Lexical Summary blastanó: To sprout, to bud, to produce, to grow Original Word: βλαστάνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bring forth, bud, spring up. From blastos (a sprout); to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit -- bring forth, bud, spring (up). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root blast- Definition to sprout, produce NASB Translation budded (1), produced (1), sprouted (1), sprouts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 985: βλαστάνωβλαστάνω, 3 person singular present subjunctive βλαστᾷ from the form βλαστάω, Mark 4:27 L T Tr WH (cf. Buttmann, 55 (48); (Ecclesiastes 2:6; Hermas, sim. 4, 1f [ET])); 1 aorist ἐβλάστησα (cf. Winers Grammar, 84 (80); (Buttmann, the passage cited)); 1. intransitively, to sprout, bud, put forth leaves: Mark 4:27; Matthew 13:26; Hebrews 9:4; (Numbers 17:8; Joel 2:22, etc.; in Greek writings from Pindar down). 2. in later Greek writings transitively, to produce: τόν καρπόν, James 5:18. (Genesis 1:11, etc.) The verb rendered “sprout,” “bud,” or “bring forth” is employed four times in the New Testament. Each occurrence draws on the observable miracle of plant life to illuminate God’s sovereign activity—whether in the unfolding of His kingdom, the authentication of His servants, or the granting of fruitfulness in answer to prayer. Kingdom Growth in the Teaching of Jesus • Matthew 13:26 and Mark 4:27 appear within parables of seed and soil. In Matthew 13 the sprouting of wheat uncovers the simultaneous appearance of weeds, stressing that authentic and counterfeit growth can proceed side-by-side until the harvest. In Mark 4 Jesus highlights the farmer’s ignorance of the mechanics of growth: “the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” The kingdom’s advance is therefore certain but not finally attributable to human ingenuity. The term underscores quiet, God-directed development from hidden beginnings to visible maturity, encouraging believers to sow faithfully and trust the Lord of the harvest for results. Divine Authentication of Priesthood • Hebrews 9:4 recalls the contents of the Ark: “Aaron’s staff that had budded.” The budding of a staff—dead wood quickened to life—validated Aaron’s priestly call during Israel’s wilderness rebellion (Numbers 17). By choosing this verb the writer to the Hebrews connects that ancient miracle with the tabernacle typology fulfilled in Christ’s superior priesthood. Just as the lifeless rod sprang forth, so the risen Lord is vindicated as the living Mediator for His people. The budding staff thus serves as a perpetual witness to God’s right to appoint His servants and to give life where none exists. Fruitfulness Granted through Prayerful Dependence • James 5:18 recounts Elijah’s intercession: “Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.” The earth’s “sprouting” answers the prophet’s prayers and demonstrates that physical and spiritual renewal flow from God’s initiative. James employs the image to exhort the church to persistent prayer, confident that the God who once brought life from parched soil is still able to bring revival and tangible blessing. Historical and Theological Significance 1. Creation Motif: Each occurrence alludes to Genesis imagery where the earth first “brought forth” vegetation. The verb echoes God’s creational power now operative in redemption history. Ministry Implications • Patience in Gospel Work: Ministers sow truth, but only God can make it sprout. Quiet seasons are not barren if seed is buried. Taken together, the four New Testament uses of this term weave a tapestry of growth, validation, and fruitfulness, all grounded in the unchanging character of God who brings life from death and harvest from seed sown in faith. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 13:26 V-AIA-3SGRK: ὅτε δὲ ἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος NAS: the wheat sprouted and bore KJV: the blade was sprung up, and INT: when moreover sprouted the plants Mark 4:27 V-PSA-3S Hebrews 9:4 V-APA-NFS James 5:18 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 985 |
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