27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

Other Translations of Mark 4:27

King James Version

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

English Standard Version

27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.

The Message

27 who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows - he has no idea how it happens.

New King James Version

27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.

New Living Translation

27 Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 4:27

Commentary on Mark 4:21-34

(Read Mark 4:21-34)

These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!