Mark 4:30

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔλεγεν
G3004
he said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
τίνι
G5101
Whereunto
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#4
ὁμοιώσωμεν
G3666
shall we liken
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
#5
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#10
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
ποὶα
G4169
what
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
#12
παραβολῇ
G3850
comparison
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#13
παραβάλωμεν
G3846
shall we compare
to throw alongside, i.e., (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken
#14
αὐτὴν
G846
it
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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