Mat 13:31-33 | PNT | STEP | Like to a grain of mustard seed . Compare . The Jews grew mustard in their gardens. Its round seed was previously spoken of as the smallest thing, as it was the smallest seed planted.

Matthew 13:31-33

Like to a grain of mustard seed. Compare Lu 13:18-21. The Jews grew mustard in their gardens. Its round seed was previously spoken of as the smallest thing, as it was the smallest seed planted. Which indeed is the least of all seeds. The least of all the field or garden seeds sown in Palestine.

But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs. All herbs cultivated in the fields or garden of Palestine. Dr. Hooker measured a mustard-plant in the Jordan Valley ten feet high. Thus, the kingdom, from an insignificant beginning, grows to a mighty magnitude. (See Mr 4:31,32). The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven. In those days a piece of the leavened dough from an unbaked loaf was put among the new dough to cause fermentation.

Three measures of meal. The usual amount for one baking, an ephah. See Ge 18:6 Jud 6:19 1Sa 1:24.

Till all was leavened. The leaven is taken from without and "hid" in the meal, or flour. The hidden leaven, though only a small quantity, imparts its qualities to the large mass. The Parable teaches that the Gospel is the leavening influence of the world.