Set he before them (parethēken). So again in Mat 13:31. He placed another parable beside (para) the one already given and explained. The same verb (paratheinai) occurs in Luk 9:16.
Is likened (hōmoiōthē). Timeless aorist passive and a common way of introducing these parables of the kingdom where a comparison is drawn (Mat 18:23; Mat 22:2; Mat 25:1). The case of anthrōpōi is associative instrumental.