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.

And {G2532} other {G243} fell {G4098} on {G1519} good {G2570} ground {G1093}, and {G2532} did yield {G1325} fruit {G2590} that sprang up {G305} and {G2532} increased {G837}; and {G2532} brought forth {G5342}, some {G1520} thirty {G5144}, and {G2532} some {G1520} sixty {G1835}, and {G2532} some {G1520} an hundred {G1540}.

But other seed fell into rich soil and produced grain; it sprouted, and grew, and yielded a crop -- thirty, sixty, even a hundred times what was sown."

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it sprouted, grew up, and produced a crop—one bearing thirtyfold, another sixtyfold, and another a hundredfold.”

And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and brought forth, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.

Mark 4:8 KJV is the hopeful conclusion of the Parable of the Sower, illustrating the positive outcome when the seed of God's Word falls on receptive hearts. This verse describes the ideal scenario where the message takes root, flourishes, and produces abundant spiritual fruit.

Context of Mark 4:8

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching to a large crowd by the sea, found in Mark chapter 4. The Parable of the Sower (or Soils) uses the agricultural metaphor of a farmer sowing seeds to explain how people respond to the proclamation of God's Word. Jesus first describes seed falling by the wayside (Mark 4:4), on stony ground (Mark 4:5), and among thorns (Mark 4:7), each representing different types of unreceptive or hindered responses. Mark 4:8 then presents the contrast: the seed that lands on "good ground," signifying a heart prepared to receive and live out the truth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Receptivity to the Word: The "good ground" represents individuals who genuinely hear, understand, and accept the message of the Kingdom of God. Their hearts are open and prepared, allowing the divine seed to take deep root.
  • Spiritual Fruitfulness: The core message is the production of "fruit." This isn't merely intellectual assent but a transformation that results in a life demonstrating the character of God and active obedience to His will. This spiritual fruit can manifest as righteous living, acts of service, and leading others to faith.
  • Varying Degrees of Growth: The mention of "some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred" highlights that while all good ground yields fruit, the abundance varies. This signifies that spiritual growth and productivity differ among believers based on various factors, including their diligence, circumstances, and God's sovereign working, yet all genuine fruit is valued.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good ground" translates from the Greek kalēn gēn (καλὴν γῆν), which implies not just suitable but also beautiful and excellent soil. It speaks to the quality of the heart that is prepared to receive the Word. The verb "did yield fruit" (ἐδίδου καρπὸν - edidou karpon) emphasizes the continuous action of bearing spiritual produce. The term "increased" (ηὔξανεν - ēuxanen) further underscores the idea of growth and multiplication, suggesting that the Word not only takes root but also expands its influence within the life of the believer.

Related Scriptures

Jesus Himself explains the meaning of the good ground in Mark 4:20, stating that these are "such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit." This concept of fruit-bearing is central to Christian discipleship, as seen in Jesus' teaching in John 15:8, where He says, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." The call to be not just hearers but also doers of the Word is echoed in James 1:22.

Practical Application

For believers today, Mark 4:8 serves as both an encouragement and a challenge. It encourages us that when we allow God's Word to truly penetrate our hearts, it will inevitably lead to spiritual fruitfulness. The challenge is to cultivate our "ground" – to ensure our hearts remain humble, open, and free from the distractions and worries that can choke the Word. This involves actively listening to God's Word, meditating on it, and striving to obey its teachings, allowing the Spirit to produce the character of Christ in us and through us for His glory.

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.

  • 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.

  • Colossians 1:6

    Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

  • 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.

  • Genesis 26:12

    ¶ Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

  • Matthew 13:8

    But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

  • 1 Peter 2:1

    ¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

  • 1 Peter 2:3

    If so be ye have tasted that the Lord [is] gracious.
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