King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:31 Mean?

Matthew 13:31 in the King James Version says “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man to... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Matthew 13:31 · KJV


Context

29

But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

31

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

32

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.

33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. measures: the word in the Greek is a measure containing about a peck and a half, wanting a little more than a pint


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The parable 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed' emphasizes the kingdom's growth from tiny beginnings to vast influence. The mustard seed, 'least of all seeds,' produces a plant large enough for birds to nest—image of disproportionate growth. This teaches that the kingdom's insignificant start (Jesus and twelve disciples) would grow into a worldwide movement providing shelter and blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mustard seeds were proverbially small (about 1mm), yet produced plants 8-12 feet tall. Jesus began with humble origins—born in a stable, raised in despised Nazareth, followed by working-class disciples. Yet the kingdom would grow to fill the earth (Daniel 2:35).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this parable encourage you when God's work seems small?
  2. What does the kingdom's growth pattern teach about God's methods?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἄλλην1 of 21

Another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

παραβολὴν2 of 21

parable

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

παρέθηκεν3 of 21

put he forth

G3908

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

αὐτοῦ·4 of 21

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγων,5 of 21

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ὁμοία6 of 21

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἐστὶν7 of 21

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία9 of 21

The kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν11 of 21

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

κόκκῳ12 of 21

to a grain

G2848

a kernel of seed

σινάπεως13 of 21

of mustard seed

G4615

mustard (the plant)

ὃν14 of 21

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λαβὼν15 of 21

took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἄνθρωπος16 of 21

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἔσπειρεν17 of 21

and sowed

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ἐν18 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ19 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγρῷ20 of 21

field

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

αὐτοῦ·21 of 21

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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