Luke 13:18

¶ Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

Then {G1161} said he {G3004}, Unto what {G5101} is {G2076} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} like {G3664}? and {G2532} whereunto {G5101} shall I resemble {G3666} it {G846}?

So he went on to say, “What is the Kingdom of God like? With what will we compare it?

Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?

He said therefore, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I liken it?

Luke 13:18 serves as a rhetorical question posed by Jesus, introducing a profound teaching on the nature and growth of the Kingdom of God. It sets the stage for the parables that follow, inviting listeners to ponder the spiritual reality Jesus preached.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive teaching ministry, particularly his discourses on the Kingdom of God. In Luke's Gospel, it immediately precedes two well-known parables: the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Luke 13:19) and the Parable of the Leaven (Luke 13:20-21). These parables are direct answers to the questions posed in this verse, illustrating how something seemingly insignificant can grow to have immense impact. Jesus often used parables—earthly stories with heavenly meanings—to convey complex spiritual truths in an accessible way to his audience, which included both disciples and skeptics.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of the Kingdom of God: Jesus' primary message was about the Kingdom of God. This verse highlights that the Kingdom is not an earthly political power, but a spiritual reality that operates on different principles. Jesus asks his audience to consider its true essence.
  • Growth from Humble Beginnings: The rhetorical question prepares the listener for the idea that the Kingdom, despite its seemingly small and inconspicuous start (with Jesus' ministry and a handful of disciples), would grow into something vast and influential.
  • Jesus' Teaching Method: By asking "Unto what is the kingdom of God like?", Jesus engages his audience directly, prompting them to think and anticipate the analogy. This Socratic method encourages deeper reflection rather than passive listening.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou) is central to Jesus' teaching. It refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both now and in the future. The verb "resemble" (Greek: homoiosō) means "to make like" or "to compare," underscoring Jesus' intention to use a parable or analogy to explain the Kingdom's characteristics.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 13:18 reminds us that:

  • Spiritual Growth is Gradual: Just as the Kingdom started small, our personal faith and spiritual impact often begin humbly and grow over time. Small acts of faith, obedience, or sharing the Gospel can have far-reaching effects.
  • God's Work Often Begins Small: The verse encourages patience and faith in God's processes. What might seem insignificant in its inception can, by God's power, become mighty. This applies to church planting, missionary efforts, or even individual acts of kindness.
  • Understanding Spiritual Truths Requires Reflection: Jesus' question invites us to actively engage with His teachings, seeking to understand the deeper spiritual truths behind the surface narrative.

This verse encapsulates Jesus' pedagogical brilliance, drawing his listeners into the mystery and power of God's unfolding Kingdom through relatable imagery that would soon follow.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 4:30

    And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

  • Mark 4:34

    But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

  • Luke 17:21

    Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

  • Matthew 13:31

    Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

  • Matthew 13:32

    Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

  • Luke 13:20

    And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

  • Mark 4:26

    And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

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