### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sínapi**, represented by `{{G4615}}`, is the term for **mustard** (the plant). It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is found exclusively in the teachings of Jesus, where the "grain of mustard seed" serves as a key illustration for the nature of faith and the expansive growth of the kingdom of heaven.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4615}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it illustrates the power of genuine **faith** `{{G4102}}`. Jesus taught that if the disciples had faith as a grain of **mustard seed**, they could command a **mountain** `{{G3735}}` to **remove** `{{G3327}}`, and nothing would be **impossible** `{{G101}}` for them [[Matthew 17:20]]. Similarly, such faith could command a tree to be **plucked up by the root** `{{G1610}}` and it would **obey** `{{G5219}}` [[Luke 17:6]]. Second, it is used in a parable to describe the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` of **heaven** `{{G3772}}`, which is like a grain of **mustard seed** that, when **sown** `{{G4687}}`, grows from the smallest of **seeds** `{{G4690}}` into a **great** `{{G3173}}` **tree** `{{G1186}}` with **branches** `{{G2798}}` offering shelter ([[Matthew 13:31]], [[Mark 4:31]], [[Luke 13:19]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts illustrated by the mustard seed:
* `{{G2848}}` **kókkos** (a kernel of seed): This word is always used with **sínapi** to specify the individual "grain." The focus is on the single, small starting point, as in "a **grain** of mustard seed" [[Luke 13:19]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction... faith, fidelity): This is the essential quality that the mustard seed represents. The power to move mountains is not in the seed itself, but in the **faith** it symbolizes [[Matthew 17:20]].
* `{{G932}}` **basileía** (properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm): The growth of the mustard seed is a direct parable for the development of God's **kingdom**, which starts small but expands into a great realm [[Matthew 13:31]].
* `{{G837}}` **auxánō** (to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge): This word describes the process of transformation from a small seed to a large plant. The seed **grew** and became a great tree, illustrating the principle of divine increase [[Luke 13:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4615}}` is significant, teaching foundational spiritual principles.
* **The Power of Small Faith:** The mustard seed demonstrates that the effectiveness of faith is not based on its size. Jesus uses it as a counter to **unbelief** `{{G570}}`, showing that even a minuscule amount of true faith can accomplish seemingly impossible feats [[Matthew 17:20]].
* **The Growth of the Kingdom:** The parable illustrates that the **kingdom of heaven** `{{G932}}` begins in a small, often overlooked manner. Like the seed that is **sown** `{{G4687}}`, it **grows** `{{G837}}` and **becomes** `{{G1096}}` a great entity that provides rest and shelter [[Luke 13:19]].
* **From Insignificance to Greatness:** The central theme is the dramatic contrast between a humble beginning and a great outcome. The seed is called "less than all the seeds" [[Mark 4:31]], yet it grows into a **great** `{{G3173}}` plant, highlighting God's power to bring about extraordinary results from the most modest of starts.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4615}}` is far more than a simple botanical term. It functions as a powerful symbol in Jesus's teachings, illustrating that a small "grain" of genuine **faith** `{{G4102}}` can produce mighty results [[Luke 17:6]]. Furthermore, it provides a foundational parable for the **kingdom of heaven** `{{G932}}`, which starts from an almost invisible origin but expands into a vast, sheltering reality. The mustard seed encapsulates the divine principle of achieving immense outcomes from what the world considers small and insignificant.
TRV