Mark 4:20
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτοί
these
G3778
οὗτοί
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
ground
G1093
γῆν
ground
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
7 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλὴν
good
G2570
καλὴν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
9 of 26
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
σπαρέντες
they which are sown
G4687
σπαρέντες
they which are sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
10 of 26
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
οἵτινες
such as
G3748
οἵτινες
such as
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
11 of 26
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 26
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραδέχονται
receive
G3858
παραδέχονται
receive
Strong's:
G3858
Word #:
16 of 26
to accept near, i.e., admit or (by implication) delight in
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καρποφοροῦσιν
bring forth fruit
G2592
καρποφοροῦσιν
bring forth fruit
Strong's:
G2592
Word #:
18 of 26
to be fertile (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Luke 8:15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.Mark 4:8And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.Matthew 13:23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.2 Peter 1:8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.Genesis 26:12Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.Romans 7:4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Historical Context
Ancient Palestinian harvests varied: 30-fold was good, 60-fold excellent, 100-fold extraordinary (Genesis 26:12 records Isaac's 100-fold harvest as remarkable blessing). Jesus' point: all genuine believers bear fruit, though quantity varies based on gifts, opportunities, faithfulness. Early church emphasized fruit of Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), good works (Ephesians 2:10), and converts brought to faith (Romans 1:13). Reformers insisted genuine faith produces works—not earning salvation but evidencing it. Puritans examined themselves for fruit as assurance of election. True Christianity is fruitful Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual fruit evidences genuine conversion in your life—character transformation, good works, gospel witness?
- How does varying fruitfulness (30x, 60x, 100x) free you from comparison while maintaining expectation of fruit?
- What cultivation practices increase fruitfulness in your walk with Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus describes good soil: 'And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.' Good soil hearers:
Fruit varies in quantity (30x, 60x, 100x) but all good-soil believers bear fruit, proving genuine conversion. The progression: hear → receive → produce fruit characterizes authentic discipleship. Fruitfulness, not emotional enthusiasm or temporary endurance, validates genuine faith.