from (a sprout); to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit:--bring forth, bud, spring (up).
Transliteration:blastánō
Pronunciation:blas-tan'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G985 (βλαστάνω, *blastánō*) derives from the root *βλαστός* (*blastos*), meaning "a sprout" or "shoot." Its core meaning encompasses the biological process of germination, budding, or sprouting. This includes the initial emergence of a plant from a seed, the development of a bud on a branch, or the general act of "springing up." By implication, it extends to the subsequent action of "yielding fruit" or "bringing forth" that which has germinated. The semantic range is primarily literal, describing natural, organic growth and production, often implying an inherent life force or a generative power at work. It denotes the visible manifestation of life from an unseen beginning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of G985 in the New Testament consistently reflect its primary meaning of natural growth and emergence:
* In [[Matthew 13:26]], within the Parable of the Tares, it is stated, "But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also." Here, *blastánō* describes the initial emergence of the wheat blade, the first visible sign of growth, before the fruit is fully developed. It highlights the early stage of agricultural development.
* Similarly, in [[Mark 4:27]], in the Parable of the Growing Seed, Jesus describes the mysterious process of growth: "and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow, he knoweth not how." The verb *blastánō* here emphasizes the spontaneous and often unseen commencement of growth, a process that is beyond human comprehension or control, yet yields a predictable outcome. This underscores divine agency in natural processes.
* In [[Hebrews 9:4]], the reference is to the miraculous event of "Aaron's rod that budded." This is a direct, literal application of *blastánō*, denoting the supernatural blossoming and fruit-bearing of a dead piece of wood, signifying divine validation of Aaron's priesthood (cf. Numbers 17:8). This usage highlights the power of God to bring forth life and fruit supernaturally.
* Finally, in [[James 5:18]], following Elijah's prayer, the text states, "and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth fruit." Here, *blastánō* describes the earth's natural, yet divinely enabled, act of yielding its produce. It connects the natural cycle of growth and harvest directly to God's responsive power to prayer, demonstrating His provision and blessing.
Across these contexts, G985 consistently describes a process of emergence and production, whether natural, miraculous, or divinely sustained.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of growth and fruitfulness is central to biblical thought, and G985 is related to several key terms:
* `{{G2598}}` (καρπός, *karpos*): "fruit" or "produce." While *blastánō* describes the act of bringing forth, *karpos* is the resultant product. The two are often linked, as in [[Matthew 13:26]] and [[James 5:18]].
* `{{G2626}}` (καρποφορέω, *karpophoreō*): "to bear fruit" or "be fruitful." This verb emphasizes the act of fruit-bearing over time, whereas *blastánō* can refer to the initial sprouting or the broader act of bringing forth.
* `{{G867}}` (αὐξάνω, *auxanō*): "to grow," "increase," or "cause to grow." This term often describes the process of increase in size or quantity, applicable to both plants and people. *Blastánō* focuses more on the initial emergence and production, while *auxanō* covers the ongoing development.
* `{{G5453}}` (φύω, *phyo*): "to grow" or "to bring forth." Similar in meaning to *blastánō*, but *phyo* can also refer to growth in a more general sense, including the growth of hair or nails, or even the natural development of a person. *Blastánō* specifically carries the nuance of sprouting or budding.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of life, vitality, and productivity, often understood as a gift or result of divine action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G985 lies in its consistent portrayal of God's power in creation and sustenance.
1. **Divine Agency in Creation:** The verb highlights the inherent generative power within creation, which is ultimately sourced in God. The earth "brings forth fruit" not merely by its own power, but as a result of divine ordering and blessing, as seen in [[James 5:18]]. This aligns with the Genesis account of creation where God commanded the earth to "bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit" [[Genesis 1:11]].
2. **The Mystery of God's Kingdom:** In the parables of Jesus ([[Matthew 13:26]], [[Mark 4:27]]), *blastánō* underscores the mysterious and organic growth of the Kingdom of God. Like a seed that sprouts and grows without human intervention or full comprehension, the Kingdom advances by divine power, often in unseen ways, eventually yielding a harvest. This encourages faith in God's sovereign work, even when its mechanisms are not fully understood.
3. **Divine Validation and Miracle:** The account of Aaron's rod ([[Hebrews 9:4]]) demonstrates God's ability to transcend natural laws, bringing forth life and fruit supernaturally to validate His chosen servants. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute power and His direct intervention in human history.
4. **Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness (Implicit):** While G985 is not directly applied to spiritual growth in the New Testament, the principle it describes—the initial emergence and subsequent production of life—serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual life. Just as a seed must sprout to bear fruit, so too must spiritual life germinate and manifest in righteous living and "fruit of the Spirit" (cf. `{{G2598}}`). The unseen work of God in the heart leads to visible spiritual fruit.
### Summary
G985 (βλαστάνω, *blastánō*) is a Greek verb primarily meaning "to germinate," "to bud," or "to spring up," and by extension, "to yield fruit." Its biblical occurrences consistently describe the literal, often miraculous, process of natural growth and production, whether of grain, a miraculous rod, or the earth's produce. Contextual analysis reveals its use in illustrating the mysterious yet powerful growth of the Kingdom of God, the divine validation of God's chosen, and God's providential care in sustaining creation. Theologically, *blastánō* powerfully highlights God's inherent generative power in creation, the unseen yet certain advance of His purposes, and His ability to bring forth life and fruit both naturally and supernaturally. It points to the divine agency behind all life and productivity, reminding believers of God's sovereign work in the world.
TRV