Mark 4 31

Mark 4:31 kjv

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:

Mark 4:31 nkjv

It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth;

Mark 4:31 niv

It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.

Mark 4:31 esv

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,

Mark 4:31 nlt

It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 31 Meaning

Mark 4:31 describes the initial, seemingly insignificant appearance of the Kingdom of God, likening it to a tiny mustard seed. Despite its small size, this seed possesses inherent potential for tremendous growth, symbolizing the unexpected, powerful expansion and widespread impact of God's spiritual rule, both in the hearts of individuals and throughout the world. It emphasizes that what begins in humility will culminate in expansive glory, providing refuge and blessing.

Mark 4 31 Context

Mark chapter 4 presents Jesus teaching extensively in parables to the crowds by the sea. These parables are primarily about the Kingdom of God, explaining its nature, how it operates, and its growth. They often address common misconceptions about the Kingdom, particularly the Jewish expectation of an immediate, political, and overtly powerful kingdom. Following the Parable of the Sower (4:1-9) which illustrates how the Word is received, and the explanation for why Jesus spoke in parables (4:10-12), Mark 4:31 is part of the Parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-32). This specific parable counters the idea of an externally glorious Kingdom by highlighting its humble, unseen beginnings. It addresses both the initial lowliness of Jesus's ministry and the discreet, spiritual way the Kingdom would start before becoming globally manifest and dominant.

Mark 4 31 Word analysis

• It is like (Greek: homoiá estin): Establishes a simile, indicating a comparison rather than an identical identity. This is common for parables, illustrating a spiritual truth through a physical analogy.
• a grain of mustard seed (Greek: kókkō sinápeōs):
  • sinapi (mustard plant): In the ancient Near East, while not the botanically smallest seed, the black mustard seed (Brassica nigra or Sinapis alba) was proverbially known as the smallest seed used by farmers for its substantial plant growth. It grows from a tiny seed into a surprisingly large annual plant, up to 10-12 feet high (often perceived as the largest "herb" or garden plant in that context), forming a bush with many branches.
  • This choice emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the Kingdom of God: starting from utter insignificance from a human perspective, yet possessing inherent, explosive potential for growth.
• which, when it is sown (Greek: hós hótan spará): Refers to the deliberate act of planting the seed. This implies the purposeful establishment and spreading of the Kingdom through Jesus's ministry and the preaching of the Gospel. The sowing connects back to the previous parables of the Sower.
• upon the earth (Greek: epì tês gês): Denotes the visible, tangible realm where the Kingdom is sown and grows. It highlights the earthly, yet spiritual, manifestation and universal reach of the Kingdom.
• though it be less than (Greek: mikrotérou óntos páranton): This phrase emphasizes the extreme initial smallness. The óntos implies "being" in the sense of its very existence.
• all the seeds that are upon the earth (Greek: pántōn tōn spermátōn tōn epì tês gês): A hyperbolic statement. While not scientifically the absolute smallest, it conveys the idea that in common perception and agricultural use, no other sown seed would begin from a more diminutive starting point relative to its eventual size, thus underscoring the astonishing contrast. It underscores the profound humility and inconspicuousness of the Kingdom's genesis compared to grand human expectations.

Words-group analysis

• "It is like a grain of mustard seed": This phrase immediately establishes the parable's central image – something initially negligible or unnoticed by the world. It sets the stage for a lesson in divine paradox.
• "which, when it is sown upon the earth": This focuses on the intentional action of spreading the Kingdom. It’s not a random occurrence but a divinely purposed implantation of truth and spiritual life into the world, leading to its manifestation.
• "though it be less than all the seeds that are upon the earth": This grouping highlights the stark contrast between the Kingdom's unassuming start and its powerful eventual reality. It directly challenges human notions of grandeur and strength, teaching that God's methods often begin in humility and weakness. It is a polemic against the Jewish nationalist expectation of a visible, glorious, and powerful kingdom from its inception, instead portraying a hidden, internal growth.

Mark 4 31 Bonus section

The full impact of Mark 4:31 is realized in conjunction with Mark 4:32, which describes the mustard seed growing into the "largest of all garden plants" (meizotérou pantōn tōn laxánōn) and putting forth "large branches" (kládous megálous), enabling birds (petēná) to "nest in its shade" (hóste dynásthai hypò tèn skiàn autoû tà peteinà toû ouranoû kataskēnoûn). This highlights not just the immense growth, but also the universal scope and the provision of refuge. The "birds of the air" in biblical literature (e.g., Dan 4:12, Ezek 17:23) often symbolize foreign nations or peoples finding shelter and benefit within a great kingdom or entity. Thus, the tiny seed blossoms into a global, inclusive kingdom offering salvation and dwelling for all who seek it, regardless of their origin, contradicting narrow, nationalistic visions of the Kingdom.

Mark 4 31 Commentary

Mark 4:31 presents a powerful image of the Kingdom of God's humble inception, using the familiar agricultural metaphor of the mustard seed. This parable functions as a profound lesson for Jesus's disciples and all who seek to understand God's work. It asserts that the divine plan, though often starting small, seemingly insignificant, and devoid of earthly power or grandeur, carries within it an inherent, God-given capacity for immense, unstoppable growth. This growth is not immediately obvious but proceeds mysteriously (as seen in Mk 4:26-29), eventually manifesting in a profound and encompassing way. The initial lowliness of Jesus's earthly ministry, his rejection, and the vulnerability of the early church mirrored this seed. Yet, from these modest beginnings, the Kingdom has spread across continents, transforming lives and cultures, providing refuge and blessing "under its shade" (referring to Mk 4:32), much like a large plant provides shelter for birds. It teaches patience and faith in God's counter-intuitive ways of building His Kingdom.