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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 4:28 All by itself the earth produces a crop--first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/4-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/41_Mrk_04_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 4:28 - The Seed Growing Secretly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="All by itself the earth produces a crop--first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/4-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/4-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/4-27.htm" title="Mark 4:27">◄</a> Mark 4:28 <a href="/mark/4-29.htm" title="Mark 4:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/4.htm">New International Version</a> All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. <a href="/nlt/mark/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/mark/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. <a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. <a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Of itself, the earth brings forth fruit--first a plant, then an ear, then full grain in the ear. <a href="/kjv/mark/4.htm">King James Bible</a> For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. <a href="/nkjv/mark/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. <a href="/nasb_/mark/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The soil produces crops by itself; first the stalk, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. <a href="/nasb/mark/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. <a href="/nasb77/mark/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. <a href="/lsb/mark/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. <a href="/amp/mark/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head [of grain], then the mature grain in the head. <a href="/csb/mark/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. <a href="/hcsb/mark/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head. <a href="/asv/mark/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. <a href="/cev/mark/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain. <a href="/erv/mark/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. <a href="/gwt/mark/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The ground produces grain by itself. First the green blade appears, then the head, then the head full of grain. <a href="/gnt/mark/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/mark/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> the ground produces grain by itself—first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. <a href="/msb/mark/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. <a href="/net/mark/4.htm">NET Bible</a> By itself the soil produces a crop, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. <a href="/nheb/mark/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The earth bears fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. <a href="/wbt/mark/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the earth bringeth forth fruit of itself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. <a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Of itself the land produces the crop-- first the blade, then the ear; afterwards the perfect grain is seen in the ear. <a href="/web/mark/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for of itself the earth bears fruit, first a blade, afterward an ear, afterward full grain in the ear; <a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Of itself, the earth brings forth fruit--first a plant, then an ear, then full grain in the ear. <a href="/ylt/mark/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for of itself doth the earth bear fruit, first a blade, afterwards an ear, afterwards full corn in the ear; <a href="/slt/mark/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For the earth bears fruit spontaneously; first the grass, then the ear, then the full wheat in the ear.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the earth of itself bringeth forth fruit, first the blade, then the ear, afterwards the full corn in the ear. <a href="/cpdv/mark/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear. <a href="/nabre/mark/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “For the earth produces fruit itself; first shall be the blade and afterward the ear, then finally the full wheat in the ear.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For the earth, of its own accord, produces fruit, first the blade; then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. <a href="/godbey/mark/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>The earth spontaneously brings forth fruit; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/mark/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for the earth, naturally prolific, beareth fruit; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. <a href="/mace/mark/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. <a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Of itself the land produces the crop-- first the blade, then the ear; afterwards the perfect grain is seen in the ear. <a href="/worrell/mark/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>The earth of itself bears fruit; first the blade, then the head, then the full grain in the head.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/mark/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For the earth produces fruit of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/mark/4-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=1099" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">The Seed Growing Secretly</a> …27Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how. 28<a href="/greek/844.htm" title="844: automatē (Adj-NFS) -- Of its own accord. From autos and the same as maten; self-moved, i.e. Spontaneous.">All by itself</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gē (N-NFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">earth</a> <a href="/greek/2592.htm" title="2592: karpophorei (V-PIA-3S) -- To bear fruit. From karpophoros; to be fertile.">produces a crop—</a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">first</a> <a href="/greek/5528.htm" title="5528: chorton (N-AMS) -- Grass, herbage, growing grain, hay. Apparently a primary word; a court or garden, i.e. herbage or vegetation.">the stalk,</a> <a href="/greek/1534.htm" title="1534: eita (Adv) -- A particle of succession, then, moreover.">then</a> <a href="/greek/4719.htm" title="4719: stachyn (N-AMS) -- A head of grain. From the base of histemi; a head of grain.">the head,</a> <a href="/greek/1534.htm" title="1534: eita (Adv) -- A particle of succession, then, moreover.">then</a> <a href="/greek/4621.htm" title="4621: siton (N-AMS) -- Wheat, grain. Also plural irregular neuter sita of uncertain derivation; grain, especially wheat.">grain</a> <a href="/greek/4134.htm" title="4134: plērēs (Adj-AMS) -- Full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with. From pletho; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete.">that ripens</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">within.</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4719.htm" title="4719: stachui (N-DMS) -- A head of grain. From the base of histemi; a head of grain."></a> 29And as soon as the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle, because the harvest has come.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/1-11.htm">Genesis 1:11-12</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10-11</a> 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. <a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6-7</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">Matthew 13:31-32</a> 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.” <a href="/john/12-24.htm">John 12:24</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-9</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/104-14.htm">Psalm 104:14</a> He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: <a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a> Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain. <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5-6</a> As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. / Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">2 Corinthians 9:10</a> Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. <a href="/luke/8-15.htm">Luke 8:15</a> But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop. <a href="/romans/8-19.htm">Romans 8:19-21</a> The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. / For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. <a href="/job/38-26.htm">Job 38:26-28</a> to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives, / to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass? / Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew? <a href="/jeremiah/5-24.htm">Jeremiah 5:24</a> They have not said in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rains, both autumn and spring, in season, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the earth brings forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.the earth.<a href="/genesis/1-11.htm">Genesis 1:11,12</a> 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… <a href="/genesis/2-4.htm">Genesis 2:4,5,9</a> 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, … <a href="/genesis/4-11.htm">Genesis 4:11,12</a> And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; … first.<a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Mark 4:31,32</a> 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: … <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a> 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.<a href="/psalms/92-13.htm">Psalm 92:13,14</a> Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God… blade.<a href="/matthew/13-26.htm">Matthew 13:26</a> But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/26-73.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/matthew/27-8.htm">Bears</a> <a href="/matthew/13-26.htm">Blade</a> <a href="/mark/2-23.htm">Corn</a> <a href="/mark/4-8.htm">Crop</a> <a href="/malachi/3-11.htm">Crops</a> <a href="/mark/4-24.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/4-20.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/mark/4-20.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/mark/4-17.htm">Full</a> <a href="/mark/4-19.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/mark/4-7.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/mark/3-21.htm">Head</a> <a href="/matthew/15-25.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/mark/3-25.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Mature</a> <a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Produces</a> <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">Soil</a> <a href="/hosea/8-7.htm">Stalk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/5-4.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/luke/13-9.htm">Bears</a> <a href="/revelation/14-16.htm">Blade</a> <a href="/luke/6-1.htm">Corn</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Crop</a> <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Crops</a> <a href="/mark/6-20.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/mark/6-21.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/mark/4-37.htm">Full</a> <a href="/mark/7-37.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/mark/4-38.htm">Head</a> <a href="/mark/5-29.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/luke/8-14.htm">Mature</a> <a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Produces</a> <a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Soil</a> <a href="/john/19-29.htm">Stalk</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 4</div>1. <a href="/mark/4-1.htm">The parable of the sower,</a> 14. <a href="/mark/4-14.htm">and the meaning thereof.</a> 21. <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.</a> 26. <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">The parable of the seed growing secretly;</a> 30. <a href="/mark/4-30.htm">and of the mustard seed.</a> 35. <a href="/mark/4-35.htm">Jesus stills the storm on the sea.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In Greek, the term used is "αὐτομάτη" (automate), from which we derive the English word "automatic." This suggests that the process of growth is divinely ordained and operates independently of human intervention. It reflects the sovereignty of God in the natural order, reminding us that while humans may plant and water, it is ultimately God who gives the increase (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">1 Corinthians 3:7</a>). This serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth, which occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, often beyond our understanding or control.the earth The Greek word for "earth" is "γῆ" (ge), which can refer to the physical ground or land. In the context of this parable, it symbolizes the world or the human heart, which receives the seed of God's Word. Historically, the earth has been seen as a source of life and sustenance, a creation of God that reflects His provision and care. Theologically, it reminds us of the parable of the sower earlier in <a href="/mark/4.htm">Mark 4</a>, where different types of soil represent different responses to the Gospel. The earth's role in producing a crop underscores the importance of a receptive heart to the Word of God.produces a crop The verb "produces" in Greek is "καρποφορεῖ" (karpophorei), meaning to bear or bring forth fruit. This indicates a process that is both natural and inevitable when conditions are right. The crop represents the fruitfulness of the Gospel in a believer's life, manifesting as spiritual maturity and good works. Historically, agriculture was central to the life and economy of ancient Israel, making this imagery particularly resonant with Jesus' audience. Spiritually, it encourages believers to trust in God's timing and process, knowing that faithful sowing of the Word will eventually lead to a harvest.first the stalk The "stalk" is the initial visible sign of growth, representing the early stages of spiritual development. In Greek, "χόρτος" (chortos) refers to grass or a blade, indicating something tender and new. This stage is crucial, as it shows that life has begun, but it is also vulnerable and requires nurturing. In the Christian life, this can be likened to the initial excitement and enthusiasm of new believers, who need guidance and discipleship to grow strong in their faith.then the head The "head" refers to the next stage of development, where the plant begins to mature. The Greek word "στάχυς" (stachys) denotes the ear of grain, which is a sign of impending fruitfulness. This stage signifies a deeper understanding and application of God's Word, as believers grow in wisdom and character. Historically, this would be a time of anticipation for the farmer, as the promise of a harvest becomes more certain. Spiritually, it encourages believers to persevere in their faith journey, trusting that God is bringing them to maturity.then grain that ripens within The final stage is the ripening of the grain, indicating full maturity and readiness for harvest. The Greek word "πῖπτω" (pipto) means to fall or to be ready, suggesting that the grain is now ready to fulfill its purpose. This represents the culmination of spiritual growth, where believers are fully equipped to serve God and others. In the historical context, this would be a time of joy and celebration for the farmer, as the hard work of planting and tending is rewarded. For Christians, it is a reminder of the ultimate goal of the Christian life: to bear fruit that glorifies God and advances His Kingdom.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm" title="In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.">Ecclesiastes 11:6</a>, "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. <a href="/commentaries/mark/4-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>All by itself αὐτομάτη (automatē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_844.htm">Strong's 844: </a> Of its own accord. From autos and the same as maten; self-moved, i.e. Spontaneous. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2592.htm">Strong's 2592: </a> To bear fruit. From karpophoros; to be fertile. first πρῶτον (prōton) Adverb - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly. [the] stalk, χόρτον (chorton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5528.htm">Strong's 5528: </a> Grass, herbage, growing grain, hay. Apparently a primary word; a 'court' or 'garden', i.e. herbage or vegetation. then εἶτα (eita) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1534.htm">Strong's 1534: </a> A particle of succession, then, moreover. [the] head, στάχυν (stachyn) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4719.htm">Strong's 4719: </a> A head of grain. From the base of histemi; a head of grain. then εἶτα (eita) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1534.htm">Strong's 1534: </a> A particle of succession, then, moreover. grain σῖτον (siton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4621.htm">Strong's 4621: </a> Wheat, grain. Also plural irregular neuter sita of uncertain derivation; grain, especially wheat. [that] ripens πλήρης (plērēs) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4134.htm">Strong's 4134: </a> Full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with. From pletho; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete. within. ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/4-28.htm">Mark 4:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/4-28.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 4:28 For the earth bears fruit: first (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/4-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 4:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 4:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/4-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 4:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 4:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>