Mark 4:30

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

In Mark 4:30, Jesus poses a rhetorical question that serves as an introduction to one of His most well-known parables about the nature of God's reign. This verse highlights Jesus' unique teaching style and His desire to reveal the profound truths of the divine kingdom through relatable, everyday imagery.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where He taught the crowds using parables. Preceding Mark 4:30 are parables such as the Sower (Mark 4:3-9), the Lamp under a Basket (Mark 4:21-25), and the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29). Jesus' inquiry in this verse directly sets the stage for the Parable of the Mustard Seed in Mark 4:31-32, emphasizing the need for a suitable comparison to understand the Kingdom of God.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of the Kingdom of God: Jesus' question underscores that the Kingdom of God (Greek: basileia tou theou) is not easily defined by worldly standards. It's a spiritual reality, God's sovereign rule and reign, which often operates in ways contrary to human expectations. This theme is central to understanding Jesus' message throughout the Gospels.
  • Parabolic Teaching: Jesus' use of parables was a deliberate pedagogical method. He sought to reveal spiritual truths to those with open hearts while concealing them from those who were spiritually unresponsive, as explained in Mark 4:11-12. His question invites listeners to engage deeply with the upcoming analogy, prompting them to consider what the Kingdom is truly like.
  • Growth from Humble Beginnings: By asking "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?", Jesus prepares His audience for an illustration that will highlight its organic, often imperceptible, yet ultimately powerful growth from small, insignificant origins, a theme central to the subsequent mustard seed parable. This idea of spiritual growth from small beginnings is a significant concept in Christian teaching.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou) is central to Jesus' teaching. It refers not merely to a geographical territory but to God's active reign, His kingly rule, and the sphere in which His will is done. The verbs "liken" (Greek: homoioō) and "compare" (Greek: paratithēmi) both convey the idea of finding an appropriate analogy. Jesus' rhetorical question emphasizes the unique and transcendent nature of this divine kingdom, implying that no single earthly comparison can fully capture its essence, yet a comparison is necessary to bridge the gap between spiritual truth and human understanding. This search for the right analogy highlights the profound mystery and spiritual depth of God's dominion.

Practical Application

For believers today, Mark 4:30 encourages us to look beyond immediate appearances and worldly power structures to discern God's active work. The Kingdom of God often begins subtly, in quiet acts of faith, small communities, or individual hearts, yet it has the potential for immense, transformative impact. This verse invites us to consider how we perceive and participate in God's reign, reminding us that its true power and growth are often found in unexpected places and humble beginnings, aligning with the principles found in Luke 17:21, where Jesus states the kingdom is "within you." It challenges us to have spiritual discernment and faith in God's often unseen processes.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 13:31 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:21 (6 votes)

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

  • Matthew 13:24 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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