King James Version
Mark 4:30 in the King James Version says “And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?”
Mark 4:30 · King James Version
For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. brought: or, ripe
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“he said”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“Whereunto”
G5101an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
“the kingdom”
G932properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
“of God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“what”
G4169individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
“comparison”
G3850a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
“shall we compare”
G3846to throw alongside, i.e., (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Mark 4:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Mark 4:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge