# Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to tell a parable to the people in the synagogue. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

# What is the kingdom of God like ... what can I compare it to?

Jesus uses two questions to introduce what he is about to teach. AT: "I will tell you what the kingdom of God is like ... what I can compare it to." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# what can I compare it to?

This is basically the same as the previous question. Some languages can use both questions, and some would use only one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

# It is like a mustard seed

Jesus compares the kingdom to a mustard seed. AT: "The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

# a mustard seed

A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. If this seed is not known, the phrase can be translated with the name of another seed like it or simply as "a small seed." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

# threw into his garden

"planted in his garden." People planted some kinds of seeds by throwing them so that they scattered in the garden. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# a big tree

The word "big" is an exaggeration that contrasts the tree with the tiny seed. AT: "a very large shrub" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

# birds of heaven

"birds of the sky." AT: "birds that fly in the sky" or "birds"

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/kingdomofgod]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]]