Mark 4:30
What does Mark 4:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 4:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 4:30 means
Jesus paused to consider how best to present the Kingdom of God in another parable. This rhetorical question highlights the challenge of adequately describing such a profound and multifaceted reality using simple, earthly analogies. It emphasizes His careful craftsmanship in selecting illustrations that effectively convey spiritual truth to His audience, leading into the next parable.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he said, How shall we liken the kingdom of God? or in what parable shall we set it forth?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he said, How shall we liken the kingdom of God? or in what parable shall we set it forth?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said, What picture may we give of the kingdom of God, or with what story may we make it clear?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he said, `To what may we liken the reign of God, or in what simile may we compare it?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said: To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? or to what parable shall we compare it?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he said, How should we liken the kingdom ofGod, or with what comparison should we compare it?
Context
This verse serves as a transition, introducing the Parable of the Mustard Seed. It immediately follows the Parable of the Growing Seed and its harvest imagery. The rhetorical question signals Jesus' intention to provide another angle of understanding for the Kingdom of God, making the audience anticipate a new, yet related, illustration, which will focus on its surprising origin and expansive growth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:16
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the marketplaces, who call unto their fellows
- Matthew 13:24
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:
- Matthew 13:31
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
- Lamentations 2:13
What shall I testify unto thee? what shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I compare to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? For thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?
- Luke 13:18
He said therefore, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I liken it?
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