Mark 4:28

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

Of itself, the earth bears fruit—first a plant, then an ear, then full grain in the ear.

Latin

Ultro enim terra fructificat, primum herbam, deinde spicam, deinde plenum frumentum in spica.

Interlinear

Greek

English

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

Notes

Mark 4:26–29

This parable focuses on the seed and how it grows over time.
Just as the earth produces crops on its own, the completion (final coming) of God’s kingdom does not depend on human effort.
first the stalk, then the head, then the grain that ripens within: These describe the normal stages of a seed’s growth.

Mark 4:26–34

Mark now gives additional seed parables (see 4:3–20). They all focus on "the mystery of the kingdom of God" (4:11). The parables of the seed growing secretly (4:26–29) and the mustard seed (4:30–32) show different stages of seed growth.

The kingdom of God is hidden (4:21). But growth is certain (4:26–29). The outcome will be great (4:32).

Mark 4:1–34

In this section, Mark gathers several teaching parables of Jesus. A parable is a short story that teaches a spiritual truth.

Theme notes and profiles

The Coming of God’s Kingdom The Secret of the Messiah

Events

Seaside Parables and Miraclec. AD 28

Related verses

Philippians 1:9–11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
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.
Mark 4:31–32
It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth.
Matthew 13:26
When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.
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.
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,
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,
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.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
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.
Psalm 92:13–14
Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Mark, Gospel of

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Corn in Valleys Jesus, the Christ: Parable of Seed Growing Secretly Jesus, the Christ: Parable of the Tares and Other Teachings (In Galilee) Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Man Who Sowed Good Seed Parables: Parables of Christ: Seed Growing Secretly Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Sermon: Beside Lake Galilee Symbols and Similitudes of the Holy Spirit: Imperceptible The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Rain and Dew: Imperceptible Word of God: Compared: To Seed

Mark 4:28

Translations?

Interlinear?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?