Matthew 13:32

Translations

Modern

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.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

…which indeed is smallest of all the seeds, but when it may be grown, it is greater than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so as for the birds of the sky to come and to lodge in its branches.”

Latin

…quod minimum quidem est omnibus seminibus: cum autem creverit, majus est omnibus oleribus, et fit arbor, ita ut volucres cæli veniant, et habitent in ramis ejus.

Original

Greek

English

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.”

Notes

Matthew 13:31–33

Jesus used surprising and vivid images in these parables. He probably wanted to show how the kingdom of Heaven would grow through preaching the good news. More probably, he wanted to highlight the contrast between small beginnings and a glorious end. He also encouraged the disciples to be patient (see also Matthew 16:24–17:13).

Matthew 13:1–53

In the third major speech recorded by Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29), Jesus here recognized the separation of his followers from others (Matthew 13:14, 16). He began to reveal the secrets of the kingdom of heaven privately to them through parables.

Theme notes and profiles

Citizenship in the Kingdom God’s Promised Kingdom

Events

Seaside Parables and Miraclec. AD 28

Related verses

Ezekiel 31:6
All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
Daniel 4:12
Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed.
Ezekiel 17:23–24
I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches.
Acts 21:20
When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.
Daniel 2:44–45
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.
Romans 15:18–19
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,
Zechariah 8:20–23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities—
Daniel 2:34–35
As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.
Psalm 104:12
The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches.
Zechariah 4:10
For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”
Isaiah 2:2–4
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Micah 4:1–3
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it.

Matthew 13:32

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