Mark 4:30-32

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 4:21-34

The lessons which our Saviour designs to teach us here by parables and figurative expressions are these:? I. That those who are good ought to consider the obligations they are under to do good; that is, as in the parable before, to bring forth fruit. God expects a grateful return of his gifts to us, and a useful improvement of his gifts in us; for (Mark 4:21), Isa. a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? No, but that it may be set on a candlestick. The apostles were... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 4:30-32

4:30-32 He said: "How shall we find something with which to compare the Kingdom of God, or what picture will we use to represent it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown upon the ground, is the least of all the seeds upon the earth. But, when it is sown, it springs up and it becomes greater than all the herbs; and it sends out great branches so that the birds of the heaven can find a lodging under its shade." There are in this parable two pictures which every Jew... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:30

And he said ,.... Still continuing his discourse on this subject, and in order to convey to the minds of his disciples clearer ideas of the Gospel dispensation, the success of the Gospel, and the usefulness of their ministration of it, for their encouragement, how unpromising soever things might then be: whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God, or with what comparison shall we compare it ? It was usual with the Jewish doctors, when about to illustrate anything in a parabolical way to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:31

It is like a grain of mustard seed ,.... That is, the kingdom of God spoken of in the preceding verse, is like unto a grain of mustard seed; by which is meant, either the Gospel, or the Gospel church state, or the grace of God in the hearts of his people, and it may include them all: the Gospel is so called, because it treats of the two latter; but more especially, because it brings life and immortality to light, or points to the kingdom of heaven, directs the way unto it, and shows what... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:32

But when it is sown, it groweth up ,.... So the Gospel, when it was preached, it spread notwithstanding all the opposition made against it by, the Jews and Gentiles: there was no stopping it; though the Jewish sanhedrim charged the apostles to speak no more in the name of Jesus, they regarded them not; though Herod stretched forth his hands against the church, and killed one apostle, and put another in prison, yet "the word of God grew and multiplied", Acts 12:1 , and Gospel churches when... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:30

Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? - How amiable is this carefulness of Jesus! How instructive to the preachers of his word! He is not solicitous to seek fine turns of eloquence to charm the minds of his auditors, nor to draw such descriptions and comparisons as may surprise them: but studies only to make himself understood; to instruct to advantage; to give true ideas of faith and holiness; and to find out such expressions as may render necessary truths easy and intelligible to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:31

A grain of mustard seed - See on Matthew 13:31 , Matthew 13:32 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-34

The kingdom of God further illustrated by parables. No single parable holds the entire truth in itself; therefore, by "many such parables" Jesus "spake the Word unto the multitude." Of those spoken at this time, St. Mark selects only two others besides that of the sower, and both of them, as was the first, are drawn from seeds. How suitable a simile of that kingdom, whose inherent, vital, self-expanding force is one of its most distinguishing features! These two parables stand related: the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-31

"Whereunto shall we liken it?" An invitation to mutual effort of spiritual thought and imagination. An instance of sympathetic condescension. I. THERE ARE MANY SIMILITUDES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD . II. SOME ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS . Either absolutely or relatively to present circumstances. III. WE ARE NOT TO BE ONLY PASSIVE RECIPIENTS OF CHRIST 'S TEACHING . IV. SAINTS ENJOY FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST IN THE DISCOVERY ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-32

Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it! In the first clause of this verse the best authorities give πῶς for τίνι , How shall we liken the kingdom of God ? and in the second clause, instead of the Greek of which the Authorized Version is the rendering, the best-approved reading is ( τίνι αὐτὴν παραβολῇ θῶμεν ), in what parable shall we set it forth ? Our Lord thus stimulates the intellect of his hearers, by making them... read more

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