Matthew 13:32

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃ

G3739

Which

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

μικρότερον

G3398

the least

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

μέν

G3303

indeed

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

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

πάντων

G3956

of all

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν

G3588

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

σπερμάτων

G4690

seeds

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

ὅταν

G3752

when

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

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#10

αὐξηθῇ

G837

it is grown

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

#11

μεῖζον

G3173

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

#12

τῶν

G3588

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

#13

λαχάνων

G3001

among herbs

a vegetable

#14

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

γίνεται

G1096

becometh

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

#17

δένδρον

G1186

a tree

#18

ὥστε

G5620

so that

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

#19

ἐλθεῖν

G2064

come

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

#20

τὰ

G3588

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

#21

πετεινὰ

G4071

the birds

a flying animal, i.e., bird

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of the air

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

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

κατασκηνοῦν

G2681

lodge

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

#26

ἐν

G1722

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

#27

τοῖς

G3588

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

#28

κλάδοις

G2798

the branches

a twig or bough (as if broken off)

#29

αὐτοῦ

G846

thereof

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

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 13:32

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources