Mark 4:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:20 concludes Jesus' interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, illuminating the characteristics of those who genuinely embrace the divine message. It describes the "good ground" as individuals who not only hear God's word but also actively receive it into their hearts, allowing it to take deep root and produce abundant spiritual fruit, manifesting in varying degrees of impact and transformation within their lives and the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, found in [Mark 4:1-9](/mark/4-1-9 "Mark 4:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower"). After presenting the parable to a large crowd, Jesus withdraws with His disciples and privately explains its meaning, as recorded in [Mark 4:10-20](/mark/4-10-20 "Mark 4:10-20 - Jesus Explains the Parable"). The preceding verses ([Mark 4:15-19](/mark/4-15-19 "Mark 4:15-19 - The Wayside, Stony, and Thorny Ground")) detail the three types of unproductive soil, representing those who fail to yield fruit due to Satan's interference, shallow faith, or the choking effects of worldly concerns. Mark 4:20 stands in stark contrast, presenting the successful outcome and defining what it means to truly respond to the word of God. It acts as the positive conclusion to the interpretive section, emphasizing the desired spiritual outcome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Agriculture, particularly the sowing of seed, was a ubiquitous and deeply understood practice in first-century Galilee. Farmers would broadcast seed by hand over various types of terrain, including paths (wayside), shallow soil over rock, and ground infested with thorns, before plowing. This common experience made the parable highly relatable to Jesus' audience. The concept of "fruit" (Greek: _karpos_) was also culturally significant, representing not just agricultural produce but also the outcome or result of actions, character, or even a person's life. For a Jewish audience, the idea of bearing fruit was often tied to covenant faithfulness, righteousness, and obedience to God's law, as seen in prophetic literature like [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard") or [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7-8 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - The Blessed Man"). The varying yields (thirty, sixty, a hundredfold) reflect actual agricultural possibilities, though a hundredfold was exceptionally bountiful, symbolizing extraordinary blessing and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:20 profoundly contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent theme is **Receptivity to God's Word**, highlighting that merely hearing is insufficient; true spiritual growth requires an active, receptive heart that welcomes and embraces the message. This receptivity is contrasted with the superficiality of the wayside, the impulsiveness of the stony ground, and the divided loyalties of the thorny ground. Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Fruitfulness**, which is presented as the undeniable evidence of genuine reception. This "fruit" encompasses transformed character, righteous living, acts of obedience, and the propagation of the gospel, echoing the call for disciples to bear much fruit found in [John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Bearing Much Fruit"). Finally, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility** is subtly present. While God is the sower and the word is divine, the outcome is contingent upon the condition of the human heart, emphasizing the individual's responsibility to cultivate a receptive "ground." This verse underscores the expectation that genuine faith will inevitably lead to a productive life for God's glory, albeit with varying degrees of abundance, as illustrated by the "thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** From G2570, this word properly means "beautiful," but chiefly (figuratively) "good" (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous. It distinguishes intrinsic goodness from mere appearance. In this context, "good ground" refers to soil that is fertile, healthy, and prepared to receive seed, symbolizing a heart that is morally and spiritually fit to embrace and nurture God's word.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, this primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, implying more than just perceiving sound. It suggests active listening, understanding, and paying attention. For the "good ground," hearing is not passive but involves an engagement with the word that leads to comprehension and internalization.
* **bring forth fruit (Greek, _karpophoréō'_):** From G2592, this verb means "to be fertile" (literally or figuratively). It describes the act of producing fruit or being fruitful. In the context of the parable, it signifies the spiritual outcome of a life transformed by the word of God, encompassing righteous living, character development, and impact for the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these are they which are sown on good ground":** This clause directly identifies the fourth category of hearers in the parable. The "good ground" represents individuals whose hearts are prepared and receptive to the word of God. Unlike the previous types of soil, this ground is not hardened, shallow, or choked, but rather fertile and capable of sustaining growth.
* **"such as hear the word, and receive [it]":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of the "good ground." It's not just about initial exposure ("hear the word"), but crucially about "receiving" it. To "receive" (G3858, _paradéchomai_) implies an active, welcoming acceptance, an internalizing of the message into one's heart and mind. This reception signifies a genuine embrace of the truth, a willingness to be taught, and an openness to its transformative power.
* **"and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred":** This final clause describes the inevitable outcome of genuine reception: spiritual fruitfulness. The "fruit" (G2592, _karpophoréō_) is the tangible evidence of the word's impact, representing transformed lives, righteous actions, and the spread of the gospel. The varying yields (thirty, sixty, a hundredfold) indicate that while all true believers will bear fruit, the quantity and impact of that fruit may differ based on individual circumstances, gifts, and the degree of their spiritual maturity and dedication. This acknowledges diversity in spiritual productivity while affirming that productivity is a universal expectation for those who truly receive the Word.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:20, as part of the Parable of the Sower, primarily employs **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The entire parable functions as an **Allegory**, where each element—the sower, the seed, and the different types of soil—represents a specific spiritual reality. The "seed" **symbolizes** the word of God (the gospel message), and the "ground" **symbolizes** the human heart or the condition of one's receptivity to that word. Specifically, the "good ground" **symbolizes** a heart that is prepared, open, and responsive to divine truth. The "fruit" **symbolizes** the spiritual outcomes of a transformed life, such as righteous living, character development, and the expansion of God's kingdom. The varying yields (thirty, sixty, a hundredfold) use **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary and abundant nature of the spiritual harvest that God can produce through receptive hearts, showcasing His generous blessing on those who truly receive His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:20 underscores a fundamental theological truth: the efficacy of God's word is directly tied to the condition of the human heart. It reveals that God's desire is not merely for people to hear His message, but to deeply internalize it, allowing it to transform them from within and produce a tangible spiritual harvest. This fruitfulness is not just for personal benefit but for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. The varying degrees of fruit highlight God's grace in honoring diverse capacities and circumstances, yet firmly establishes that genuine faith will always manifest in some measure of spiritual productivity.
* [Matthew 13:23](/matthew/13-23 "Matthew 13:23 - The Good Ground in Matthew's Parable")
* [Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Ground in Luke's Parable")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:20 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to honestly assess the condition of our own hearts in relation to God's word. Are we merely passive hearers, allowing the truths of Scripture to bounce off us without taking root? Or are we actively cultivating "good ground" within, preparing our hearts through prayer, humility, and a genuine desire to obey? To be the "good ground" means intentionally creating an environment where the seed of God's word can not only germinate but flourish, producing a harvest that honors Him. This involves diligent study of the Scriptures, meditating on their meaning, and, most importantly, putting them into practice. It calls for a life of active obedience, allowing the word to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, even when it challenges our comfort zones. The promise of fruitfulness, whether thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold, encourages us that our efforts, empowered by the Spirit, will not be in vain, and that a life genuinely surrendered to God's word will inevitably yield a rich harvest for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the current condition of my heart as "ground" for God's word? Is it hardened, shallow, or choked by worldly concerns?**
* **How can I actively "receive" God's word more deeply into my life, moving beyond mere hearing to genuine internalization and obedience?**
* **What kind of "fruit" is God calling me to bear in my life, and what steps can I take to cultivate that fruitfulness?**
* **Am I discouraged by the varying degrees of fruitfulness mentioned? How does this verse encourage me about God's grace and my unique contribution?**

### FAQ
**What does "good ground" represent in this parable?**

Answer: The "good ground" in [Mark 4:20](/mark/4-20 "Mark 4:20 - The Good Ground") represents individuals who hear the word of God with an open, receptive heart. Unlike the other types of soil, these individuals genuinely understand, accept, and internalize the message, allowing it to take deep root and grow within them, leading to a life that produces spiritual fruit. It signifies a heart that is prepared and willing to respond obediently to divine truth.

**What does it mean to "receive" the word?**

Answer: To "receive" the word, as described in [Mark 4:20](/mark/4-20 "Mark 4:20 - Receiving the Word"), means more than just hearing it passively. The Greek word (_paradéchomai_) implies a welcoming acceptance, an embracing of the message, and a willingness to allow it to penetrate and transform one's inner being. It denotes an active, intentional engagement with the truth, leading to understanding, belief, and ultimately, obedience. It contrasts with a superficial hearing or a resistant attitude.

**What kind of "fruit" is Jesus referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "fruit" in [Mark 4:20](/mark/4-20 "Mark 4:20 - Bearing Fruit") refers to the spiritual outcomes and evidence of a life transformed by God's word. This can encompass a variety of manifestations, including the development of Christ-like character (such as the [Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), righteous actions and good works, and the impact of one's life in leading others to faith or serving God's kingdom. It signifies a productive and meaningful life lived in accordance with divine principles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:20, while describing the human response to God's word, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of the "good ground," for He perfectly "heard the word" of His Father and perfectly "received it," living a life of absolute obedience and bringing forth the ultimate "fruit" of redemption. He is the divine Sower who casts the seed of the gospel, and He is also the very "Word" (Logos) of God, as [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") proclaims. Our ability to be "good ground" and bear fruit is not inherent but is a gift made possible through our union with Christ. As Jesus teaches in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine"), "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, is the one who prepares the soil of our hearts, enables us to hear and receive the Word, and empowers us to "bring forth fruit" that glorifies God ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the fruitfulness described in Mark 4:20 is ultimately a Christ-centered fruitfulness, a manifestation of His life working through us, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel received in faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,