New Living Translation NLT
New International Version NIV
26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.
26
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.
27
Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.
28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.
28
All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.
29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
29
As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?
30
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?
31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,
31
It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.
32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
32
Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand.
33
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.
34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
34
He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
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Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.