Mark 4:26

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 4:21-34

The lessons which our Saviour designs to teach us here by parables and figurative expressions are these:? I. That those who are good ought to consider the obligations they are under to do good; that is, as in the parable before, to bring forth fruit. God expects a grateful return of his gifts to us, and a useful improvement of his gifts in us; for (Mark 4:21), Isa. a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? No, but that it may be set on a candlestick. The apostles were... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 4:26-29

4:26-29 He said to them: "This is what the Kingdom of God is like. It is like what happens when a man casts seed upon the earth. He sleeps and he wakes night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows--and he does not know how it does it. The earth produces fruit with help from no one, first the shoot, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. When the time allows it, immediately he despatches the sickle, for the time to harvest has come." This is the only parable which Mark alone relates... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:26

And he said ,.... He went on saying the following parable, which was delivered at the same time that the parable of the sower was, though omitted by Matthew; and is here placed between that, and the other concerning the grain of mustard seed; which shows the time when it was spoken. The design of it is to set forth the nature of the word, and the ministration of it; the conduct of the ministers of the Gospel, when they have dispensed it; the imperceptibleness of its springing and growth; the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:26

So is the kingdom of God - This parable is mentioned only by Mark, a proof that Mark did not abridge Matthew. Whitby supposes it to refer to the good ground spoken of before, and paraphrases is thus: - "What I have said of the seed sown upon good ground, may be illustrated by this parable. The doctrine of the kingdom, received in a good and honest heart, is like seed sown by a man in his ground, properly prepared to receive it; for when he hath sown it, he sleeps and wakes day after day,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:26

Verse 26 Mark 4:26.So is the kingdom of God. Though this comparison has the same object with the two immediately preceding, yet Christ appears to direct his discourse purposely to the ministers of the word, that they may not grow indifferent about the discharge of their duty, because the fruit of their labor does not immediately appear. He holds out for their imitation the example of husbandmen, who throw seed into the ground with the expectation of reaping, and do not torment themselves with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-28

This parable is recorded by St. Mark alone . It differs greatly from the parable of the sower, although both of them are founded upon the imagery of the seed cast into the ground. In both cases the seed represents the doctrine of the gospel; the field represents the hearers; the harvest the end of the world, or perhaps the death of each individual hearer. So is the kingdom of God, in its progress from its establishment to its completion. The sower casts seed upon the earth, not without... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

Spiritual growth. There are common truths and a common interpretation underlying this and several other parables. In all this group the seed is the Word of God, the soil is the heart of man, the life is the spiritual history and development, the fruit is Christian character, and the harvest is eternal result and retribution. But the peculiar lesson of this parable is the nature of spiritual growth. It this case it is presumed that the seed is sown in good soil. I. IT IS HIDDEN , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The seed cast upon the earth; or, the self-development of truth in the heart of man. I. THERE IS A PRE - ESTABLISHED HARMONY BETWEEN THE TRUTH AND HUMAN NATURE . The seed left in the soil germinates because of the mutual adaptation; so the Word of God. II. THE WORD OF THE KINGDOM HAS AN INNATE POWER OF DEVELOPMENT . Under the appointed conditions it is bound to grow. III. GOD DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH IT OR REMOVE IT ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

Man used and then dispensed with. I. WHAT GOD DOES BY AND THROUGH HIS SERVANTS . The mere sowing of the seed. 1 . Receiving the seed for one's self. 2 . Imparting it vitally to other minds. II. WHAT GOD DOES WITHOUT HIS SERVANTS . The pre-existence and independent growth of the seed a great mystery. Its hidden processes provocative of spiritual discipline to the sower. In God's hand and the womb of time ( Psalms 65:1-13 .). Committing it thereto,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The progress of Divine life in the soul. Mark alone records this parable. It occupies the position of the parable of the tares in Matthew 13:1-58 , following "the sower," preceding "the mustard seed," but is not to be identified with it. It teaches us that Divine life, like ordinary seed, requires time for its development, that its growth is unnoticed and but little dependent upon human interference, and that it will have a glorious consummation. I. THE GROWTH OF THE DIVINE ... read more

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