Mark 4:32

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

But

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

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

σπαρῇ

G4687

it is sown

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ἀναβαίνει

G305

it groweth up

to go up (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

But

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

γίνεται

G1096

becometh

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πάντων

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν

G3588

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

λαχάνων

G3001

herbs

a vegetable

#10

μείζων

G3187

greater than

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

#11

καὶ

G2532

But

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

#12

ποιεῖ

G4160

shooteth out

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#13

κλάδους

G2798

branches

a twig or bough (as if broken off)

#14

μεγάλους

G3173

great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#15

ὥστε

G5620

so that

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

#16

δύνασθαι

G1410

may

to be able or possible

#17

ὑπὸ

G5259

under

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 (

#18

τὴν

G3588

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

#19

σκιὰν

G4639

the shadow

"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))

#20

αὐτοῦ

G846

of it

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

#21

τὰ

G3588

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

#22

πετεινὰ

G4071

the fowls

a flying animal, i.e., bird

#23

τοῦ

G3588

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

#24

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of the air

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#25

κατασκηνοῦν

G2681

lodge

to camp down, i.e., haunt; figuratively, to remain

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus