Matthew 13:31

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἄλλην
G243
Another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#2
παραβολὴν
G3850
parable
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#3
παρέθηκεν
G3908
put he forth
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
#4
αὐτοῦ·
G846
unto them
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
#5
λέγων,
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#6
Ὁμοία
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#7
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#8
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
βασιλεία
G932
The kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#10
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
κόκκῳ
G2848
to a grain
a kernel of seed
#13
σινάπεως
G4615
of mustard seed
mustard (the plant)
#14
ὃν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#15
λαβὼν
G2983
took
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#16
ἄνθρωπος
G444
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#17
ἔσπειρεν
G4687
and sowed
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#18
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἀγρῷ
G68
field
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
#21
αὐτοῦ·
G846
unto them
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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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