Mark 4:28

KJV

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the earth {G1093} bringeth forth fruit {G2592} of herself {G844}; first {G4412} the blade {G5528}, then {G1534} the ear {G4719}, after that {G1534} the full {G4134} corn {G4621} in {G1722} the ear {G4719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By itself the soil produces a crop -- first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head.

Berean Standard Bible

All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within.

American Standard Version

The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:28, part of Jesus' unique Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly, reveals a profound truth about the Kingdom of God: its growth is an intrinsic, mysterious process initiated and sustained by divine power, not solely dependent on human effort or comprehension. The verse highlights the natural, progressive stages of development, from initial germination to the ultimate, inevitable harvest, underscoring God's sovereign agency in bringing His purposes to fruition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concise Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly (Mark 4:26-29), a parable found exclusively in Mark's Gospel. It immediately follows the more extensive and well-known [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-3-20 "Mark 4:3-20 - The Parable of the Sower") and precedes the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/mark/4-30-32 "Mark 4:30-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed"), forming a cluster of kingdom parables in [Mark 4](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom"). While the Parable of the Sower focuses on the different responses to the Word, this shorter parable shifts the emphasis from the sower's action to the inherent, mysterious power of the seed itself and the earth's natural capacity to produce fruit. It illustrates that the Kingdom's growth is largely independent of human understanding or continuous intervention, operating by its own divine impetus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' parables often drew from the agrarian life familiar to his audience in ancient Israel. Farming was central to their existence, and the processes of sowing, waiting for rain, and observing the gradual growth of crops were everyday realities. The concept of "the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself" would resonate with farmers who understood that once the seed was sown, the subsequent growth was a natural, God-ordained process beyond their direct control. They prepared the soil and planted, but the miracle of germination and maturation was attributed to God's provision and the inherent life He instilled in creation. The "corn" refers to grain in general, such as wheat or barley, staple crops in the region, not specifically maize (which is a New World crop).
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:28 contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Agency in Kingdom Growth**. The phrase "of herself" powerfully conveys that the ultimate power for spiritual fruitfulness and the expansion of God's Kingdom resides not in human effort, but in God's sovereign work. While humans are called to sow the seed (the Gospel message), God is the one who "gives the increase," as articulated in [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - God gives the increase"). Another crucial theme is the **Gradual and Organic Nature of Growth**. The progression from "blade" to "ear" to "full corn" illustrates that spiritual development, both individually and corporately, is a process, not an instantaneous event. This teaches patience and trust in God's timing and methods, echoing the farmer's patient waiting for the precious fruit of the earth in [James 5:7](/james/5-7 "James 5:7 - Patience of the farmer"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Inherent Power of the Word/Kingdom**. The seed, representing the Word of God or the Kingdom itself, possesses an intrinsic, God-given vitality that enables it to grow and produce fruit when sown in receptive ground, regardless of the sower's full comprehension of the process.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** From G1093, this word refers to the soil or land, and by extension, the terrene globe. In this context, it signifies the ground or soil into which the seed is sown, emphasizing its role as the medium through which life emerges, endowed by God with the capacity for production.
* **bringeth forth fruit (Greek, _karpophoréō'_):** From G2592, this verb means "to be fertile," literally or figuratively, signifying the act of bearing or bringing forth fruit. It highlights the productive capacity of the earth, which is a direct result of the life inherent in the seed and the divine design for growth.
* **of herself (Greek, _autómatos'_):** From G844, this term means "self-moved" or "spontaneous," without external force or human intervention. It is a crucial word, emphasizing that the growth process is not dependent on the farmer's continuous effort or understanding, but on an intrinsic, God-ordained power within the seed and the earth.
* **full (Greek, _plḗrēs'_):** From G4134, this adjective means "replete" or "complete." Here, it describes the "corn in the ear," indicating a mature, fully developed, and ready-for-harvest state. It signifies the culmination of the growth process, assuring a complete and fruitful outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself;":** This initial clause establishes the foundational principle of the parable. The "earth" (representing the environment where the seed of the Kingdom is sown) is depicted as inherently productive. The critical phrase "of herself" (Greek _automatos_) signifies that the growth is spontaneous, self-generated, or by its own power, without continuous external human manipulation. This points to the divine power and life embedded within the seed (the Word of God, the Kingdom message) and the natural processes God has ordained, rather than human effort being the primary driver of growth.
* **"first the blade, then the ear,":** This clause describes the initial stages of the plant's development. "The blade" refers to the first green shoot that emerges from the ground, indicating the commencement of life. "Then the ear" refers to the formation of the head of grain, where the kernels will eventually develop. This progression illustrates that spiritual growth, like natural growth, is a gradual, sequential process, not an immediate or fully formed reality. It requires patience and observation of unfolding stages.
* **"after that the full corn in the ear.":** This final clause depicts the culmination of the growth process. "The full corn in the ear" signifies maturity and readiness for harvest. The word "full" (Greek _plērēs_) emphasizes completeness and ripeness. This stage assures the sower that the initial act of planting will inevitably lead to a bountiful and complete harvest, despite the mysterious and unseen nature of the intervening growth. It speaks to the certainty of God's ultimate purposes being fulfilled in the Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:28 employs several significant literary devices. As part of a **Parable**, it uses an earthly story (the growth of a seed) to convey a heavenly truth (the nature and growth of the Kingdom of God). The entire scenario functions as an extended **Metaphor**, where the seed represents the Word of God or the Kingdom message, the earth represents the context or heart where it is sown, and the growth stages symbolize the development of faith and the expansion of God's reign. The phrase "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear" is a clear example of **Progression** or **Gradation**, illustrating a natural, sequential, and developmental process. This highlights the organic and often unseen nature of spiritual growth. Finally, **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the "blade," "ear," and "full corn" symbolizing the stages of spiritual maturity and the inevitable fruitfulness of God's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:28 profoundly underscores God's sovereignty in the growth of His Kingdom and the spiritual development of individuals. It teaches that while human responsibility involves faithfully sowing the seed of the Gospel, the power to germinate, grow, and bring forth fruit resides inherently with God. This divine agency alleviates the pressure on believers to "make things happen" and instead fosters a reliance on God's mysterious, yet certain, work. The gradual nature of growth also speaks to God's patience and His design for organic development, assuring us that His work, once begun, will reach its intended completion. The parable thus provides immense encouragement, affirming that the Kingdom of God is not dependent on human ingenuity or ceaseless effort, but on the intrinsic power of God's Word and His unfailing faithfulness to bring about a full and glorious harvest.

* [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "Paul and Apollos plant and water, but God gives the increase")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "God's Word will not return void")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:28 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for every believer and ministry worker. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign power, recognizing that while we are called to faithfully sow the seeds of the Gospel and nurture spiritual growth, the ultimate power to transform hearts and build the Kingdom rests with Him. This truth can liberate us from anxiety over immediate results or the need to fully comprehend every step of the spiritual journey. Instead, it fosters a patient reliance on God's timetable and methods, reminding us that growth, whether personal or corporate, is often a slow, organic process, moving from the unseen beginnings of the "blade" to the eventual maturity of the "full corn." Our role is to remain faithful in planting and watering, knowing that God is the one who provides the increase and will bring His work to fruition. This parable encourages us to appreciate every stage of growth, to persevere in faith even when progress seems imperceptible, and to live with the confident assurance that God's kingdom will inevitably advance and yield a bountiful harvest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life or ministry are you struggling to trust God for the "increase" rather than relying on your own efforts or understanding?**
* **How does the concept of gradual, "of herself" growth challenge or affirm your expectations for personal spiritual development or the growth of the church?**
* **What "seeds" (actions, words, prayers) are you faithfully sowing, even when the "blade" is not yet visible, trusting that God will bring forth the "full corn"?**

### FAQ

**Does the phrase "of herself" imply that the earth or the seed has independent power, or that God is not involved?**

Answer: No, the phrase "of herself" (Greek _automatos_) does not imply that the earth or the seed possesses inherent, independent power apart from God. Rather, it emphasizes that the growth process, once initiated by the sowing of the seed, unfolds naturally and spontaneously *according to the design and power God has already embedded within creation*. It highlights the mystery and divine efficiency of God's work, where the farmer's continuous intervention is not required for the growth itself. God is the ultimate source of life and the one who sustains these natural processes, making the earth fertile and the seed viable. This parable contrasts with the idea that human manipulation or constant effort is needed to force spiritual growth; instead, it points to God's sovereign and self-sufficient work in the Kingdom.

**What does "corn" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "corn" (Greek _sitos_) is a general term for grain, such as wheat or barley, which were staple crops in ancient Israel. It does not refer to maize (what Americans typically call "corn"), which originated in the Americas and was unknown in the biblical world at that time. The progression from "blade" to "ear" to "full corn in the ear" describes the typical development of cereal grains, from the initial shoot to the mature, grain-filled head ready for harvest.

**How does this parable differ from the Parable of the Sower in [Mark 4:3-20](/mark/4-3-20 "The Parable of the Sower")?**

Answer: While both parables are about sowing and growth, their primary focus differs. The [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-3-20 "The Parable of the Sower") emphasizes the *reception* of the Word of God, illustrating how different "soils" (hearts) respond to the message, leading to varying degrees of fruitfulness or lack thereof. It highlights the importance of a receptive heart. In contrast, the Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly (Mark 4:26-29), particularly [Mark 4:28](/mark/4-28 "The Seed Grows Secretly"), shifts the focus from the sower and the soil to the *inherent power of the seed itself* and the mysterious, independent growth process. It teaches that once the seed (the Kingdom message) is sown, its growth and eventual harvest are ultimately God's work, unfolding "of herself," often beyond human comprehension or continuous intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:28, though seemingly a simple agricultural parable, finds its deepest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "seed" sown into the world, who, through His death and resurrection, brings forth abundant life and the Kingdom of God. Just as a grain of wheat must fall into the earth and die to produce much fruit ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "A grain of wheat must die")), so Jesus' sacrifice was the necessary act for the Kingdom to germinate and grow. He is also the divine Sower, faithfully planting the Word of God and establishing His Kingdom. The mysterious, "of herself" growth points to the inherent, life-giving power of Christ Himself, who sustains all things and through whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "All things created through Him")). The progression from "blade" to "ear" to "full corn" foreshadows the gradual, yet certain, expansion of His Kingdom throughout history, from its humble beginnings (like the mustard seed in [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31-32 "Parable of the Mustard Seed")) to its glorious consummation. Ultimately, the "full corn in the ear" represents the eschatological harvest, when Christ will return to gather His perfected church, bringing His redemptive work to its complete and glorious fruition ([Revelation 14:15](/revelation/14-15 "The Harvest of the Earth")), demonstrating His sovereign power to bring all things to their intended maturity in Him ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Attaining to the full measure of Christ")).

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

Mark 4:31

[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:

Mark 4:32

But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Hosea 6:3

Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

Matthew 13:26

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you: