Understanding βλαστάνω (blastanō) Strong’s G985: The Divine Power of Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom

Pronunciation Guide: blas-TAN-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G985: βλαστάνω (blastanō) refers to the process of sprouting, budding, or bringing forth growth. It describes the natural germination process where a seed breaks forth into new life and develops into a mature plant. In Scripture, this term often carries spiritual significance, portraying how God’s Word and kingdom principles naturally develop and bear fruit in the hearts of believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Root connection: From βλαστός (blastos, G986) meaning “sprout” or “shoot”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Agricultural contexts, parables, kingdom teaching
• Tense forms: Present, aorist, perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, subjunctive, participle

βλαστάνω Morphology:

• βλαστάνω (present active indicative) – I sprout, I cause to grow
• βλαστήσῃ (aorist active subjunctive) – it might sprout
• ἐβλάστησεν (aorist active indicative) – it sprouted, it grew
• βλαστῶντα (present active participle) – sprouting, growing
• βεβλάστηκεν (perfect active indicative) – it has sprouted, it has produced

Origin & History

The term βλαστάνω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature where it predominantly referred to plant growth and vegetation. Aristotle used it in his biological works when describing the germination of seeds and development of plants. In “History of Plants,” Theophrastus employed the term when discussing the natural processes of plants breaking forth from the soil and developing stems and leaves.

In the Septuagint (LXX), βλαστάνω appears notably in Genesis 1:11 when God commands the earth to “bring forth vegetation” during creation. It also appears in Exodus 10:5 regarding the vegetation that would be destroyed by locusts. The term carried theological significance in Isaiah 45:8, where righteousness “springs forth” (βλαστησάτω) from the earth as a metaphor for divine salvation taking root among people. This agricultural imagery became foundational for later New Testament usage, especially in Yeshua’s (Jesus’) parables about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To sprout or germinate – the initial breaking forth of a seed into visible growth
• To bring forth or produce – the generative action that results in new life
• To bud or put forth – the developmental stage where new growth becomes evident
• To grow or increase – the process of development toward maturity
• To cause to grow – the divine enablement of growth processes

βλαστάνω Translation Options:

• “To sprout” – Emphasizes the beginning stages of growth from a seed
• “To put forth shoots” – Highlights the visible evidence of life emerging
• “To bring forth” – Focuses on the productive aspect of generating new life
• “To grow” – Conveys the ongoing development process
• “To cause to grow” – Reflects God’s active role in making things grow when used in divine contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, βλαστάνω appears most prominently in Yeshua’s parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. Its first appearance is in Matthew 13:26, where it describes the wheat sprouting and bearing grain in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares. This agricultural imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth and the mysterious, often invisible processes by which God’s word takes root in human hearts.

The term also appears in Mark 4:27 in the Parable of the Growing Seed, where the seed sprouts and grows while the farmer sleeps, emphasizing the autonomous nature of spiritual growth that occurs by God’s power rather than human effort. This illustrates an important theological principle that while humans may plant and water, it is ultimately God who causes growth (as Paul later articulates in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Key biblical occurrences include:

• “But when the blade sprouted [ἐβλάστησεν] and brought forth grain, then the tares became evident also.” Matthew 13:26
• “The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:28-29
• “For the earth produces [βλαστάνουσα] of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” Mark 4:28
• “And the Earth sprouted [ἐβλάστησεν] vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind.” Genesis 1:11 (LXX)
• “For as the earth brings forth [βλαστήσει] its sprouts, and as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11 (LXX)
• “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10
• “Aaron’s rod that budded [ἐβλάστησεν].” Hebrews 9:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient agricultural societies of the Near East, the sprouting of seeds represented a mysterious, almost miraculous process that was essential for survival. Farmers understood their dependence on forces beyond their control—rainfall, sunshine, and soil conditions—which all contributed to successful germination. This cultural backdrop helps explain why βλαστάνω became such a powerful metaphor in biblical teaching. The Jewish people, living in an agricultural society, immediately recognized the profound spiritual truth embedded in growth parables.

The miracle of Aaron’s rod that budded (βλαστήσασα) in Numbers 17:8 provides another significant cultural reference point. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a dead stick producing life was considered impossible—a clear divine sign. This extraordinary budding authenticated Aaron’s priestly authority and demonstrated God’s power to bring life from death. This miracle foreshadowed the resurrection and became an important typological connection to the Messiah, who would later be described as “a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2) and “the branch of יהוה (Yahweh)” (Isaiah 4:2).

Theological Significance

The concept of βλαστάνω carries profound theological implications about how God works in both creation and redemption. Just as God established natural laws that govern plant growth, He has established spiritual principles that govern kingdom growth. The mysterious, often invisible process of sprouting reveals God’s sovereignty—growth happens according to His timing and by His power, not by human force or manipulation.

In Yeshua’s parables, βλαστάνω illustrates the organic, progressive nature of God’s kingdom. Rather than arriving through political revolution or military conquest (as many Jews expected of their Messiah), the kingdom grows gradually, often imperceptibly, yet with unstoppable divine power. This challenges our human impatience and desire for immediate results, teaching us to trust God’s timing and methods.

The theological connection between βλαστάνω and resurrection is particularly significant. Just as a seed must “die” before it can sprout new life (as Yeshua taught in John 12:24), so too must believers experience death to self before experiencing the new life of the Spirit. This pattern—death preceding new life—is central to the gospel message and is beautifully depicted through the natural process of germination. Through βλαστάνω, we see that resurrection power is not just a future hope but a present reality that enables spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Personal Application

The concept of βλαστάνω invites us to examine our expectations about spiritual growth. Just as farmers plant seeds and then patiently wait, trusting the natural processes God established, we too must cultivate patience in our spiritual journey. Growth rarely happens overnight—whether in our own lives or in the lives of those we disciple. Instead of becoming discouraged by slow progress, we can rest in the confidence that God is at work beneath the surface, causing growth in His perfect timing.

This word also challenges us to recognize our dependence on God for genuine spiritual growth. While we have responsibility to plant seeds through sharing God’s Word and to create favorable conditions through prayer and encouragement, we must remember that only God can cause the miracle of new life. This liberates us from the burden of trying to force growth and instead leads us to humble partnership with the Divine Gardener, who alone can transform hearts and lives.

Related Words

• φύω (phyō) – to generate, produce, grow naturally – This term focuses more on the natural production or generation aspect of growth, while βλαστάνω emphasizes the initial sprouting and subsequent development. See G5453
• αὐξάνω (auxanō) – to increase, grow, become greater – While βλαστάνω focuses on the sprouting and initial growth, αὐξάνω emphasizes the ongoing increase and enlargement aspects of growth. See G837
• καρποφορέω (karpophoreō) – to bear or bring forth fruit – This term focuses specifically on the productive aspect of bearing fruit, while βλαστάνω emphasizes the developmental growth process that precedes fruit-bearing. See G2592
• σπείρω (speirō) – to sow or scatter seed – This term precedes the action of βλαστάνω in the agricultural cycle, focusing on the planting rather than the sprouting. See G4687
• βλαστός (blastos) – sprout, shoot – This is the root noun from which βλαστάνω derives, referring to the actual shoot rather than the process of sprouting. See G986

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the modern scientific term “blastocyst” derives from the same Greek root as βλαστάνω? A blastocyst is an early stage of embryonic development, representing new life beginning to form and differentiate—a remarkable connection to the biblical imagery of spiritual growth beginning in the heart.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish agricultural practice, the first signs of sprouting (βλαστάνω) were celebrated as evidence of God’s faithfulness? Farmers would often bring the first visible shoots to the Temple as thanksgiving offerings, recognizing that all growth ultimately comes from God. This practice reinforced the theological principle that would later be articulated through Yeshua’s kingdom parables—God is the source of all growth, both physical and spiritual.
• Did you know that βλαστάνω appears in ancient Greek medical texts? Hippocrates used the term when describing how certain healing herbs would sprout and grow, which were then used for medicinal purposes. This parallel between physical healing and spiritual growth reminds us that God’s restorative work in our lives often follows similar patterns of gradual, progressive development that ultimately leads to wholeness.

Remember This

βλαστάνω reminds us that God’s kingdom operates according to divine agricultural principles—what appears dormant is often preparing to burst forth with new life, and what begins as a tiny sprout will, in God’s perfect timing, grow into a harvest that glorifies the Master Gardener.