### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **autómatos**, represented by `{{G844}}`, describes something that is self-moved or spontaneous. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term conveys the idea of an action occurring "of own accord" or "of self," without an immediate or visible external cause.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G844}}` is applied to both natural and supernatural events. In the parable of the growing seed, the **earth** `{{G1093}}` is said to **bring forth fruit** `{{G2592}}` "**of herself**" [[Mark 4:28]], illustrating a process that unfolds naturally without further human effort. In contrast, it describes a miracle during Peter's escape from prison, where the **iron** `{{G4603}}` **gate** `{{G4439}}` **opened** `{{G455}}` to them "**of his own accord**" [[Acts 12:10]], demonstrating divine power acting independently of any human action.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which **autómatos** is used:
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (earth): The agent in the natural process described in [[Mark 4:28]]. As **soil**, it is the medium through which God's design for growth is spontaneously realized.
* `{{G2592}}` **karpophoréō** (to be fertile/bear fruit): This describes the result of the spontaneous action in the parable of the seed, where the earth works to **bring forth fruit** [[Mark 4:28]].
* `{{G455}}` **anoígō** (open): This is the miraculous action that occurs of its own accord in Acts. The gate did not just move, but was made to **open up** for Peter and the angel [[Acts 12:10]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (angel): This word reveals the divine agency behind the supernatural event in [[Acts 12:10]]. While the gate moved spontaneously, an **angel** was present, showing the event was a purposeful act of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G844}}` lies in its demonstration of action originating from a non-human source.
* **Divine Design in Nature:** The earth bringing forth fruit "**of herself**" points to the inherent, God-given principles within creation that work to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the parable of the growing seed [[Mark 4:28]].
* **Supernatural Power:** The gate opening "**of his own accord**" [[Acts 12:10]] showcases God's ability to intervene directly and miraculously in the world, overriding natural laws to accomplish His will and deliver His people.
* **Unseen Agency:** In both uses, the term highlights that the true source of power is unseen. Whether through the embedded processes of nature or the direct intervention of an **angel** `{{G32}}`, God is the ultimate cause behind the spontaneous event.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G844}}` **autómatos** is a specific term that describes an event as self-acting or spontaneous. Its two occurrences in Scripture uniquely apply this concept to both the natural order, where the **earth** `{{G1093}}` produces fruit according to its created design [[Mark 4:28]], and to supernatural miracles, where God's power is displayed directly, as when an **iron** `{{G4603}}` gate **opened** `{{G455}}` for Peter [[Acts 12:10]]. The word illustrates that whether through natural law or divine intervention, God is the ultimate source of power behind actions that appear to happen "of themselves."
TRV