Mark 4:30-34
Christian Standard Bible
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 And(A) he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God,(B) or what parable(C) can we use to describe it? 31 It’s like a mustard seed(D) that, when sown upon the soil, is the smallest of all the seeds on the ground. 32 And when sown,(E) it comes up and grows taller than all the garden plants,(F) and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky(G) can nest in its shade.”
Using Parables
33 He was speaking the word(H) to them with many parables(I) like these, as they were able to understand.(J) 34 He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, he explained everything to his own disciples.(K)
Read full chapter
Mark 4:30-34
New Living Translation
Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
Read full chapterThe Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
