31 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:
31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
31 It's like a pine nut. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go,
31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth;
31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 4:31
Commentary on Mark 4:21-34
(Read Mark 4:21-34)
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!