Mark 4:32
But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
2 of 25
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γίνεται
becometh
G1096
γίνεται
becometh
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μείζων
greater than
G3187
μείζων
greater than
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
10 of 25
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖ
shooteth out
G4160
ποιεῖ
shooteth out
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 25
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μεγάλους
great
G3173
μεγάλους
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
14 of 25
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ὥστε
so that
G5620
ὥστε
so that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
15 of 25
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
17 of 25
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκιὰν
the shadow
G4639
σκιὰν
the shadow
Strong's:
G4639
Word #:
19 of 25
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
αὐτοῦ
of it
G846
αὐτοῦ
of it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 25
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Isaiah 11:9They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.Isaiah 32:2And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.Lamentations 4:20The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.Song of Solomon 2:3As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Historical Context
The image echoes Old Testament kingdom prophecies: Ezekiel 17:22-24 (tender twig → mighty cedar sheltering birds); Daniel 4:10-12 (tree reaching heaven, sheltering all). Jesus' Jewish audience would catch these allusions—kingdom starting small but becoming universal. Early church fulfilled this: Jerusalem sect → Gentile mission → global Christianity. The 'birds' represent nations finding refuge in Christ's kingdom. Church history demonstrates parable's truth: small, persecuted church grew into global faith. This growth isn't always institutional triumphalism but gospel's advance transforming lives and cultures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding kingdom's destiny—universal scope sheltering all nations—affect your missional vision?
- What does this teach about trusting God's timing in kingdom advance despite current smallness?
- How can the church provide 'shade and shelter' for spiritually homeless people today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus describes transformation: 'But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.' The contrast is dramatic: smallest seed → greatest herb (garden plant). 'Great branches' provide shelter for 'fowls'—possibly alluding to Daniel 4:12, 21 where great tree represents kingdom sheltering nations. The kingdom starts small but grows to universal scope, providing refuge for all peoples. 'Lodge under shadow' suggests protection, rest, blessing. The church becomes shelter for all nations, fulfilling Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:3) that all families would be blessed through Abraham's seed.