Matthew 13:31
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:
Original Language Analysis
παραβολὴν
parable
G3850
παραβολὴν
parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
2 of 21
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
παρέθηκεν
put he forth
G3908
παρέθηκεν
put he forth
Strong's:
G3908
Word #:
3 of 21
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
αὐτοῦ·
unto them
G846
αὐτοῦ·
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
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,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
The kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
The kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 21
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔσπειρεν
and sowed
G4687
ἔσπειρεν
and sowed
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
17 of 21
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 17:20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.Matthew 13:24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:Luke 17:6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.Luke 20:9Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this parable encourage you when God's work seems small?
- What does the kingdom's growth pattern teach about God's methods?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.