Matthew 13:32 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:31-35

Parable and prophecy. The spirit of prophecy in ancient times enshrined itself in parables. The prophecy of Balaam, accordingly, is called "his parable" ( Numbers 23:18 ). Under the parable of two eagles and a vine Ezekiel shows forth the judgments of God upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt ( Ezekiel 18:1-32 .; see also Ezekiel 24:3 ; Micah 2:4-6 ; Habakkuk 2:6 ). So are the parables of Christ prophetic. Observe— I. THAT JESUS TAUGHT IN PARABLES IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:32

Which indeed is the least of ( is less than, Revised Version) all seeds; i.e. all those ordinarily sown in Palestine then. Instances of the proverbial use in the Talmuds of the size of a grain of mustard to express something very small, may be seen in Levy, s.v. לדרח . But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs; it is greater than the herbs (Revised Version); i.e. than those which are usually called λάχανα . And becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 13:31-32

See also Mark 4:30-32. The kingdom of heavens See the notes at Matthew 3:2. It means here either piety in a renewed heart or the church. In either case the commencement is small. In the heart it is at first feeble, easily injured, and much exposed. In the church there were few at first, ignorant, unknown, and unhonored; yet soon it was to spread through the world.Grain of mustard-seed - The plant here described was very different from that which is known among us. It was several years before it... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 13:31-32

Matthew 13:31-32. Another parable put he forth The two former parables relate chiefly to unfruitful hearers: the two that follow, to those who bear good fruit. The kingdom of heaven Both the gospel dispensation in the world, and the kingdom of grace in the souls of true believers, especially the former; is like to a grain of mustard-seed Small and contemptible in its beginning. Which is indeed the least of all seeds “That is, of all those seeds with which the people of Judea were then... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 13:24-43

55. Wheat and weeds; mustard seed; yeast (Matthew 13:24-43; Mark 4:30-34; Luke 13:18-21)In another parable, two types of seed produce two types of plants in the same field. The plants, wheat and weeds, are not separated while they are growing, but are left till harvest time. Then the wheat is put into the farmer’s barn but the weeds are destroyed (Matthew 13:24-30).As with the parable of the sower, Jesus gave his disciples an interpretation (Matthew 13:34-36; cf. v. 10,16-18). In the present... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 13:32

the least = less indeed. of all seeds. Supply the Ellipsis from Matthew 13:31 = "than all the seeds [that a man sows in his field]". it is grown = it shall or may have grown. This growth is contrary to nature: to show that it symbolizes an unnatural result, with its consequences. the greatest among herbs = greater than [garden] herbs. the air = the heaven (singular) lodge = perch. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 13:31-32

Matthew 13:31-32. Another parable put he forth— The former parables relate chiefly to unfruitful hearers; these that follow, to those who bear good fruit. In the present parable our Lord shews, that notwithstanding the gospel appeared at first contemptible, by reason of the ignominy arising from the crucifixion of its Author, the difficulty of its precepts, the weakness of the persons by whom it was preached, and the small number and mean condition of those who received it; yet having initself... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 13:32

32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds—not absolutely, but popularly and proverbially, as in :-, "If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed," that is, "never so little faith." but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs—not absolutely, but in relation to the small size of the seed, and in warm latitudes proverbially great. and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof—This is added, no doubt, to express the amplitude of the tree. But as... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 13:1-53

C. Adaptations because of Israel’s rejection of Jesus 13:1-53"The die is cast. The religious leaders have openly declared their opposition to their Messiah. The people of Israel are amazed at the power of Jesus and His speech, but they fail to recognize Him as their King. Not seeing the Messiahship of Jesus in His words and works, they have separated the fruit from the tree. Because of this opposition and spiritual apathy, the King adapts His teaching method and the doctrine concerning the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 13:2-53

IV. THE OPPOSITION TO THE KING 11:2-13:53Chapters 11-13 record Israel’s rejection of her Messiah and its consequences. Opposition continued to build, but Jesus announced new revelation in view of hardened unbelief."The Evangelist has carefully presented the credentials of the king in relationship to His birth, His baptism, His temptation, His righteous doctrine, and His supernatural power. Israel has heard the message of the nearness of the kingdom from John the Baptist, the King Himself, and... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:31-35

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:32

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 13:31-32

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 13:31-32

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 13:24-43

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 13:32

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 13:31-32

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 13:32

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 13:1-53

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 13:2-53

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