Mark 4:28Kingdom parables
For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
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Interpretation

Jesus teaches a earth yields that is worked out in work and rest in Mark 4:28—look for "ear" and "earth". Give earth yields in how we make amends—teach the body new reflexes.

Context

The setting is Mark—gospel narrative, developing earth yields. Read in Mark 4, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “ear” alongside “earth”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early sources associate Mark with John Mark (assistant of Peter). Modern scholarship on Mark sees Anonymous; earliest Gospel; Petrine tradition.. Date: AD 65–70. Genre and setting: gospel narrative, in the Kingdom parables. Earliest ending at 16:8; longer endings added later. A compact, vivid narrative often seen as an early gospel source.

More details
Traditional:John Mark (assistant of Peter)
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; earliest Gospel; Petrine tradition.
Date:AD 65–70
  • Earliest ending at 16:8; longer endings added later.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not affect the core meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46