Mark 4:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004}, Whereunto {G5101} shall we liken {G3666} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}? or {G2228} with {G1722} what {G4169} comparison {G3850} shall we compare {G3846} it {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua also said, "With what can we compare the Kingdom of God? What illustration should we use to describe it?

Berean Standard Bible

Then He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it?

American Standard Version

And he said, How shall we liken the kingdom of God? or in what parable shall we set it forth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 4:30, Jesus poses a profound rhetorical question, initiating a pivotal discussion about the nature and manifestation of the Kingdom of God. This inquiry serves as a direct prelude to the Parable of the Mustard Seed, highlighting Jesus' characteristic method of revealing divine truths through relatable, everyday imagery and challenging His audience to consider how God's sovereign reign operates in ways that often defy conventional human expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger collection of parables Jesus taught by the Sea of Galilee, a teaching session that began in [Mark 4:1](/mark/4 "Mark 4:1 - Jesus Teaches by the Sea"). Immediately preceding [Mark 4:30](/mark/4-30 "Mark 4:30 - Jesus' Question about the Kingdom") are the Parable of the Sower ([Mark 4:3-9](/mark/4-3-9 "Mark 4:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower")), the explanation of its purpose ([Mark 4:10-20](/mark/4-10-20 "Mark 4:10-20 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower")), the Parable of the Lamp under a Basket ([Mark 4:21-25](/mark/4-21-25 "Mark 4:21-25 - The Parable of the Lamp")), and the Parable of the Growing Seed ([Mark 4:26-29](/mark/4-26-29 "Mark 4:26-29 - The Parable of the Growing Seed")). Jesus' question in [Mark 4:30](/mark/4-30 "Mark 4:30 - Jesus' Question about the Kingdom") directly sets the stage for the Parable of the Mustard Seed in [Mark 4:31-32](/mark/4-31-32 "Mark 4:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed"), demonstrating His consistent pedagogical approach of using earthly stories to convey heavenly realities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry took place in first-century Galilee, a region under Roman occupation but deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The concept of "kingdom" (Hebrew: *malkuth*, Greek: *basileia*) was highly significant to His Jewish audience, who often anticipated a political or military messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a glorious earthly kingdom as prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus, however, consistently redefined this expectation, presenting the [Kingdom of God](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - The Mystery of the Kingdom") as a spiritual reality, God's active reign, already present yet still unfolding. His use of parables was a common teaching method in the ancient Near East, making complex ideas accessible through relatable agricultural or domestic scenarios, but also serving to veil truth from those unwilling to receive it, as He explains in [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "Mark 4:11-12 - The Purpose of Parables").
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Mark 4](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom") is the **nature and mystery of the Kingdom of God**. Jesus' question in [Mark 4:30](/mark/4-30 "Mark 4:30 - Jesus' Question about the Kingdom") underscores that this Kingdom is not easily grasped by human reason or conventional standards; it requires divine revelation and spiritual discernment. Another prominent theme is **parabolic teaching** itself, a deliberate method employed by Jesus to both reveal and conceal spiritual truths, inviting deep engagement from those with "ears to hear" ([Mark 4:9](/mark/4-9 "Mark 4:9 - He Who Has Ears to Hear")). Finally, this verse anticipates the theme of **growth from humble beginnings**, a concept central to the subsequent Parable of the Mustard Seed, illustrating how God's work often starts small and imperceptibly, yet yields immense and surprising results.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb signifies to "lay forth" or relate in words, often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it indicates Jesus' deliberate and authoritative pronouncement, introducing a significant teaching moment rather than a casual remark. It underscores His role as a divine teacher revealing profound truths.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** Properly meaning "royalty," this term refers abstractly to God's rule or concretely to the realm where His sovereign will is exercised. In this context, it emphasizes God's active reign and dominion, which Jesus is in the process of inaugurating and explaining, rather than merely a geographical territory.
* **comparison (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** Derived from *parabállō* ("to throw alongside"), this word denotes a similitude, a symbolic fictitious narrative, or an adage. It highlights Jesus' intention to use an analogy or a story from common life to convey a moral or spiritual truth, making the abstract concept of the Kingdom of God tangible and understandable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said,"**: This introductory phrase, common in the Gospels, signals a new teaching or significant statement from Jesus. It establishes His authority as the speaker and draws the listener's attention to the impending profound inquiry.
* **"Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?"**: This is the first part of Jesus' rhetorical question. The phrase "whereunto shall we liken" (Greek: *homoióō*) indicates a search for an appropriate analogy or simile. Jesus is inviting His audience to consider what earthly thing could possibly compare to the unique, divine reality of God's sovereign rule, implicitly acknowledging its transcendent nature.
* **"or with what comparison shall we compare it?"**: This second clause is a parallel rhetorical question, reinforcing the first. The word "comparison" (Greek: *parabolḗ*) explicitly points to the use of a parable or similitude. The verb "compare" (Greek: *parabállō*) reiterates the act of "throwing alongside" for the purpose of analogy. The repetition emphasizes the challenge of finding a suitable earthly illustration for such a heavenly reality, yet also signals Jesus' intent to provide one.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:30 is rich with literary techniques. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which Jesus uses not to elicit an answer from His audience, but to stimulate thought and prepare them for the upcoming teaching. By asking "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?", Jesus engages His listeners, prompting them to ponder the unique and often counter-intuitive nature of God's reign. This question also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("or with what comparison shall we compare it?") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?"). This repetition adds emphasis and rhetorical force, highlighting the profound challenge of describing the Kingdom. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as an introduction to **Simile** or **Metaphor**, as Jesus is explicitly seeking an earthly likeness or comparison for a divine reality, setting the stage for the subsequent Parable of the Mustard Seed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:30 profoundly underscores the unique and often paradoxical nature of the Kingdom of God. It is not a kingdom that operates according to human expectations of power, size, or immediate visible impact. Instead, Jesus' rhetorical inquiry suggests that its essence requires a special kind of discernment, one that looks beyond the obvious to perceive God's subtle yet powerful work. This prepares the listener for the truth that the Kingdom's growth and influence often begin in humble, overlooked ways, yet possess an inherent, divine vitality that leads to immense and surprising outcomes. It challenges us to redefine our understanding of power and influence through a divine lens.

* [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31-32 "Matthew 13:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed")
* [Luke 13:18-19](/luke/13-18-19 "Luke 13:18-19 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed")
* [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone that Became a Mountain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:30 invites believers to engage in a deeper reflection on how we perceive and participate in the Kingdom of God today. In a world that often values grandeur, immediate results, and visible power, Jesus' question gently redirects our gaze toward the often-unseen, humble, and organic processes through which God's reign advances. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that the most profound and transformative work of God often begins in quiet acts of faithfulness, in the seemingly insignificant seeds of prayer, service, or witness, and in the small, dedicated communities of believers. This verse encourages patience and faith in God's timing and methods, reminding us that true impact is measured not by human metrics but by divine design. It prompts us to consider how our lives, individually and corporately, can become fertile ground for the Kingdom's quiet, yet powerful, expansion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your understanding of "kingdom" differ from Jesus' portrayal of the Kingdom of God?**
* **In what "small" or "insignificant" ways have you observed the Kingdom of God growing in your life or community?**
* **What expectations do you hold about God's work that might need to be re-evaluated in light of Jesus' parables of the Kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus ask a question instead of just telling them what the Kingdom is like?**

Answer: Jesus' use of a rhetorical question in [Mark 4:30](/mark/4-30 "Mark 4:30 - Jesus' Question about the Kingdom") serves several pedagogical purposes. Firstly, it engages His audience, prompting them to think actively about the nature of the Kingdom of God rather than passively receiving information. This intellectual and spiritual engagement is crucial for deeper understanding. Secondly, it highlights the unique and transcendent nature of the Kingdom; it's not easily defined by earthly terms, implying that no single comparison can fully capture its essence. The question prepares them for the *need* for a parable, acknowledging the challenge of describing such a divine reality. Finally, it sets a tone of invitation, drawing listeners into the mystery and encouraging them to seek the deeper spiritual truths that His subsequent parables will reveal, particularly the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/mark/4-31-32 "Mark 4:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 4:30 directly introduces a parable about the Kingdom of God, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus Himself being the embodiment and inaugurator of that Kingdom. Jesus is not merely describing the Kingdom; He *is* the King, and His very presence and ministry mark the inbreaking of God's reign into human history. The question "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?" is ultimately answered in the person of Christ. His humble birth, His unassuming ministry, His sacrificial death on the cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")), and His glorious resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Christ Declared Son of God")) all exemplify the paradoxical nature of the Kingdom: it begins small and seemingly insignificant, yet culminates in ultimate victory and cosmic dominion. The "seed" of the Kingdom, as illustrated in the subsequent parable, is sown through Christ's life and work, growing into a vast spiritual reality that offers refuge and life to all who believe ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Thus, Jesus' question implicitly points to Himself as the ultimate comparison and the living reality of God's reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 13:18

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

Luke 13:21

It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Matthew 13:24

¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Matthew 11:16

¶ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,