But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The incredible part here isn't just that the good soil bears fruit, but that the fruit isn't a small, single thing. It's a multiplication—thirty, sixty, even a hundred times the seed planted! This shows that genuine reception of God's word doesn't just preserve it, but actively and abundantly expands its impact in our lives.
But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just shared the parable of the sower, describing different kinds of soil where the seed (the word of God) falls. This verse explains the meaning of the seed that lands on good soil, contrasting it with the fruitless reception described just before. It highlights the positive outcome of hearing and truly accepting God's word, leading to abundant fruitfulness.
The parable of the sower presents four types of soil. What makes the 'good soil' so different, and what does it mean for us today?
The good soil isn't inherently superior; it's receptive and responsive. It signifies a heart that doesn't just hear the Word of God but actively 'accepts' it. This acceptance isn't passive; it's an internalizing and valuing of God's truth, leading to transformation. The scholarly insights highlight that this is a heart made receptive by God's grace, ready to be cultivated and to yield fruit.
The parable emphasizes not just hearing or accepting, but bearing fruit. What does this 'fruit' look like in the life of a believer?
The ultimate purpose of the Word taking root in good soil is fruitfulness. This isn't about earning salvation, but demonstrating its reality. The varying amounts of fruit – thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold – remind us that while all believers bear fruit, the measure can differ. This fruit can manifest as outward actions of righteousness, inner transformation, or sharing the Gospel, all originating from a life genuinely impacted by God's Word.
Understand the original words
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karpos · Greek Noun
Productivity in the spiritual life, referring to the evidence of a transformed life, godly character, and the influence of the Holy Spirit.
This passage from Matthew directly parallels the explanation of the parable, highlighting the 'good soil' listener who 'hears the word and understands it,' leading to fruit-bearing.
Luke 8:15Luke's account emphasizes that the good soil represents those who 'hear the word with an honest and good heart, hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance,' underscoring the endurance and steadfastness required.
John 15:5Jesus speaks of remaining in Him as the source of fruitfulness, directly linking believers' ability to 'bear much fruit' to their abiding connection with Him, similar to how the good soil nurtures the seed.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage describes the 'fruit of the Spirit,' which is the natural outgrowth of a life receptive to God's word and working, reflecting the abundant fruit mentioned in Mark 4:20.
pooleMark 4:20: "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
See Poole on "Mr 4:3"
vincentMark 4:20: "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
Such asA good rendering of the pronoun οἵτινες, which indicates the class of hearers.
The incredible part here isn't just that the good soil bears fruit, but that the fruit isn't a small, single thing. It's a multiplication—thirty, sixty, even a hundred times the seed planted! This shows that genuine reception of God's word doesn't just preserve it, but actively and abundantly expands its impact in our lives.
Jesus has just shared the parable of the sower, describing different kinds of soil where the seed (the word of God) falls. This verse explains the meaning of the seed that lands on good soil, contrasting it with the fruitless reception described just before. It highlights the positive outcome of hearing and truly accepting God's word, leading to abundant fruitfulness.
Jesus has just shared the parable of the sower, describing different kinds of soil where the seed (the word of God) falls. This verse explains the meaning of the seed that lands on good soil, contrasting it with the fruitless reception described just before. It highlights the positive outcome of hearing and truly accepting God's word, leading to abundant fruitfulness.
"But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”" — The incredible part here isn't just that the good soil bears fruit, but that the fruit isn't a small, single thing. It's a multiplication—thirty, sixty, even a hundred times the seed planted! This…
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Last reviewed October 2026