This verse invites every believer to nurture a receptiveness toward God’s Word that will lead to a thriving, multiplied impact.
“And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (v.20) In this final verse of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus, who taught in the region of Galilee around 30 AD, describes the people who respond to God’s message in the best possible way. This type of response is not superficial or short-lived, but rather a deep and abiding acceptance of the gospel. The “good soil” pictures a heart that is prepared to receive God’s Word, much like soil that is well-tilled and free of hindrances. The seeds flourish in such a heart because the person not only passively hears, but makes a willing decision to embrace the truth, leading to real transformation.
When Jesus underscores that these believers “bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold” (v.20), He highlights an abundant and growing spiritual harvest that comes from a receptive heart. The “seed” is His teaching—an eternal message that points to Him as the ultimate revelation of God (John 1:14). This harvest is not limited to personal growth alone; it often brings transformation to families, communities, and even cultures. Despite living in a time when many religious leaders opposed Him (Mark 3:6), Jesus explained that genuine faith will produce undeniable evidence in a believer’s life, even if the process of growth takes time.
The significant difference between good soil and the other soils of the parable illustrates that lasting fruit cannot be fabricated by human effort alone; it springs forth from a heart aligned with God’s purposes. Those who truly hear the Word of Christ and accept it wholeheartedly will witness multiplying blessings that spread far beyond themselves and reflect the life and ministry of Jesus, who lived from around 5 BC to 33 AD in the land of Israel.
Set to dark mode
Mark 4:20 meaning
“And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (v.20) In this final verse of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus, who taught in the region of Galilee around 30 AD, describes the people who respond to God’s message in the best possible way. This type of response is not superficial or short-lived, but rather a deep and abiding acceptance of the gospel. The “good soil” pictures a heart that is prepared to receive God’s Word, much like soil that is well-tilled and free of hindrances. The seeds flourish in such a heart because the person not only passively hears, but makes a willing decision to embrace the truth, leading to real transformation.
When Jesus underscores that these believers “bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold” (v.20), He highlights an abundant and growing spiritual harvest that comes from a receptive heart. The “seed” is His teaching—an eternal message that points to Him as the ultimate revelation of God (John 1:14). This harvest is not limited to personal growth alone; it often brings transformation to families, communities, and even cultures. Despite living in a time when many religious leaders opposed Him (Mark 3:6), Jesus explained that genuine faith will produce undeniable evidence in a believer’s life, even if the process of growth takes time.
The significant difference between good soil and the other soils of the parable illustrates that lasting fruit cannot be fabricated by human effort alone; it springs forth from a heart aligned with God’s purposes. Those who truly hear the Word of Christ and accept it wholeheartedly will witness multiplying blessings that spread far beyond themselves and reflect the life and ministry of Jesus, who lived from around 5 BC to 33 AD in the land of Israel.