Matthew 13:32
What does Matthew 13:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:32 means
The mustard seed, though smallest of seeds, grows larger than garden herbs into a tree that shelters birds. Spiritually, this shows the kingdom’s surprising expansion and hospitality: from tiny beginnings it becomes a place of refuge and influence. The imagery speaks of inclusive reach and transforming growth—what begins as insignificant becomes conspicuous and beneficial. It assures believers that God’s kingdom will grow beyond expectations, providing shelter and gathering many under its branches.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which is smaller than all seeds; but when it has come up it is greater than the plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of heaven come and make their resting-places in its branches.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which less, indeed, is than all the seeds, but when it may be grown, is greatest of the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven do come and rest in its branches.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which is the least indeed of all seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come, and dwell in the branches thereof.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890which is less indeed than all seeds, but when it is grown is greater than herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of heaven come and roost in its branches.
Context
This completes the mustard seed image, emphasizing remarkable growth and final size. It follows the previous parable’s theme of patient, sovereign expansion. The chapter will continue with another growth image—the leaven—which reinforces the pervasive, transformative power of the kingdom.
v.31Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
v.32This passage
v.33Another 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 it was all leavened.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 4:12
The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the heavens dwelt in the branches thereof, and all flesh was fed from it.
- Psalms 104:12
By them the birds of the heavens have their habitation; They sing among the branches.
- Isaiah 2:2
And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
- Acts 1:15
And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about a hundred and twenty),
- Daniel 2:44
And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
- Ezekiel 17:23
in the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
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