Mark 4:27

KJV

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} should sleep {G2518}, and {G2532} rise {G1453} night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250}, and {G2532} the seed {G4703} should spring {G985} and {G2532} grow up {G3373}, he {G846} knoweth {G1492} not {G3756} how {G5613}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nights he sleeps, days he's awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow -- how, he doesn't know.

Berean Standard Bible

Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how.

American Standard Version

and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:27, part of the unique Parable of the Growing Seed, reveals a profound truth about the Kingdom of God: its growth is an inherent, mysterious, and divinely-powered process that occurs independently of human comprehension or control. While human effort is involved in the initial sowing, the ultimate increase and development of the Kingdom are solely attributable to God's sovereign work, unfolding in ways that remain beyond our full understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 4:27 is nestled within Jesus' extensive teaching on parables, specifically the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29), which is found exclusively in Mark's Gospel. This parable immediately follows the foundational [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-1-20 "Mark 4:1-20 - The Parable of the Sower"), which focuses on the reception of the Word, and precedes the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/mark/4-30-32 "Mark 4:30-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed"), illustrating the Kingdom's expansive growth from humble beginnings. Together, these parables illuminate various facets of the [mystery of the Kingdom of God](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - The Mystery of the Kingdom"), shifting the audience's focus from human responsibility in spreading the message to God's sovereign power in bringing forth the fruit. The placement of this parable emphasizes that while human beings are called to sow the seed, the life and growth within that seed are entirely divine.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience was predominantly agrarian, deeply familiar with the rhythms of farming life. They understood the process of sowing, waiting, and harvesting. Farmers would plant their seeds and then, through the natural cycle of day and night, observe growth without fully comprehending the biological mechanisms at play. This common experience of planting and then trusting the natural processes of the earth provided a relatable backdrop for Jesus' spiritual teaching. The "Kingdom of God" was a central concept in Jewish thought, often associated with a future, political reign. Jesus, however, consistently redefined it as a present, spiritual reality that grows organically and mysteriously, challenging conventional expectations and highlighting its divine rather than human origin and power.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jesus' teaching and Mark's Gospel. Foremost is the **Mystery of Kingdom Growth**, underscoring that the expansion of God's reign is not a human enterprise but a divine one, operating by its own inherent vitality. The farmer's actions of "sleeping and rising night and day" represent the ordinary course of human life and labor, yet the growth of the seed is independent of his active intervention or understanding. This highlights **God's Sovereignty in Spiritual Increase**, echoing the principle found in [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase"), where Paul emphasizes that while he plants and Apollos waters, it is God who gives the increase. The verse also subtly promotes **Patience and Trust in God's Work**, as the farmer's routine implies a period of waiting and reliance on natural (and divinely ordained) processes. It encourages believers to faithfully engage in their assigned tasks, like sowing the seed of the Gospel, but to release anxiety over outcomes, trusting that the Kingdom will grow by God's power and timing, often in unseen ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sleep (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** From `G2518`, meaning "to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)." In the context of the parable, this word signifies the farmer's normal, daily routine of rest, emphasizing that the growth of the seed is not dependent on his continuous, active intervention or anxious oversight. It suggests a natural rhythm of life that coexists with the mysterious work of God.
* **rise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From `G1453`, meaning "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." This word, like "sleep," points to the farmer's ordinary daily activities. It reinforces the idea that life continues as normal for the farmer, while the seed's growth proceeds independently, highlighting the passive role of human understanding in the active process of divine growth.
* **knoweth (Greek, _eídō'_):** From `G1492`, meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." Coupled with the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_), the phrase "he knoweth not how" is central to the parable's meaning. It signifies the farmer's lack of comprehension regarding the *mechanism* of growth. This is not a critique of the farmer's diligence or intelligence, but rather an emphatic declaration that the vital, life-giving process of the seed's development is beyond human understanding, control, or manipulation, pointing directly to a supernatural agency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And should sleep, and rise night and day":** This clause describes the farmer's regular, unceasing routine. It emphasizes the natural, ordinary course of human life and labor. The farmer performs his duty of sowing, then carries on with his daily existence, not actively causing or even observing the intricate details of the seed's growth. This highlights a passive, trusting posture rather than one of anxious intervention.
* **"and the seed should spring and grow up":** This part of the verse focuses on the seed itself, revealing its inherent vitality and the natural progression of its development. "Spring" (blastánō) denotes the initial sprouting, while "grow up" (mēkýnō) signifies the subsequent enlargement and maturation. This dual description emphasizes a continuous, organic process of life unfolding from within the seed, independent of the farmer's direct effort.
* **"he knoweth not how":** This is the pivotal phrase of the verse and the parable. It underscores the farmer's complete lack of understanding regarding *how* the seed germinates, sprouts, and matures. It's not that he doesn't know *that* it grows, but he doesn't comprehend the mysterious, intricate, and ultimately divine processes that cause it to grow. This highlights the supernatural element at play in the Kingdom's expansion, affirming that its growth is a work of God, beyond human capacity to initiate, control, or fully explain.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Growing Seed, and specifically Mark 4:27, masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Parable** itself, an earthly story used to illustrate a heavenly truth. Within this, **Metaphor** is central, as the physical seed and its growth serve as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual reality of the Kingdom of God and its expansion. The farmer's actions and the seed's independent growth are not literal instructions for agriculture, but symbolic representations of human participation and divine sovereignty in the spiritual realm. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the farmer's mundane, routine actions ("sleep, and rise night and day") and the miraculous, unseen, and self-sustaining growth of the seed. This contrast emphasizes that while human effort is necessary for planting, the vital, transformative power resides elsewhere. Finally, the phrase "he knoweth not how" introduces a touch of **Irony**, as the very person responsible for sowing the seed is ignorant of the most crucial aspect of its development, thereby highlighting the mysterious and uncontrollable nature of divine work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:27 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's sovereignty in the advancement of His Kingdom. It teaches that while believers are called to faithfully sow the "seed" of the Gospel and live out Kingdom principles, the power for transformation and growth ultimately resides with God alone. The Kingdom of God is not a humanly engineered project but an organic, living reality that grows by its own inherent, divine vitality. This perspective liberates believers from the burden of having to "make" the Kingdom grow, instead inviting them to partner with God in His work, trusting that He will bring forth the increase in His own mysterious ways and timing. It fosters patience, humility, and a deep reliance on divine power rather than human strategy or strength.

* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase"): "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty"): "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:27 offers immense encouragement and a healthy dose of humility for every believer, particularly those engaged in ministry, evangelism, or discipleship. It reminds us that our primary calling is faithfulness in sowing the seed—whether that's sharing the Gospel, living out Christ-like character, or teaching God's Word. We are to be diligent in our efforts, but then release the outcome to God. The pressure to produce results, to engineer spiritual growth, or to fully comprehend the intricate workings of God's Spirit in a heart is lifted. We are invited to embrace the mystery, to trust that the Word of God, once planted, possesses inherent life and divine power to grow. This calls for patience, especially when immediate results are not visible. We are to "sleep and rise night and day," continuing our lives and duties, confident that God is at work even when we don't see or understand how. This parable fosters a deep reliance on God's sovereignty, freeing us from anxiety and empowering us to serve with joy, knowing that the ultimate increase comes from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you tend to feel responsible for outcomes that are ultimately God's to produce?**
* **How does the truth that "he knoweth not how" impact your approach to sharing your faith or discipling others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater patience and trust in God's mysterious work, even when you don't see immediate results?**

### FAQ
**What is the main point of the Parable of the Growing Seed?**

Answer: The main point of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29) is to illustrate the inherent, mysterious, and divinely-powered growth of the Kingdom of God. It emphasizes that while human beings are called to sow the seed (the Word of God), the actual growth and fruitfulness are entirely God's work, occurring independently of human comprehension or control. The farmer's lack of understanding ("he knoweth not how") highlights God's sovereignty in bringing about spiritual increase.

**Does "he knoweth not how" imply the farmer is lazy or ignorant?**

Answer: No, the phrase "he knoweth not how" does not imply the farmer is lazy or ignorant. Rather, it underscores the supernatural nature of the growth process. The farmer diligently performs his part by sowing the seed. His "sleeping and rising night and day" signifies his normal, active life. The point is that the *mechanism* by which the seed sprouts and grows into a mature plant is a mystery beyond human understanding, control, or even active observation. It attributes the life and growth to an inherent, divine power within the seed itself, not to the farmer's continuous intervention.

**How does this parable relate to evangelism or ministry?**

Answer: This parable offers profound encouragement for those involved in evangelism, ministry, or any form of spiritual service. It teaches us to be faithful sowers of the Gospel seed, diligently sharing the Word and living out our faith, but to release the pressure of producing results. Just as the farmer trusts the seed to grow, we are to trust God to bring about transformation in hearts and lives. We are not responsible for the "how" of spiritual growth, only for the "what" (sowing the seed) and the "who" (being obedient to God). This perspective fosters patience, reduces anxiety, and encourages reliance on God's power rather than human strategies or efforts, reminding us that [God gives the increase](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the divine Sower who came to sow the seed of the Kingdom of God into the world. The "seed" itself is not merely a message, but the very life of God, embodied in Christ, the [Living Word](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). His incarnation, ministry, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection are the ultimate "planting" of this divine seed. Just as the farmer "knoweth not how" the seed grows, so too the full, mysterious power of Christ's redemptive work, particularly His resurrection, transcends human comprehension. The growth of the Kingdom, manifested in the expansion of the church and the transformation of countless lives, is not due to human ingenuity or effort, but to the inherent, life-giving power of the resurrected Christ. He is the one who continually causes the seed to "spring and grow up," often in unseen and unexpected ways, much like the [wind that blows where it pleases](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Wind Blows Where It Pleases"). The Kingdom advances because of His sovereign power and ongoing work, culminating in the day when [every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"), a growth initiated and sustained entirely by Him.

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

Ecclesiastes 11:5

As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

1 Corinthians 15:37

And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain]:

1 Corinthians 15:38

But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

Ecclesiastes 8:17

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it].

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

John 3:7

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.