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.
Which {G3739} indeed {G3303} is {G2076} the least {G3398} of all {G3956} seeds {G4690}: but {G1161} when {G3752} it is grown {G837}, it is {G2076} the greatest {G3187} among herbs {G3001}, and {G2532} becometh {G1096} a tree {G1186}, so that {G5620} the birds {G4071} of the air {G3772} come {G2064} and {G2532} lodge {G2681} in {G1722} the branches {G2798} thereof {G846}.
It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up it is larger than any garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the birds flying about come and nest in its branches."
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.”
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.
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Ezekiel 31:6
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. -
Daniel 4:12
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. -
Ezekiel 17:23
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. -
Ezekiel 17:24
And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]. -
Acts 21:20
And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: -
Romans 15:18
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, -
Romans 15:19
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Commentary on Matthew 13:32 (KJV)
Matthew 13:32 is part of Jesus' Parable of the Mustard Seed, a concise illustration of the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse highlights the remarkable contrast between the humble beginnings of the Kingdom and its eventual expansive growth and widespread influence.
Context
The thirteenth chapter of Matthew is often referred to as the "Parable Chapter," as Jesus teaches a series of parables designed to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to His disciples while concealing them from those who were unwilling to understand. The Parable of the Mustard Seed immediately follows the Parable of the Sower and precedes the Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33), both of which also speak to the growth and pervasive nature of God's Kingdom.
In the agricultural context of first-century Galilee, mustard plants were common. While not botanically the absolute smallest seed in the world, the mustard seed was proverbially known and used by Jewish teachers as the smallest of seeds that farmers would sow, making the contrast with its mature size all the more striking to Jesus' audience.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek phrase for "least of all seeds" is mikroteron pantōn tōn spermatōn. While botanically inaccurate in an absolute sense (some orchid seeds are smaller), it accurately reflects the common perception and proverbial usage of the mustard seed in that culture as the smallest seed a farmer would intentionally plant. The contrast is made with its eventual size as "the greatest among herbs" (meizon pantōn tōn lachanōn) and becoming a "tree" (dendron). A mustard plant (specifically Sinapis alba or Brassica nigra) can indeed grow into a large bush or small tree, reaching heights of 10-15 feet, providing ample branches for birds to perch.
Practical Application
Matthew 13:32 offers encouragement to believers. It reminds us that even the smallest acts of faith, evangelism, or service can contribute to the vast and growing Kingdom of God. It teaches patience and trust in God's timing, as the full impact of His work may not be immediately apparent. Furthermore, it highlights the Church's role as a place of refuge and spiritual nourishment for people from all walks of life, inviting them to find rest and belonging within its branches.