καὶ καθεύδῃ καὶ ἐγείρηται νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ ὁ σπόρος βλαστάνῃ καὶ μηκύνηται ὡς οὐκ οἶδεν αὐτός
Mark 4:27 continues the parable of the seed, emphasizing the mystery of growth independent of human effort or understanding. The Greek flows with rhythmic balance, describing natural cycles and unseen processes that symbolize the quiet but unstoppable advance of the Kingdom of God.
Grammatical Foundations
καθεύδῃ καὶ ἐγείρηται—“he sleeps and rises.” Both verbs are present subjunctives:
- καθεύδῃ—present active subjunctive, 3rd person singular from καθεύδω, “he might sleep.”
- ἐγείρηται—present middle/passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular from ἐγείρω, “he might rise.”
The repetition emphasizes the daily cycle of human life—sleeping and rising, night and day.
νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν—“night and day.” These accusatives of time frame the cycle continuously: not just once, but as an ongoing reality.
καὶ ὁ σπόρος βλαστάνῃ καὶ μηκύνηται—“and the seed sprouts and grows.”
- βλαστάνῃ—present active subjunctive, 3rd person singular from βλαστάνω, “to sprout.”
- μηκύνηται—present middle/passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular from μηκύνω, “to grow long or tall.”
These verbs describe the natural development of the seed—gradual but inevitable growth.
ὡς οὐκ οἶδεν αὐτός—“how, he himself does not know.”
- ὡς introduces the manner or way in which something happens.
- οἶδεν—perfect active indicative, 3rd person singular from οἶδα, “he knows.”
αὐτός adds emphasis: “he himself” is unaware of how it happens. Despite his activity (sowing), the actual process of growth is beyond his comprehension.
Exegetical and Theological Implications
This verse teaches a powerful theological truth: the Kingdom of God grows by divine power, not human manipulation. Humans participate in sowing, but the essential work—the growth—is hidden and sovereign. The farmer’s sleeping and rising show human limitation: life proceeds, but its deepest workings are mysterious.
The grammar’s steady rhythm (καθεύδῃ καὶ ἐγείρηται… βλαστάνῃ καὶ μηκύνηται) mirrors the continual, patient unfolding of God’s reign—beyond observation, beyond control, and yet certain and inevitable.
Linguistic and Historical Perspectives
βλαστάνω and μηκύνω were common agricultural verbs, describing the visible stages of plant growth. The imagery would resonate strongly in a farming culture, familiar with the mystery of life emerging seemingly on its own.
οὐκ οἶδεν underscores epistemological humility: human beings act, but the divine process of growth and transformation remains hidden. This was a crucial correction to both ancient agricultural superstitions and human religious pride.
Table: Verbal and Structural Features in Mark 4:27
| Text | Greek Verb / Phrase | Form | Function / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark 4:27 | καθεύδῃ | Present active subjunctive, 3rd person singular | “He might sleep”; part of continuous human life rhythm |
| Mark 4:27 | ἐγείρηται | Present middle/passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular | “He might rise”; complements sleeping, emphasizes the cycle |
| Mark 4:27 | βλαστάνῃ / μηκύνηται | Present subjunctives, 3rd person singular | “It sprouts / it grows tall”; natural, mysterious growth of the seed |
| Mark 4:27 | οὐκ οἶδεν αὐτός | Perfect active indicative + pronoun | “He himself does not know”; emphasizes human ignorance of divine processes |
The Verse as a Paradigm of Koine Greek Richness
Mark 4:27 beautifully demonstrates how Koine Greek can encapsulate spiritual mystery with vivid simplicity. The flow of subjunctives mirrors the flow of life itself—sleep, waking, unseen growth—while the perfect tense underscores lasting human limitation. This verse gently invites humility, patience, and awe before the hidden workings of the Kingdom of God.
