### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **blastánō**, represented by `{{G985}}`, means to germinate or, by implication, to yield fruit. It is derived from a word for "a sprout" and carries the meanings of to **bring forth**, **bud**, or **spring (up)**. It appears a total of **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, illustrating key concepts of both natural growth and divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{G985}}` is used to describe different forms of generation. It depicts the miraculous when referencing Aaron's rod that **budded** within the ark of the covenant, a dead piece of wood that supernaturally produced life [[Hebrews 9:4]]. In agricultural parables, it describes the natural, though mysterious, process of growth, such as when a seed should **spring** and grow up without the sower knowing how [[Mark 4:27]]. The word is also used when the blade of wheat had **sprung up** and produced fruit [[Matthew 13:26]]. Finally, it illustrates the result of divine provision, as when the earth **brought forth** her fruit after God gave rain in response to prayer [[James 5:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of `{{G985}}`:
* `{{G1093}}` **gē**: This word for **earth** or soil is the ground from which life springs. It is the **earth** that **brought forth** its fruit after the heaven gave rain [[James 5:18]].
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós**: This is the term for **fruit**, the result of the germination process. It is used both literally, as the **fruit** of the earth [[James 5:7]], and figuratively, as the **fruit** of the Spirit [[Galatians 5:22]].
* `{{G4703}}` **spóros**: Meaning **seed**, this is the origin point for the action of `blastánō`. In a parable, this **seed** is identified as the word of God [[Luke 8:11]], which later **springs** up [[Mark 4:27]].
* `{{G5528}}` **chórtos**: Defined as a **blade** or grass, this is the first visible sign of growth after germination. It is seen when "the **blade** was sprung up" [[Matthew 13:26]] before it produces fruit.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{G985}}` touches on themes of divine power and spiritual growth.
* **Supernatural Life:** The most dramatic use of the word is in the budding of Aaron's dead rod, signifying life and authority bestowed directly by God where none could naturally exist [[Hebrews 9:4]].
* **Mysterious Growth:** In the parables, the word illustrates the growth of God's kingdom. Like a seed that begins to **spring** up on its own, God's word can grow in ways that are not fully understood by human effort [[Mark 4:27]].
* **Fruitfulness from God:** The link between God giving rain and the earth **bringing forth** fruit demonstrates a reliance on divine provision for any productive yield [[James 5:18]]. This principle is echoed in the call for believers to bear fruit that remains [[John 15:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G985}}` is a versatile word that encompasses the entire process of new life emerging. From the miraculous **budding** of a dead staff to the predictable **springing up** of a planted seed, it highlights that all germination and fruitfulness, whether natural or supernatural, originates from a powerful source. It effectively captures the biblical concepts of divine creation, the growth of the kingdom, and the production of spiritual fruit.
TRV