Matthew 13 32

Matthew 13:32 kjv

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.

Matthew 13:32 nkjv

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."

Matthew 13:32 niv

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."

Matthew 13:32 esv

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."

Matthew 13:32 nlt

It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches."

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 32 Meaning

The Parable of the Mustard Seed, as found in Matthew 13:32, illustrates the remarkable and seemingly paradoxical growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. It describes its humble, almost imperceptible beginnings as the smallest of seeds, yet growing into a substantial plant, like a tree, that provides refuge and shelter. This signifies that the Kingdom, initiated in a modest way through Jesus Christ and His disciples, will expand disproportionately, encompassing many people and offering them spiritual sanctuary.

Matthew 13 32 Context

Matthew 13 records a series of parables delivered by Jesus, all revolving around the theme of the "Kingdom of Heaven" (or Kingdom of God). These parables were spoken to a large crowd from a boat, and later explained privately to His disciples. The chapter highlights the nature of the Kingdom's sowing, growth, obstacles, and ultimate consummation. This specific parable of the Mustard Seed, along with the Parable of the Leaven, focuses on the remarkable internal growth and pervasive influence of the Kingdom, in contrast to its small and seemingly insignificant beginnings. It contrasts with external, visible power often associated with earthly kingdoms, pointing instead to organic, miraculous growth originating from God's initiative. Historically, people expected a grand, immediately established messianic kingdom; Jesus' parables countered this by revealing its initial humble and hidden nature.

Matthew 13 32 Word analysis

• which indeed is the least (ὃ μικρότερον μὲν):
  • ὃ (ho): "which," neuter nominative singular definite article, functioning as a relative pronoun, linking to "seed."
  • μικρότερον (mikroteron): "least" or "smaller," comparative degree of mikros (small). In ancient Near Eastern idiom and proverb, mustard seeds were commonly referred to as the smallest known seeds, even if botanically not absolutely the smallest globally (e.g., orchid seeds are smaller). This emphasizes its proverbially tiny, almost imperceptible size. Its significance is the vast contrast between the starting point and the eventual outcome.
  • μὲν (men): A particle indicating a contrasting relationship, often paired with de later (though de is absent here, the contrast is implied by "but"). It suggests "on the one hand," preparing the listener for the coming counter-point.
• of all seeds (πάντων τῶν σπερμάτων):
  • πάντων (pantōn): "of all," genitive plural of pas (all, every). Reinforces the hyperbole, solidifying its place as the archetypal "small thing."
  • σπερμάτων (spermatōn): "of seeds," genitive plural of sperma (seed). This term refers broadly to any plant seed.
• but when it is grown (ἐπὰν δὲ αὐξηθῇ):
  • ἐπὰν (epan): "when, whenever," a conjunction introducing a temporal clause.
  • δὲ (de): "but, and," a postpositive conjunction introducing the contrasting or consequential aspect of growth.
  • αὐξηθῇ (auxēthē): "it is grown," aorist passive subjunctive of auxanō (to grow, increase, cause to grow). The passive voice can imply that the growth is not merely natural but also divinely enabled or influenced. It signifies vital, inherent growth and expansion.
• it is greater than the herbs (μεῖζον τῶν λαχάνων ἐστὶν):
  • μεῖζον (meizon): "greater," comparative degree of megas (great, large). Again, emphasizing significant, remarkable size.
  • τῶν λαχάνων (tōn lachanōn): "than the herbs," genitive plural of lachanon (vegetable, herb, garden plant). This distinguishes the mustard plant, which can grow quite large (up to 10-15 feet), from typical smaller garden herbs. It transcends the common understanding of a garden plant.
  • ἐστὶν (estin): "is," third person singular present active indicative of eimi (to be). Simple statement of fact regarding its size.
• and becomes a tree (καὶ γίνεται δένδρον):
  • καὶ (kai): "and," conjunctive.
  • γίνεται (ginetai): "becomes, comes to be," third person singular present middle/passive indicative of ginomai (to come into being, become). It denotes a transformation or development into a new state.
  • δένδρον (dendron): "tree," noun. Botanically, the mustard plant is not a true tree with woody perennial trunks. However, it can develop a stout, woody stalk, large enough to be called "tree-like" in the metaphorical or common usage of the time, especially when compared to other annual herbs. This word choice is crucial for conveying the sense of substantiality and structure capable of supporting nests.
• so that (ὥστε):
  • ὥστε (hōste): "so that, with the result that," a conjunction indicating purpose or result.
• the birds of the air come (ἐλθεῖν τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ):
  • ἐλθεῖν (elthein): "to come," aorist active infinitive of erchomai (to come, go). Shows movement towards the plant.
  • τὰ πετεινὰ (ta peteina): "the birds," nominative plural neuter, often found in the Old Testament, for "birds of the air" or "birds of heaven."
  • τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (tou ouranou): "of the air/heaven," genitive singular of ouranos (heaven, sky, air). The "birds of the air" are a biblical idiom (cf. Matt 6:26, 8:20), sometimes symbolizing different types of people or forces. In this context, often understood as those seeking refuge or finding rest, especially people from various nations (Gentiles) drawn to the Kingdom, echoing Old Testament imagery (e.g., Ezek 17:23; Dan 4:12).
• and nest in its branches (κατασκηνοῦν ἐν τοῖς κλάδοις αὐτοῦ).
  • κατασκηνοῦν (kataskēnoun): "to nest, settle down, dwell, encamp," present active infinitive of kataskēnoō (to encamp, reside, take shelter). This emphasizes finding permanent dwelling, rest, and protection.
  • ἐν (en): "in, among," preposition indicating location.
  • τοῖς κλάδοις (tois kladois): "the branches," dative plural of klados (branch, shoot). Signifies the expansive structure of the plant providing adequate space.
  • αὐτοῦ (autou): "its," genitive singular masculine personal pronoun. Refers back to the "tree."

Matthew 13 32 Bonus section

The parable also carries a subtle polemic against contemporary Jewish expectations of a grand, militarily powerful Messiah who would instantly establish a glorious, visible kingdom. Jesus, through this parable, revealed a different trajectory: a kingdom that grows organically, through spiritual transformation and personal acceptance, rather than by earthly might. The "tree" imagery could also allude to large world empires in the Old Testament (e.g., Dan 4; Ezek 31), thereby suggesting that the Kingdom of Heaven, though starting small, will eventually surpass and encompass even these grand earthly structures in its universal influence and enduring nature. Furthermore, the seed’s smallness reminds believers not to despise the “day of small things” (Zech 4:10), trusting that God uses seemingly insignificant means to achieve mighty purposes.

Matthew 13 32 Commentary

Matthew 13:32 presents the second parable focused on the internal growth and future reach of the Kingdom of Heaven. It reassures believers that despite its seemingly humble and imperceptible beginnings (the "least of all seeds" in proverbial terms, initiated by a crucified Messiah and a small group of disciples), the Kingdom possesses an inherent, God-given vitality to expand exponentially. The mustard plant, known for its rapid and vigorous growth into a surprisingly large shrub-like form, illustrates this transformative power. It eventually provides a significant "tree-like" structure offering shade and nesting places for "birds of the air." This imagery powerfully signifies that the Kingdom, through the Gospel message, will ultimately offer shelter, spiritual refuge, and belonging to a multitude from "all nations," fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of Gentiles being drawn to God's glorious presence. The parable emphasizes God's sovereign hand in establishing and growing His Kingdom, moving it from inconspicuous beginnings to a universally inclusive and influential reality. Practically, it encourages faith in the quiet power of God's work, valuing seemingly small acts of obedience or evangelism, as they contribute to a far greater, divine purpose.