Mark 4:30-34 And He went on to say, "How should we compare (or: In what manner can we be likening) God's kingdom (the reign and action of God as King), or within what parable (illustrative comparison) can (or: should) we place it?

JMNT⁽ⁱ⁾ ³⁰ And He went on to say, "How should we compare (or: In what manner can we be likening) God's kingdom (the reign and action of God as King), or within what parable (illustrative comparison) can (or: should) we place it? ³¹ "As to a seed (kernel; grain) of a mustard plant, which, whenever it may be sown upon the ground (soil; earth) is existing being smaller than all the seeds of those upon the earth (or: the land). [comment: i.e., of those normally planted for a crop] ³² "But whenever it should be sown, it progressively ascends (grows up) and comes to be (is birthed to be) greater than all of the herbs and vegetables of the garden (things grown in a place that has been dug) and progressively produces (constructs) great branches, so that the birds of the heaven (or: sky; atmosphere) continue able to from time to time settle down as in a tent (= to roost or nest) under its shadow (or: shade)." ³³ So by means of many parables (illustrative comparisons) of this kind He continued speaking the message (the Word; the Logos; the thought and the idea) to them – according as they continued being able to continue hearing (or: continued having power to be repeatedly listening). ³⁴ Now apart from a parable (illustrative comparison) He was not in the habit of speaking to them. Yet privately and in accord to a person's own [ability] He was routinely loosening all things upon (or: habitually releasing all for; so: explaining and interpreting everything to) His own disciples (students; learners; apprentices).