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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 13:32 Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/40_Mat_13_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 13:32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” <a href="/esv/matthew/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” <a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> which indeed is smallest of all the seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and encamp in its branches." <a href="/kjv/matthew/13.htm">King James Bible</a> Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/13.htm">New King James Version</a> which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and this is smaller than all the other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE SKY come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and this is the smallest of all seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is the largest of the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.” <a href="/amp/matthew/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and of all the seeds [planted in the region] it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR FIND SHELTER IN ITS BRANCHES.” <a href="/csb/matthew/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> It’s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> It&#8217s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it&#8217s taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof. <a href="/cev/matthew/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Although it is the smallest of all seeds, it grows larger than any garden plant and becomes a tree. Birds even come and nest on its branches. <a href="/erv/matthew/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof. <a href="/gwt/matthew/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It's one of the smallest seeds. However, when it has grown, it is taller than the garden plants. It becomes a tree that is large enough for birds to nest in its branches." <a href="/gnt/matthew/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches." <a href="/isv/matthew/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> Although it is the smallest of all seeds, when it is fully grown it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, and the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches." <a href="/msb/matthew/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.? <a href="/net/matthew/13.htm">NET Bible</a> It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the wild birds come and nest in its branches." <a href="/nheb/matthew/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches." <a href="/wbt/matthew/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge on its branches. <a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> It is the smallest of all seeds, and yet when full-grown it is larger than any herb and forms a tree, so that the birds come and build in its branches." <a href="/web/matthew/13.htm">World English Bible</a> which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> which less, indeed, is than all the seeds, but when it may be grown, is greatest of the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and rest in its branches.” <a href="/blb/matthew/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> which indeed is smallest of all the seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and encamp in its branches." <a href="/ylt/matthew/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> which less, indeed, is than all the seeds, but when it may be grown, is greatest of the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven do come and rest in its branches.' <a href="/slt/matthew/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Which truly is less than all seeds; but when it has grown, it is greater than vegetables, and becomes a tree, so that the flying things of heaven come and lodge in its young shoots.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Which is the least indeed of all seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come, and dwell in the branches thereof. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> It is, indeed, the least of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is greater than all the plants, and it becomes a tree, so much so that the birds of the air come and dwell in its branches.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/13.htm">New American Bible</a> It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It is the smallest of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is larger than all of the herbs; and it becomes a tree, so that the fowls of the sky come and nest in its branches. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And this is the smallest of all seeds, but whenever it has grown, it is greatest of all small herbs and it becomes a tree so that a bird of the sky may come settle in its branches.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> It is, indeed, the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is the largest of garden-plants, and be comes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and roost in its branches.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>which indeed is the smallest of all seeds; and when it grows up, is the greatest of herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of heaven indeed lodge in its branches.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> which indeed is among the smallest of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is among the greatest of herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make their nests in the branches of it.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. <a href="/wey/matthew/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> It is the smallest of all seeds, and yet when full-grown it is larger than any herb and forms a tree, so that the birds come and build in its branches." <a href="/worrell/matthew/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>which, indeed, is less than all the seeds; but, when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and roost in its branches."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Which is indeed <Fr>one of<FR> the lest of all seeds: but when it is grown, is the greatest among herbs, and <Fr>even<FR> becometh a tree; so that the birds of the air come and lodge in it's branches.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/13-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3720" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/13.htm">The Parable of the Mustard Seed</a> 31He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. 32<a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.">Although</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">it</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikroteron (Adj-NNS-C) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">the smallest</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">of all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4690.htm" title="4690: spermatōn (N-GNP) -- From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.">seeds,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">yet</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as."></a> <a href="/greek/837.htm" title="837: auxēthē (V-ASP-3S) -- (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.">it grows into</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizon (Adj-NNS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">the largest</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3001.htm" title="3001: lachanōn (N-GNP) -- An herb, garden plant, vegetable. From lachaino; a vegetable.">garden plants</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">becomes</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-NNS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">a tree,</a> <a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4071.htm" title="4071: peteina (N-ANP) -- A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird.">birds</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranou (N-GMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">air</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthein (V-ANA) -- To come, go. ">come</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2681.htm" title="2681: kataskēnoun (V-PNA) -- From kata and skenoo; to camp down, i.e. Haunt; figuratively, to remain.">nest</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">its</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2798.htm" title="2798: kladois (N-DMP) -- A young tender shoot, then: a branch; met: of descendants. From klao; a twig or bough.">branches.” </a> 33He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Mark 4:31-32</a> It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. / But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.” <a href="/luke/13-18.htm">Luke 13:18-19</a> Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? / It is like a mustard seed that a man tossed into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” <a href="/ezekiel/17-22.htm">Ezekiel 17:22-24</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. / I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. / Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’” <a href="/daniel/4-10.htm">Daniel 4:10-12</a> In these visions of my mind as I was lying in bed, I saw this come to pass: There was a tree in the midst of the land, and its height was great. / The tree grew large and strong; its top reached the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth. / Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed. <a href="/psalms/104-12.htm">Psalm 104:12</a> The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches. <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a> In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. <a href="/isaiah/60-21.htm">Isaiah 60:21-22</a> Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. / The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly. <a href="/ezekiel/31-6.htm">Ezekiel 31:6</a> All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. <a href="/genesis/1-11.htm">Genesis 1:11-12</a> Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.” And it was so. / The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. <a href="/genesis/2-9.htm">Genesis 2:9</a> Out of the ground the LORD God gave growth to every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food. And in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a> I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. <a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5</a> And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” <a href="/genesis/18-18.htm">Genesis 18:18</a> Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed. <a href="/genesis/26-4.htm">Genesis 26:4</a> I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, <a href="/genesis/28-14.htm">Genesis 28:14</a> Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.the least.<a href="/psalms/72-16.htm">Psalm 72:16-19</a> There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth… <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-4</a> And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it… <a href="/ezekiel/47-1.htm">Ezekiel 47:1-5</a> Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar… so that.<a href="/ezekiel/17-23.htm">Ezekiel 17:23,24</a> In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell… <a href="/ezekiel/31-6.htm">Ezekiel 31:6</a> All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.<a href="/daniel/4-12.htm">Daniel 4:12</a> The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/8-20.htm">Air</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-12.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/malachi/1-4.htm">Build</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-1.htm">Forms</a> <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Full-Grown</a> <a href="/joel/2-3.htm">Garden</a> <a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/13-26.htm">Herb</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-15.htm">Herbs</a> <a href="/matthew/13-23.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Largest</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-13.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Nest</a> <a href="/matthew/8-20.htm">Nests</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Perch</a> <a href="/matthew/13-29.htm">Plants</a> <a href="/matthew/13-25.htm">Seeds</a> <a href="/job/30-7.htm">Shrubs</a> <a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Smaller</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Smallest</a> <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Tree</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/4-4.htm">Air</a> <a href="/mark/4-4.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/matthew/21-8.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Build</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Forms</a> <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Full-Grown</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Garden</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/john/21-18.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/mark/4-27.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Herb</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Herbs</a> <a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Largest</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Nest</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Nests</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Perch</a> <a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">Plants</a> <a href="/matthew/13-38.htm">Seeds</a> <a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Shrubs</a> <a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Smaller</a> <a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Smallest</a> <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Tree</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 13</div>1. <a href="/matthew/13-1.htm">The parable of the sower and the seed;</a> 18. <a href="/matthew/13-18.htm">the explanation of it.</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">The parable of the weeds;</a> 31. <a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">of the mustard seed;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">of the leaven;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">explanation of the parable of the weeds.</a> 44. <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">The parable of the hidden treasure;</a> 45. <a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">of the pearl;</a> 47. <a href="/matthew/13-47.htm">of the drag net cast into the sea.</a> 53. <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Although it is the smallest of all seeds This phrase highlights the mustard seed's size, often used metaphorically to represent small beginnings. In the context of first-century Palestine, the mustard seed was commonly known for its tiny size. This imagery is used to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven's humble beginnings, which would have resonated with Jesus' audience familiar with agricultural practices. The mustard seed metaphor is also found in other passages, such as <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a>, emphasizing faith's potential to grow and accomplish great things.yet it grows into the largest of garden plants The mustard plant, despite its small seed, can grow into a large shrub, sometimes reaching heights of 10-12 feet. This growth is symbolic of the Kingdom of Heaven's expansion from a small group of disciples to a global faith. The rapid and expansive growth of the mustard plant mirrors the early church's spread, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. This growth also reflects the prophetic vision of God's kingdom expanding to include all nations, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a>.and becomes a tree While technically a large shrub, the mustard plant is described as a tree to emphasize its significant growth and transformation. This imagery connects to Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/ezekiel/17-22.htm">Ezekiel 17:22-24</a>, where God promises to plant a cedar that will grow into a majestic tree, symbolizing the establishment of His kingdom. The tree imagery also evokes the idea of stability, strength, and shelter, characteristics of God's kingdom.so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches. The birds nesting in the branches symbolize the inclusivity and refuge offered by the Kingdom of Heaven. This imagery is reminiscent of <a href="/daniel/4-12.htm">Daniel 4:12</a> and <a href="/ezekiel/31-6.htm">Ezekiel 31:6</a>, where great trees provide shelter for birds, representing nations finding refuge and blessing in God's kingdom. The birds can also symbolize Gentiles being welcomed into the kingdom, reflecting the early church's mission to spread the gospel beyond Jewish communities, as seen in <a href="/acts/10.htm">Acts 10</a> with the conversion of Cornelius.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of the parable, teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, who are learning about the nature of God's Kingdom. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mustard_seed.htm">Mustard Seed</a> A small seed used metaphorically to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. 4. <a href="/topical/g/garden_plants.htm">Garden Plants</a> Represents the growth and expansion of the Kingdom. 5. <a href="/topical/b/birds_of_the_air.htm">Birds of the Air</a> Symbolic of those who find refuge and sustenance in the Kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/small_beginnings,_great_impact.htm">Small Beginnings, Great Impact</a> The Kingdom of Heaven may start small, like a mustard seed, but it has the potential to grow beyond expectations. This encourages believers to not despise small beginnings in their faith journey or ministry efforts. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_growth.htm">Faith and Growth</a> Just as the mustard seed grows into a large plant, our faith, when nurtured, can grow and have a significant impact. Believers are encouraged to cultivate their faith through prayer, study, and obedience. <a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_and_refuge.htm">Inclusivity and Refuge</a> The birds nesting in the branches symbolize the inclusivity of God's Kingdom, offering refuge and rest to all who come. This challenges believers to create welcoming communities that reflect God's love and acceptance. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_growth.htm">God's Sovereignty in Growth</a> The growth of the mustard seed into a large plant is a reminder of God's sovereignty and power in the expansion of His Kingdom. Believers are called to trust in God's timing and methods. <a href="/topical/k/kingdom_vision.htm">Kingdom Vision</a> Understanding the parable helps believers maintain a Kingdom vision, focusing on eternal values and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13</a> <a href="/q/how_does_a_seed_become_a_tree.htm">How does a tiny seed grow into a large tree?</a> <a href="/q/why_call_mustard_seed_smallest.htm">Why does Jesus say the mustard seed is the smallest when it is not?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'mustard_seed_faith'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'mustard seed faith'?</a> <a href="/q/did_people_live_on_'saltwort'_and_'juniper'.htm">Job 30:3-5 - Is there any historical or scientific record of people actually living off 'saltwort' and 'juniper roots,' or is this purely metaphorical language?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) The least of all seeds.--The description is, of course, popular, and need not be pressed with micro scopical exactness.The greatest among herbs.--More literally, greater than the herbs--i.e., belonging to a higher order of vegetation.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 32. - Which indeed is the least of (is less than, Revised Version) all seeds; i.e. all those ordinarily sown in Palestine then. Instances of the proverbial use in the Talmuds of the size of a grain of mustard to express something very small, may be seen in Levy, s.v. חרדל. But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs; it is greater than the herbs (Revised Version); i.e. than those which are usually called λάχανα. And becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air. There is not necessarily any connotation of evil about these (cf. vers. 4, 19); the thought is simply that those who are naturally outsiders are glad to come under cover of this tree. Compare, for both thought and language, Daniel's description of the empire of Babylon (<a href="/daniel/4-12.htm">Daniel 4:12, 21</a>), and Ezekiel's prophecy of the kingdom of Judah (<a href="/ezekiel/17-23.htm">Ezekiel 17:23</a>). Come and lodge in the branches thereof. Lodge (κατασκηνοῖν); <a href="/matthew/8-20.htm">Matthew 8:20</a>, note. In Palestine the goldfinches and linnets settle on the mustard in flocks (Tristram, 'Nat. Hist. of Bible,' p. 473, edit. 1889). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/13-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Although μέν (men) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de. it ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] smallest μικρότερον (mikroteron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity). of all πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. seeds, σπερμάτων (spermatōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4690.htm">Strong's 4690: </a> From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant. yet δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. it grows into αὐξηθῇ (auxēthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_837.htm">Strong's 837: </a> (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge. the largest μεῖζον (meizon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. garden plants λαχάνων (lachanōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3001.htm">Strong's 3001: </a> An herb, garden plant, vegetable. From lachaino; a vegetable. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. becomes γίνεται (ginetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. a tree, δένδρον (dendron) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. so that ὥστε (hōste) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. birds πετεινὰ (peteina) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4071.htm">Strong's 4071: </a> A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. air οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. come ἐλθεῖν (elthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. nest κατασκηνοῦν (kataskēnoun) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2681.htm">Strong's 2681: </a> From kata and skenoo; to camp down, i.e. Haunt; figuratively, to remain. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. its αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. branches.? κλάδοις (kladois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2798.htm">Strong's 2798: </a> A young tender shoot, then: a branch; met: of descendants. From klao; a twig or bough. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 13:32 Which indeed is smaller than all seeds (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/13-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 13:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/13-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 13:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 13:33" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>