Peter’s prison opening of its own accord in Acts 12:10. first the blade] There is a law of orderly development in natural growth, so also is it in reference to spiritual growth; comp. 1 John 2:12-14. after that the full corn] or rather, then (there is) full corn in the ear.

Barnes' Notes on Mark 4:28

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself - That is, it is done without the power of man. It is done while man is engaged in other things.

Whedon's Commentary on Mark 4:28

26-29. Mark here gives a beautiful simile of our Lord, which is furnished by no other evangelist. It compares the growth of the word in the heart to the growth of the seed to full maturity and fruit.

Sermons on Mark 4:28

	Sermon	Description
	Take Heed How You Hear by Brian Brodersen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading the word of God. He shares how thousands of people have come to know Jesus Christ through the ministry and teachi
	The Kingdom of Heaven by George Warnock	George Warnock preaches about the rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David, signifying the day of the Royal Priesthood where Christ, as King and Priest, unites with believers to make
	The Soul's Growth in Grace by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual journey of growth in grace, comparing it to the changing seasons in the life of a believer. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing s
	When the Lights Go Out on the Road to Hell by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the pastor discusses the concept of judgment in the Bible. He emphasizes that all people will face a final judgment and meet God face to face. However, the focus of
	Worldwide the Need-Worldwide This Call! by Sarah Foulkes Moore	Sarah Foulkes Moore preaches on the power of fasting and prayer in times of trouble and the urgent need for revival through seeking the Lord wholeheartedly. She emphasizes the impo
	Of the Knowledge of God. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the critical importance of the knowledge of God as foundational to true godliness and experimental religion. He argues that without knowledge of God, there can
	The March of Time by Miles J. Stanford	Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and allowing His Spirit to work in us to bring about true growth and execution of His truths in our lives. He hig