Devine Scripture

Mark 4:26

What does Mark 4:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:26 means

Jesus introduced another parable to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God, likening it to a farmer who scatters seed upon the earth. This parable focuses on the inherent power of the seed itself and the mysterious process of growth, rather than the different types of soil. It emphasizes that the Kingdom's growth is not solely dependent on human effort, but on a divine, self-generating force.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Such is the kingdom of God, as if a man put seed in the earth,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said, `Thus is the reign of God: as if a man may cast the seed on the earth,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, Thus is the kingdom ofGod, as if a man should cast the seed upon the earth,

Context

This verse introduces the Parable of the Growing Seed, shifting the focus from the sower and the soil (as in the first parable) to the mysterious, inherent power of the seed itself. It follows the principles of hearing and spiritual increase/decrease, providing another facet of the Kingdom of God. This parable prepares the listener to appreciate the organic and often unseen development of God's work in the world.

v.25For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.

v.26This passage

v.27and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 13:11

    And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

  • Luke 13:18

    He said therefore, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I liken it?

  • Matthew 3:2

    Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

  • Isaiah 32:20

    Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth the feet of the ox and the ass.

  • John 4:36

    He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

  • Matthew 13:31

    Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

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