When we read through the Bible, we often come across the word “fold” and a number (30-fold, 60-fold, or 100-fold). In the past, I would read that as “times” and do some math in my head. Consider the parable of the sower in Mark 4:1-20, specifically the good soil:
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. (Mark 4:20 NASB95)
So I would multiply in my head to determine how much I would harvest from my seed. For example, $50 sown would equal:
- $50 x 30 = $1,500
- $50 x 60 = $3,000
- $50 x 100 = $5,000
But the Bible doesn’t say “times” but rather “fold.” And using 50 towels as an example for “fold,” when you fold 50 towels in half the first time they are as thick as 100 towels. When you fold them the second time, they are as thick as 200 towels. The third fold makes the towels as thick as 400 towels, and the fourth fold makes them as thick as 800 towels. By the time you reach thirty-fold, the numbers become astonishing! Take a look at these calculations:
- 50 towels @ 30-fold = as thick as 26 million towels
- 50 towels @ 60-fold = as thick as 57 quintillion (57×1018) towels
- 50 towels @ 100-fold = as thick as 63 nonillion (63×1030) towels
You see how much larger the “fold” calculation is compared to the “times” calculation. Even if you consider 30-fold as a good return on your $50 seed, you won’t receive $1,500 in return, but rather $26,000,000. This is how God’s kingdom works! And this concept applies to more than just money – it applies to love, time, and talents to name a few examples. So plant your seed and expect a supernatural harvest!
God is love. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run (1 Corinthians 13:13 TPT). Jesus is Lord.
Additional references: Matthew 19:29, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Matthew 13