Mark 4:27

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

And {G2532} should sleep {G2518}, and {G2532} rise {G1453} night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250}, and {G2532} the seed {G4703} should spring {G985} and {G2532} grow up {G3373}, he {G846} knoweth {G1492} not {G3756} how {G5613}.

Nights he sleeps, days he's awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow -- how, he doesn't know.

Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how.

and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how.

Commentary

Context

Mark 4:27 is part of the unique Parable of the Growing Seed (or Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly), found exclusively in Mark's Gospel. This parable immediately follows the well-known Parable of the Sower and precedes the Parable of the Mustard Seed, forming a sequence of teachings by Jesus about the mystery of the Kingdom of God. Jesus often used agricultural metaphors, familiar to His audience, to explain profound spiritual truths. Here, the focus shifts from the reception of the seed (as in the Sower) to the inherent, mysterious power of the seed itself and the kingdom's growth independent of human effort.

Key Themes

  • The Mystery of Kingdom Growth: The core message is that the Kingdom of God grows by its own inherent, divine power, not primarily through human toil or understanding. The farmer's actions (sowing, sleeping, rising) are necessary but do not *cause* the growth; they merely facilitate it. This highlights God's sovereign hand in spiritual development.
  • God's Sovereignty in Spiritual Increase: The phrase "he knoweth not how" underscores that the ultimate power behind spiritual transformation and kingdom expansion belongs to God alone. Human beings plant and water, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
  • Patience and Trust: The farmer's routine of sleeping and rising implies a period of waiting and trust. Believers are called to faithfully sow the seed of the Gospel and live out kingdom principles, but then to trust God for the results, understanding that growth occurs on His timeline and by His power.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "spring" (blastanō) denotes sprouting or budding, while "grow up" (auxanō) signifies increase or enlargement. The combination emphasizes a natural, progressive development. The crucial phrase "he knoweth not how" (οὐκ οἶδεν πῶς - ouk oiden pōs) powerfully conveys the human inability to comprehend or control the divine process of growth. It's not a lack of effort on the farmer's part, but an acknowledgment of a mystery beyond human understanding. This highlights the supernatural element at play in the Kingdom's expansion.

Practical Application

This parable offers great encouragement and a healthy perspective for those involved in ministry, evangelism, or simply living out their faith.

  • Sow Faithfully, Trust God: We are called to be faithful sowers of the Word and diligent in our service, but we must release the outcome to God. We don't need to understand every detail of how God works in hearts and lives; we just need to be obedient to plant the seed.
  • Embrace the Mystery: Not every aspect of God's kingdom will be fully comprehensible to us. This verse invites us to rest in the mystery of divine power, recognizing that God is at work even when we don't see immediate results or fully grasp His methods.
  • Cultivate Patience: Spiritual growth, both individually and within the church, is often a gradual process. This parable reminds us to be patient, knowing that the seed of the Gospel, once planted, has inherent life and will grow by God's power, even as we simply continue to live our lives. We are called to persevere and not grow weary in doing good.

Reflection

Mark 4:27 serves as a profound reminder of God's active and mysterious work in the world. It shifts our focus from our limited abilities to God's infinite power, encouraging us to diligently participate in His work while humbly acknowledging that the ultimate increase and growth come from Him alone.

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 11:5 (6 votes)

    As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (4 votes)

    We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:37 (3 votes)

    And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain]:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:38 (3 votes)

    But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:17 (3 votes)

    Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it].

  • 2 Peter 3:18 (2 votes)

    But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

  • John 3:7 (2 votes)

    Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.