Mark 4:30-34
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it?(A) 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
The Use of Parables
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it;(B) 34 he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.(C)
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Mark 4:30-34
New International Version
The Parable of the Mustard Seed(A)
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like,(B) or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.(C) 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable.(D) But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
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