Mark 4:20

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

And {G2532} these {G3778} are {G1526} they which are sown {G4687} on {G1909} good {G2570} ground {G1093}; such as {G3748} hear {G191} the word {G3056}, and {G2532} receive {G3858} it, and {G2532} bring forth fruit {G2592}, some {G1520} thirtyfold {G5144}, some {G2532}{G1520} sixty {G1835}, and {G2532} some {G1520} an hundred {G1540}.

But those sown on rich soil hear the message, accept it and bear fruit -- thirty, sixty or a hundredfold."

Still others are like the seeds sown on good soil. They hear the word, receive it, and produce a crop—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold.”

And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.

Mark 4:20 is part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, detailing the characteristics of those who genuinely embrace God's Word and live a fruitful life. This verse describes the "good ground" where the seed (the Word of God) thrives, distinguishing it from the other types of soil that fail to produce a lasting harvest.

Context

This verse concludes Jesus' interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, which He shared with His disciples after teaching the crowds. The parable uses the agricultural metaphor of a sower casting seed on various types of ground to illustrate different responses to the gospel message. While the first three types of ground (the wayside, stony places, and thorny ground, as explained in Mark 4:15-19) represent those who hear the word but do not allow it to take root or flourish, Mark 4:20 focuses on the successful outcome: the good ground that yields an abundant harvest.

Key Themes

  • Receptivity to God's Word: The primary characteristic of the "good ground" is not just hearing, but actively "receiving" the word. This implies an open heart, a willingness to understand, and a commitment to obey the divine message.
  • Spiritual Fruitfulness: The ultimate sign of genuine reception is the production of "fruit." This fruit signifies spiritual growth, transformation of character, righteous living, and a positive impact on the world, often leading others to faith.
  • Varying Degrees of Yield: The mention of "thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred" highlights that while all genuine believers will bear fruit, the abundance of that fruit can vary. This acknowledges individual differences in spiritual maturity, gifts, and circumstances, yet affirms that productivity is expected from all who truly receive the Word.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "hear" is akouo, which implies more than just perceiving sound; it suggests active listening and understanding.
  • The word for "receive" (Greek: dechomai or paradechomai in similar contexts) conveys the idea of welcoming, accepting, and taking hold of something. It denotes a willing and receptive attitude, contrasting with a superficial or resistant hearing.
  • "Fruit" (Greek: karpos) is a rich biblical term. In this context, it refers to the spiritual produce of a life transformed by the Word, often interpreted as the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), good works, or leading others to Christ.

Practical Application

Mark 4:20 challenges believers to examine the condition of their own hearts. Are we merely hearing the Word, or are we truly receiving it with an open mind and a receptive spirit? To be "good ground" means cultivating an environment where God's Word can deeply root and flourish. This involves:

  • Active Listening: Engaging with the Scriptures thoughtfully, seeking to understand their meaning.
  • Obedience: Putting the Word into practice in daily life, allowing it to transform our attitudes and actions.
  • Perseverance: Remaining steadfast in faith, even amidst challenges, trusting that God will bring forth His intended harvest.

Just as a farmer prepares the soil for a bountiful crop, believers are called to prepare their hearts to receive and live out God's truth, leading to a life that honors Him and bears lasting spiritual fruit. As Jesus also taught, those who abide in Him will bear much fruit.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Luke 8:15

    But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

  • John 15:4

    Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

  • John 15:5

    I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

  • Mark 4:8

    And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

  • Matthew 13:23

    But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
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