King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:32 Mean?

Matthew 13:32 in the King James Version says “Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so th... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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

34

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which indeed is the least of all seeds (μικρότερον, mikroteron)—the mustard seed was proverbially the smallest seed used in Palestinian agriculture, though not botanically the world's smallest. Jesus uses hyperbole from common experience to illustrate kingdom growth. Becometh a tree (γίνεται δένδρον, ginetai dendron)—the black mustard plant could reach 10-15 feet, large enough for birds of the air to lodge in its branches.

The imagery echoes Daniel 4:12, 21 and Ezekiel 31:6, where great trees represent world empires. Christ's kingdom begins imperceptibly small but grows to provide shelter for all nations. Some interpret the birds negatively (cf. 13:4, 19), suggesting external corruption in Christendom's growth, though the primary emphasis is kingdom expansion from insignificant beginnings to universal scope.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 30-33 during Jesus's Galilean ministry. Matthew 13 contains seven kingdom parables delivered from a boat to crowds on the shore. The mustard seed was familiar to Jesus's agricultural audience—black mustard (Brassica nigra) grew abundantly in Galilee.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'mustard seed principle' challenge your impatience with seemingly small beginnings in God's work?
  2. Where do you see evidence of kingdom growth from small seeds—in church history, missions, or your own spiritual life?
  3. Does the inclusion of 'birds' (potentially representing Gentiles or even false professors) affect your understanding of visible church growth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
1 of 29

Which

G3739

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

μικρότερον2 of 29

the least

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

μέν3 of 29

indeed

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἐστὶν4 of 29

is

G2076

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

πάντων5 of 29

of all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν6 of 29
G3588

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

σπερμάτων7 of 29

seeds

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

ὅταν8 of 29

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ9 of 29

but

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐξηθῇ10 of 29

it is grown

G837

to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)

μεῖζον11 of 29
G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τῶν12 of 29
G3588

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

λαχάνων13 of 29

among herbs

G3001

a vegetable

ἐστὶν14 of 29

is

G2076

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

καὶ15 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γίνεται16 of 29

becometh

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δένδρον17 of 29

a tree

G1186

a tree

ὥστε18 of 29

so that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἐλθεῖν19 of 29

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

τὰ20 of 29
G3588

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

πετεινὰ21 of 29

the birds

G4071

a flying animal, i.e., bird

τοῦ22 of 29
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ23 of 29

of the air

G3772

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

καὶ24 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατασκηνοῦν25 of 29

lodge

G2681

to camp down, i.e., haunt; figuratively, to remain

ἐν26 of 29

in

G1722

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

τοῖς27 of 29
G3588

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

κλάδοις28 of 29

the branches

G2798

a twig or bough (as if broken off)

αὐτοῦ29 of 29

thereof

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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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