Mark 4:26

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔλεγεν
G3004
he said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
Οὕτως
G3779
So
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#4
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#5
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
βασιλεία
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
ἐάν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#11
ἄνθρωπος
G444
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#12
βάλῃ
G906
should cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#13
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
σπόρον
G4703
seed
a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)
#15
ἐπὶ
G1909
into
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#16
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
γῆς
G1093
the ground
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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