Topical Encyclopedia
The term "sixtyfold" is a biblical expression used to describe a measure of increase or yield, particularly in the context of agricultural productivity and spiritual fruitfulness. It is most prominently featured in the Parable of the Sower, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This parable is a teaching of Jesus Christ that illustrates the varying responses to the Word of God.
Biblical ContextIn the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes a sower who scatters seed, which falls on different types of ground, each yielding a different harvest. The seed represents the Word of God, and the ground symbolizes the hearts of those who hear it. The "sixtyfold" yield is mentioned as one of the fruitful outcomes of the seed that falls on good soil. In the Berean Standard Bible, the relevant passage is found in
Matthew 13:8: "Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold."
InterpretationThe sixtyfold yield signifies a substantial, though not maximal, return on the sown seed. It represents a heart that receives the Word of God with understanding and obedience, resulting in a significant spiritual harvest. This yield is indicative of a life that is transformed by the Gospel, producing abundant spiritual fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf.
Galatians 5:22-23).
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the sixtyfold increase underscores the principle of divine multiplication and blessing. It highlights the potential for spiritual growth and productivity when one's heart is receptive to God's Word. The varying yields—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold—illustrate that while all believers are called to bear fruit, the extent of fruitfulness can differ based on individual responsiveness and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of sixtyfold serves as an encouragement to cultivate a heart that is open and responsive to God's Word. It challenges Christians to strive for spiritual maturity and to seek a deeper relationship with God, resulting in a life that bears significant fruit for His kingdom. This involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and active participation in the life of the church.
ConclusionWhile the sixtyfold yield is not the highest possible return mentioned in the parable, it is nonetheless a testament to the power of God's Word to transform lives and produce a bountiful harvest. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life to achieve the fullest potential in Christ.
Library
Whether Three Fruits are Fittingly Assigned to the Three Parts of...
... But the excess ofsixtyfold over thirtyfold is not as the excess of a hundredfold
oversixtyfold; neither in arithmetical proportion, since sixty exceeds...
Letter Xlviii. To Pammachius.
... Yields of one hundredfold, ofsixtyfold, and of thirtyfold [1049] may all come from
one soil and from one sowing, yet they will differ widely in quantity....
Whether the Fruits are Suitably Enumerated by the Apostle?
... good ground, viz. "hundredfold,sixtyfold," and "thirtyfold." Therefore
one should not reckon twelve fruits. Objection 3: Further...
The Sower
... And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing;
and brought forth, thirtyfold, andsixtyfold, and a hundredfold....
Whether virginity is the Greatest of virtues?
... cxxiii ad Ageruch.], on account of its superiority to widowhood, to which thesixtyfold
fruit is ascribed, and to marriage, to which is ascribed the thirtyfold...
Whether an Aureole is Due on Account of virginity?
... Objection 6: Further, as widowhood is to thesixtyfold fruit, so is virginity
to the hundredfold fruit, and to the aureole. Now...
The Sower.
... and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and
brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, somesixtyfold, some thirtyfold....
The First Great Group of Parables.
... good ground, ^c and grew, and brought forth a hundredfold, ^b and yielded fruit,
growing up and increasing; and brought forth, thirtyfold, andsixtyfold, and a...
A Man Reaps More than He Sows.
... A MAN REAPS MORE THAN HE SOWS. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth
fruit, some a hundredfold, somesixtyfold, some thirtyfold.""Matthew 13:8....
Book x. On Numbers
... LX. [This number refers] to the fruit to widows or to the debt to those who restrain
passion; in the gospel: and another gave fruitsixtyfold. [Matt.13:8]....
Thesaurus
Sixtyfold (3 Occurrences)...Sixtyfold (3 Occurrences). Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought
forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some
sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (KJV).
...Thirtyfold (3 Occurrences)
... Thirtyfold (3 Occurrences). Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought
forth fruit, some an hundredfold, somesixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (KJV)....
Hundredfold (10 Occurrences)
... Hundredfold (10 Occurrences). Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and
brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, somesixtyfold, some thirtyfold....
Sixty-fold (1 Occurrence)
Sixty-fold.Sixtyfold, Sixty-fold. Sixty-four . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS).Sixtyfold, Sixty-fold. Sixty-four . Reference Bible.
Sixty-five (5 Occurrences)
Sixty-five. Sixty-eight, Sixty-five.Sixtyfold . Multi-Version Concordance
Sixty-five (5 Occurrences).... Sixty-eight, Sixty-five.Sixtyfold . Reference Bible
Ground (538 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY RSV). Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth
fruit, some an hundredfold, somesixtyfold, some thirtyfold....
Forth (1639 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, somesixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (KJV WBS RSV)....
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