Luke 13:20 kjv

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

Luke 13:20 nkjv

And again He said, "To what shall I liken the kingdom of God?

Luke 13:20 niv

Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?

Luke 13:20 esv

And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?

Luke 13:20 nlt

He also asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like?

Luke 13 verses

Luke 13 20 Meaning

This verse introduces Jesus' second illustration in a sequence concerning the Kingdom of God, posed as a rhetorical question. It signals His intent to use another familiar analogy to explain the nature, growth, and pervasiveness of God's sovereign rule. Jesus consistently teaches through comparisons, seeking to illuminate the spiritual reality of the Kingdom that often operates subtly, contrary to human expectations.

Luke 13 20 Context

Luke chapter 13 focuses on Jesus' teachings during His journey to Jerusalem. Prior to verse 20, Jesus addresses a series of pressing questions and issues, including repentance (Lk 13:1-5), the need for fruitfulness (the Parable of the Fig Tree, Lk 13:6-9), and Sabbath healing (Lk 13:10-17). Directly preceding this verse (Lk 13:18-19), Jesus teaches the Parable of the Mustard Seed, explaining that the Kingdom of God starts small but grows into something expansive. Verse 20 acts as a bridge, reinforcing that He is about to deliver another parable on the same subject – the Kingdom of God – thus pairing the Mustard Seed and Leaven parables as complementary insights into the Kingdom's nature and growth. Jesus' parables often responded to a current situation, but they primarily served as illustrations of God's overarching truths concerning His sovereign rule.

Luke 13 20 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common coordinating conjunction, indicating continuation. Here, it smoothly links the current statement with the preceding one, emphasizing that this is a follow-up or additional point in the same discussion.
• again (πάλιν - palin): This adverb signifies repetition or further action. It highlights that Jesus is reiterating His teaching method and theme, linking directly back to the "Unto what is the kingdom of God like?" in Luke 13:18. It underscores Jesus' consistent effort to illuminate the Kingdom.
• he said (εἶπεν - eipen): A straightforward verb meaning "he spoke" or "he declared." It underscores the authoritative source of the teaching—Jesus Christ. This is a common phrase introducing Jesus' utterances throughout the Gospels.
• Whereunto (τίνι - tini): An interrogative pronoun meaning "to what" or "to whom." It initiates a question that seeks a comparison or likeness. Jesus is seeking an appropriate analogy from the earthly realm to explain the divine.
• shall I liken (ὁμοιώσω - homoiōsō): From the verb homoioō, meaning "to make like," "to compare," or "to resemble." This is a future active indicative verb, emphasizing Jesus' deliberate intention to draw a comparison. It defines the very essence of a parable: taking a familiar concept and using it to illustrate a less familiar, spiritual truth.
• the kingdom of God (τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ - tēn basileian tou theou): The central theme of Jesus' earthly ministry and preaching. This refers not merely to a geographical territory, but to God's sovereign rule and reign, exercised through His Son, Jesus. It encompasses both a present, spiritual reality in the hearts of believers and a future, complete consummation at the end of the age. In Luke's Gospel, "Kingdom of God" is consistently used (unlike Matthew's common "Kingdom of Heaven"), underscoring God's ultimate kingship over all creation.

Luke 13 20 Bonus section

The pairing of parables concerning the Kingdom of God, such as the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, is a characteristic teaching method of Jesus, offering a more complete and nuanced understanding than a single parable might convey. The question, "Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?" suggests the Kingdom's unique and perhaps counter-intuitive nature, implying that no single earthly parallel can fully encapsulate its divine reality. Jesus then proceeds to use an everyday, mundane substance (leaven) to convey an extraordinary truth, challenging perceptions that might equate God's reign with human might or overt displays of power. This highlights the paradox of the Kingdom's spiritual power working through seemingly insignificant means, permeating and transforming.

Luke 13 20 Commentary

Luke 13:20 is a pivotal verse because it marks Jesus' intentional framing of another profound truth about God's Kingdom. The repetition of the rhetorical question, "Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?" immediately after a similar query preceding the Mustard Seed parable, emphasizes the intrinsic connection and complementary nature of the two parables. It signals that Jesus is providing dual insights: one focusing on visible, expansive growth (Mustard Seed), and the other, the ensuing Parable of the Leaven, highlighting invisible, pervasive transformation from within. This method demonstrates Jesus' commitment to fully unveil the mysteries of God's reign to those who genuinely seek understanding. His questioning approach draws the listeners into the process of revelation, urging them to ponder and prepare their minds for the spiritual comparison He is about to present. It underscores that comprehending God's Kingdom requires spiritual discernment, as it often operates contrary to human expectations of immediate grandeur or overt power. Instead, it flourishes through subtle, often overlooked means that lead to comprehensive change.