Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. New Living Translation The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. English Standard Version The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Berean Standard Bible All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. Berean Literal Bible Of itself, the earth bears fruit—first a plant, then an ear, then full grain in the ear. King James Bible For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. New King James Version For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. New American Standard Bible The soil produces crops by itself; first the stalk, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. NASB 1995 “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. NASB 1977 “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. Legacy Standard Bible The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. Amplified Bible The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head [of grain], then the mature grain in the head. Berean Annotated Bible All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. Christian Standard Bible The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. Holman Christian Standard Bible The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head. American Standard Version The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Contemporary English Version It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain. English Revised Version The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. GOD'S WORD® Translation The ground produces grain by itself. First the green blade appears, then the head, then the head full of grain. Good News Translation The soil itself makes the plants grow and bear fruit; first the tender stalk appears, then the head, and finally the head full of grain. International Standard Version the ground produces grain by itself—first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. NET Bible By itself the soil produces a crop, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. New Heart English Bible The earth bears fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Webster's Bible Translation For the earth bringeth forth fruit of itself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Weymouth New Testament Of itself the land produces the crop-- first the blade, then the ear; afterwards the perfect grain is seen in the ear. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor all by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. World English Bible For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor of itself the earth bears fruit, first a blade, afterward an ear, afterward full grain in the ear; Berean Literal Bible Of itself, the earth bears fruit—first a plant, then an ear, then full grain in the ear. Young's Literal Translation for of itself doth the earth bear fruit, first a blade, afterwards an ear, afterwards full corn in the ear; Smith's Literal Translation For the earth bears fruit spontaneously; first the grass, then the ear, then the full wheat in the ear. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the earth of itself bringeth forth fruit, first the blade, then the ear, afterwards the full corn in the ear. Catholic Public Domain Version For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear. New American Bible Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. New Revised Standard Version The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the earth causes it to yield fruit; and yet first it becomes a blade of grass, then an ear, and at last a full grain in the ear. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “For the earth produces fruit itself; first shall be the blade and afterward the ear, then finally the full wheat in the ear.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor the earth, of its own accord, produces fruit, first the blade; then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament for the earth, naturally prolific, beareth fruit; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. Mace New Testament for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. Weymouth New Testament Of itself the land produces the crop-- first the blade, then the ear; afterwards the perfect grain is seen in the ear. Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Seed Growing Secretly…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.”… Cross References All by itself the earth produces a crop— Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.” And it was so. / The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Psalm 104:14 He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: Psalm 67:6 The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. first the stalk, 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. Hosea 14:5-6 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. / His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. Job 14:7-9 For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. / If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, / at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling. then the head, Exodus 9:31-32 (Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom; / but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed, because they are late crops.) Genesis 41:5-7 but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. / After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind. / And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream. then grain that ripens within. Revelation 14:15-16 Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest, for the crop of the earth is ripe.” / So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. Hebrews 6:7-8 For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. / But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. James 5:7-8 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Isaiah 55:10-11 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. Matthew 13:31-32 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. / Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” John 12:24 Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Treasury of Scripture For the earth brings forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. the earth. Genesis 1:11,12 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so… Genesis 2:4,5,9 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, … Genesis 4:11,12 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; … first. Mark 4:31,32 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: … Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 92:13,14 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God… blade. Matthew 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. Jump to Previous Afterwards Bears Blade Corn Crop Crops Ear Earth First Forth Fruit Full Gives Grain Head Herself Itself Mature Perfect Produces Soil StalkJump to Next Afterwards Bears Blade Corn Crop Crops Ear Earth First Forth Fruit Full Gives Grain Head Herself Itself Mature Perfect Produces Soil StalkMark 4 1. The parable of the sower,14. and the meaning thereof. 21. We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others. 26. The parable of the seed growing secretly; 30. and of the mustard seed. 35. Jesus stills the storm on the sea. All by itself the earth produces a crop— This phrase emphasizes the natural and automatic process of growth, reflecting the divine order established by God in creation. It suggests that the Kingdom of God grows according to its own divine principles, independent of human intervention. This aligns with Genesis 1:11-12, where God commands the earth to bring forth vegetation. The imagery of the earth producing a crop also connects to the parable of the sower earlier in Mark 4, illustrating the mysterious and sovereign work of God in the growth of His Kingdom. first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this parable, Jesus uses agricultural imagery to teach about the Kingdom of God. 2. The Earth Represents the natural process of growth and the Kingdom of God, which grows in ways that are often unseen and mysterious to human understanding. 3. The Crop Symbolizes the fruit of the Kingdom of God, which develops progressively and inevitably. 4. The Stalk, Head, and Grain These stages of growth illustrate the gradual and orderly process of spiritual development and maturity. 5. The Kingdom of God The central theme of Jesus' teaching, represented by the growth of the crop. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty in GrowthRecognize that spiritual growth is ultimately under God's control, much like the natural growth of crops. Patience in Spiritual Development Understand that spiritual maturity is a process that unfolds over time, requiring patience and trust in God's timing. Active Participation in God's Work While growth is God's work, believers are called to sow seeds of faith and righteousness, participating actively in the Kingdom. Faith in the Unseen Trust in the unseen work of God, knowing that He is at work even when we do not perceive immediate results. Hope in the Harvest Maintain hope and perseverance, looking forward to the eventual harvest of righteousness and spiritual fruit. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 4:28?2. How does Mark 4:28 illustrate God's role in spiritual growth and maturity? 3. What can we learn about patience from "first the stalk, then the head"? 4. How does Mark 4:28 connect with the parable of the sower in Mark 4? 5. In what ways can we nurture our spiritual growth as described in Mark 4:28? 6. How can we apply the growth process in Mark 4:28 to our daily lives? 7. What does Mark 4:28 reveal about God's role in spiritual growth and human responsibility? 8. How does Mark 4:28 illustrate the process of spiritual maturity in a believer's life? 9. What is the significance of the phrase "the soil produces a crop by itself" in Mark 4:28? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 4? 11. Mark 9:1 - How can Jesus' statement that some listeners would not die before seeing God's kingdom be reconciled with modern understanding of events? 12. Were the women informed about Jesus' body's fate? Yes, by a young man/angels (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; Matthew 28:7). No, Mary found the tomb empty and was confused (John 20:2). 13. Did Jesus speak secretly? John 18:20 says no, but Mark 4:34 and Matthew 13:10-11 suggest he explained parables privately to his disciples. 14. If Jesus was God, why did He say the Father was greater than Him (John 14:28)? What Does Mark 4:28 Mean All by itselfJesus says, “All by itself the earth produces a crop” (Mark 4:28). • The seed’s growth is independent of the farmer’s ongoing effort; God makes life happen. See 1 Corinthians 3:6-7—“neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” • This highlights God’s sovereign, unseen work in hearts after His Word is sown (Isaiah 55:10-11). • Philippians 1:6 assures us He “who began a good work in you will perfect it,” echoing the same certainty. the earth produces a crop • Creation itself, designed by God, cooperates with His purposes (Genesis 1:11-12). • Just as soil yields grain, receptive hearts yield spiritual fruit (James 5:7; Psalm 67:6). • The crop is inevitable when the seed is viable and the soil is responsive—an encouragement that God’s Word never returns void. first the stalk • The first visible sign of life is small and fragile, yet unmistakable. Early spiritual growth may look modest, but it is real (Hebrews 6:1). • Jesus’ words in John 4:35, “look at the fields…they are ripe for harvest,” remind us to recognize and celebrate initial evidence of God’s work. • Add to your faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. (2 Peter 1:5-8); these early shoots point to a healthy plant. then the head • Maturing faith develops structure and stability. Colossians 2:6-7 speaks of being “rooted and built up in Him.” • The head of grain forms before the kernels appear, illustrating that God establishes character before abundance. • Ephesians 4:13-15 calls believers to grow “to mature adulthood,” no longer tossed by every wind of teaching. then grain that ripens within • Full kernels picture Christlike fruit in attitudes and actions—“the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Ripening points forward to harvest time; Matthew 13:30 and Revelation 14:15 both describe God’s appointed gathering of what He has grown. • The process ends not in mere growth but in readiness for the Master’s use and His ultimate glory. summary Mark 4:28 assures us that once God’s Word is planted, He oversees a steady, orderly, unmistakable progression: unseen beginnings, visible shoots, stable structure, and finally rich, ripe fruit fit for harvest. Our role is to sow faithfully and trust the Lord of the harvest to bring about His guaranteed, glorious results. (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 Ecclesiastes 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. Greek All by itselfαὐτομάτη (automatē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 844: Of its own accord. From autos and the same as maten; self-moved, i.e. Spontaneous. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. earth γῆ (gē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. produces a crop— καρποφορεῖ (karpophorei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2592: To bear fruit. From karpophoros; to be fertile. first πρῶτον (prōton) Adverb - Superlative Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly. [the] stalk, χόρτον (chorton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5528: Grass, herbage, growing grain, hay. Apparently a primary word; a 'court' or 'garden', i.e. herbage or vegetation. then εἶτα (eita) Adverb Strong's 1534: A particle of succession, then, moreover. [the] head, στάχυν (stachyn) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4719: A head of grain. From the base of histemi; a head of grain. then εἶτα (eita) Adverb Strong's 1534: A particle of succession, then, moreover. grain σῖτον (siton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4621: Wheat, grain. Also plural irregular neuter sita of uncertain derivation; grain, especially wheat. [that] ripens πλήρης (plērēs) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4134: Full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with. From pletho; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete. within. ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Links Mark 4:28 NIVMark 4:28 NLT Mark 4:28 ESV Mark 4:28 NASB Mark 4:28 KJV Mark 4:28 BibleApps.com Mark 4:28 Biblia Paralela Mark 4:28 Chinese Bible Mark 4:28 French Bible Mark 4:28 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 4:28 For the earth bears fruit: first (Mar Mk Mr) |
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