King James Version

What Does Mark 4:27 Mean?

Mark 4:27 in the King James Version says “And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 4:27 · KJV


Context

25

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

26

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27

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

28

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. brought: or, ripe


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus continues: 'And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.' The farmer's normal routine ('sleep, rise night and day') continues while mysterious growth occurs. The phrase 'he knoweth not how' (ὡς οὐκ οἶδεν αὐτός) emphasizes human ignorance of growth mechanics. Ancient farmers couldn't explain biology, photosynthesis, or cellular reproduction—they trusted seed's life-force. Spiritually, ministers don't fully understand how the Spirit regenerates hearts, but they trust God's word's power. This guards against both taking credit for results and despairing over lack of visible fruit. Growth is mysterious, gradual, and ultimately God's work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural mystery was profound before modern biology. Farmers observed growth without understanding mechanisms—germination, cellular division, photosynthesis remained unknown. They trusted empirical observation: seeds planted properly would grow. Jesus applies this to spiritual realm: conversion and sanctification involve mysterious Spirit-work beyond human comprehension or control. The Reformers emphasized this against Roman Catholic teaching that sacraments automatically conferred grace ex opere operato. True conversion is Spirit's mysterious, sovereign work, not mechanical result of religious ritual. Church history records unexpected conversions and revivals that mystified human observers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How comfortable are you with mystery in spiritual growth—trusting God's work you can't fully understand or control?
  2. What does this teach about the relationship between faithful sowing and Spirit's sovereign work?
  3. How does this parable free you from both ministerial pride and ministerial despair?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καθεύδῃ2 of 17

should sleep

G2518

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ3 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγείρηται4 of 17

rise

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

νύκτα5 of 17

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμέραν7 of 17

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

καὶ8 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

9 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπόρος10 of 17

the seed

G4703

a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)

βλαστάνῃ11 of 17

should spring

G985

to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit

καὶ12 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μηκύνηται13 of 17

grow up

G3373

to lengthen, i.e., (middle voice) to enlarge

ὡς14 of 17

how

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

οὐκ15 of 17

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἶδεν16 of 17

knoweth

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτός17 of 17

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 4:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 4:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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