Matthew 13:31-32 KP3 Parable of the mustard seed

The parable of the wheat and the tares provides a fault tolerant and realistic approach to the tolerance paradox which, as a simple form of the Russell Paradox, has no logical solution but occurs often in society.

Parable: (encoded with code words)

Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? [kjv]

13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. [kjv]

Explained: (decoded code words)

13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [kjv]

ο δε εχθρος ο σπειρας αυτα εστιν ο διαβολος ο δε θερισμος συντελεια αιωνος εστιν οι δε θερισται αγγελοι εισιν [gnt]

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

More: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 KP2 Parable of the wheat and tares

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

13:32 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. [kjv]

This is node 3 of "oaths" to the goals of the "bird" which "steal" from those taking the "oaths".

More: TenWordPin model nodes

More: Matthew 5:33-37 Reasoning about oaths - yes no

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

13:32 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. [kjv]

The "mustard seed" :

is not the "smallest" of all "seeds".
is not the "greatest" of all "herbs".
grows into a bush, not a tree.

The "birds" do not (usually) nest in small bushes. Are the "birds" good? What is a "mustard seed"? What does a "tree" represent?

The KJV (King James Version) translates as "least" the Greek word that means "smallest". There is another Greek word for "least".

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

What is the difference between a "parable" and a "proverb"? It appears that the Hebrew/Aramaic has one word for this concept and that word can be translated into Greek as "parable" or "proverb".

"παραβολή" ≈ "saying, proverb"
"παροιμία" ≈ "saying, proverb"

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

The "kingdom" of "heaven" appears to be a perception of the mind and not a literal physical reality. There are two perceptions.

Good kingdom of heaven/air which leads to the kingdom of God.
Not good kingdom of heaven/air which is ruled by the birds of heaven/air.

Jesus uses one word for the not good "heaven" that is a play on words with "tail" of the "mind". Your "mind" is supposed to be in your "head" and not your "tail".

More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

Before the "children playing music in the marketplace":

Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

In the middle of the "kingdom parables":

13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]

Jesus sometimes uses a phrase such as "he that hath an ear ... hear" . That "hear" in Greek assumes "understanding". Otherwise, some clarification is needed. Jesus appears to use a phrase such as this when there is some deeper meaning that needs to be uncovered - often a play-on-word meaning in Greek. Jesus wants us to "hear" with our "ears". The ancient Greek word "φωνή" ≈ "voice", as in "phonograph", and comes from "φως" ≈ "light" and "νους" ≈ "mind". That is, the "sound" of a "voice" is "light" into the "mind".

More: He that hath ears

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

Let us now "use our ears" on the same text using the first verse.

Matthew 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; [kjv]

ο δε αγρος εστιν ο κοσμος το δε καλον σπερμα ουτοι εισιν οι υιοι της βασιλειας τα δε ζιζανια εισιν οι υιοι του πονηρου [gnt]

In explaining the code words for kingdom parable 2 (wheat and tares), Jesus says that the "field" is the "world".

The "field" is the "world" (people in the world). There is a different Greek word for end of the "ages" or end of the "world".
The "good seed" is the "wheat" are the "children of the kingdom".
The "tares" are planted by the "evil one" (among the "good seed") and are the "children of the wicked one" (evil as "oppression").

More: The adornment of people in the cosmos

More: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 KP2 Parable of the wheat and tares

Matthew 13:38

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KJV: The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

Greek: ο δε αγρος εστιν ο κοσμος το δε καλον σπερμα ουτοι εισιν οι υιοι της βασιλειας τα δε ζιζανια εισιν οι υιοι του πονηρου

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

13:32 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. [kjv]

The third kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is very short - just two verses. There appears to be a play-on-words used by Jesus from the Greek language point of view.

The Greek word for "mustard plant" is translated as "mustard seed" and appears in only two stories (five verses) in the GNT (Greek New Testament).

Mustard seed parable (3)
Moving the mountain (2) [definitions]

Jesus often uses nouns as code words. English uses "grain" to avoid using "seed" in "mustard seed" twice.

Decrypted text: All seeds are the same size. Trees are empires. Birds are of the evil one.

Matthew 13:31

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KJV: 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:

Greek: αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου

Latin: aliam parabolam proposuit eis dicens simile est regnum caelorum grano sinapis quod accipiens homo seminavit in agro suo

Wycliffe: Another parable Jhesus puttide forth to hem, and seide, The kyngdom of heuenes is lijk to a corn of seneuey, which a man took, and sewe in his feeld.

Tyndale: Another parable he put forthe vnto the sayinge. The kyngdome of heve is lyke vnto a grayne of mustard seued which a ma taketh and soweth in his felde

Matthew 13:32

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνουν κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου

Latin: quod minimum quidem est omnibus seminibus cum autem creverit maius est omnibus holeribus et fit arbor ita ut volucres caeli veniant et habitent in ramis eius

Wessex: þaet ys alre saede laest. Soðlice þanne hyt wexað hyt ys alre wyrte maest. & hyt wurð treow. swa þaet heofene fugeles cumað & eardigeð Note: MS. eardiged. þaer on his bogen.

Wycliffe: Which is the leeste of alle seedis, but whanne it hath woxen, it is the moste of alle wortis, and is maad a tre; so that briddis of the eir comen, and dwellen in the bowis therof.

Tyndale: which is ye leest of all seedes. But when it is groune it is the greatest amoge yerbes and it is a tree: so yt the bryddes of the ayer come and bylde in the brauches of it.

Luther: welches das kleinste ist unter allem Samen; wenn es aber erwächst, so ist es das größte unter dem Kohl und wird ein Baum, daß die Vögel unter dem Himmel kommen und wohnen unter seinen Zweigen.

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

The book of Matthew was written by Matthew, a tax collector, who would have needed to remember exact details and be able to take shorthand to fulfill his duties as a tax collector. Many take Matthew's account as a verbatim transcript of what Jesus actually said.

The KJV translates this as "grain" of "mustard seed".

"least" of all "seeds".
"greatest" of all "herbs" (leafy vegetables).

This phrase, in Greek, appears to be important.

Mark 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: [kjv]

ως κοκκω σιναπεως ος οταν σπαρη επι της γης μικροτερον ον παντων των σπερματων των επι της γης [gnt]

4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. [kjv]

και οταν σπαρη αναβαινει και γινεται μειζον παντων των λαχανων και ποιει κλαδους μεγαλους ωστε δυνασθαι υπο την σκιαν αυτου τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνοιν [gnt]

The book of Mark is Peters account as written down by Mark. Peter is using his memory to relate, through Mark, his account. Much of Mark is shorter and more abbreviated than Matthew. Some fine details could have been missed through time and transfer of memory.

The KJV appears to mis-translate "smallest" as "less than" which creates logical issues when analyzing the verse.

Mark 4:31

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KJV: It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

Greek: ως κοκκω σιναπεως ος οταν σπαρη επι της γης μικροτερος μικροτερον ον παντων των σπερματων εστιν των επι της γης

Latin: sicut granum sinapis quod cum seminatum fuerit in terra minus est omnibus seminibus quae sunt in terra

Wessex: Swa swa senepes saed þanne hit beoð on eorðan ge-sawen. hit is alre saede laest þe on eorðan synt.

Wycliffe: As a corne of seneuei, which whanne it is sowun in the erthe, is lesse than alle seedis that ben in the erthe;

Tyndale: It is lyke a grayne of mustard seed which when it is sowe in the erth is the leest of all seedes that be in the erth:

Gothic: swe kaurno sinapis, thatei than saiada ana airtha, minnist allaize fraiwe ist thize ana airthai;

Luther: Gleichwie ein Senfkorn, wenn das gesäet wird aufs Land, so ist's das kleinste unter allen Samen auf Erden.

Mark 4:32

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KJV: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

Greek: και οταν σπαρη αναβαινει και γινεται μειζον παντων των λαχανων μειζων και ποιει κλαδους μεγαλους ωστε δυνασθαι υπο την σκιαν αυτου τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνουν κατασκηνοιν

Luke 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. [kjv]

ομοια εστιν κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εβαλεν εις κηπον εαυτου και ηυξησεν και εγενετο εις δενδρον και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατεσκηνωσεν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

The book of Luke is written by Luke, the physician, who assisted Paul. Luke, as a doctor, would be good at listening to stories and accounts, asking questions, and inferring what is likely true and what is not as likely to be true. This is what doctors had to do in that day and age. Luke collected his information from others long after the time when those events happened.

Apparently Luke did not get enough detailed and credible accounts of the parable of the mustard seed to provide more detail.

The word "great" is not in some Greek manuscripts.

Matthew: "Birds" lodge (build nests) in the tree.
Luke : "Birds" lodge (build nests) in the branches of it.
Mark: "Birds" lodge under the shadow of the tree.

[fault tolerance, DVD communication, DNA, baseball card analogy]

Luke 13:19

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KJV: It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

Greek: ομοια εστιν κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εβαλεν εις κηπον εαυτου και ηυξησεν και εγενετο εις δενδρον μεγα και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατεσκηνωσεν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου

Latin: simile est grano sinapis quod acceptum homo misit in hortum suum et crevit et factum est in arborem magnam et volucres caeli requieverunt in ramis eius

Wessex: hit is gelic sepenes (sic) corne þe se man onfeng & seow on his wertun. & hit weox & warð mycel treow & heofene fugeles resten on his bogen.

Wycliffe: It is lijk to a corn of seneuey, which a man took, and cast in to his yerd; and it wax, and was maad in to a greet tree, and foulis of the eire restiden in the braunchis therof.

Tyndale: It is lyke a grayne of mustard seede which a man toke and sowed in his garden: and it grewe and wexed a greate tree and the foules of the ayer made nestes in the braunches of it.

Logically, the idea of "least" is not the same as "less than". Here are the comparisons from the KJV, where x is the "seed" of the "mustard plant".

$Greater than$

Matthew: x is the least or not greater than of all seeds.

$Less than$

Mark: x is less than or not greater than or equal to of all seeds.
Luke has no comparison.

According to the KJV, Mark makes x less than all the seeds while Matthew makes x the least of all seeds.

Matthew appears to leave open the possibility that other seeds are the same (size) while Mark makes the mustard seed less than all (other) seeds, not less than or equal to all (other) seeds.

This is a situation where going back to the original language can be of use.

More: Matthew 25:40,45 The least of these

The numerical relational comparison comes down to Matthew and Mark. What does the Greek say?

Greek: Matthew: ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων
Greek: Mark: ος ... μικροτερον ον παντων των σπερματων

At this point, it is unclear as to whether there is a difference. The difference could be in the later translations that built on each other.

Details are left as a future topic.

Which sounds better: (they say the same thing)

All the toothpastes were found to have the same effectiveness.
No toothpaste has been found more effective than "Crust".

Consider the following values: 5 5 5 5 5. We can say the following.

All numbers are equal to 5. All x are equal to y.
No number is greater than 5. No x is greater than y.
No number is less than 5. No x is less than y.

All numbers are less than or equal to 5. All y are less than or equal to x.
All numbers are greater or equal to 5. All x are greater than or equal to y.

A common self-deception is to not realize that all the values are at the same semantic level.
The "least" of these is the same as the "greatest" of these if all are at the same level.

More: Nothing has been found more effective than this

The Latin Vulgate terms may be useful here.

Matthew: The Latin word "minumum" ≈ "minumum" (no change from Latin to English).
Mark: The Latin word "minus" ≈ "less" as in the English of "three minus two" as "three less two" minus.

It appears that the later translators were influenced by the Latin translation using different words for the Greek. Perhaps the Greek phrasing (idiom , etc.) leads to each of the two different translations.

The German word "kleinste" ≈ "smallest, least, minimum" as Luther uses the same word "kleinste" in both Matthew and Mark. Today, German has other words for those related concepts.

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

Sinapis, from the Latin word "sinapi" ≈ "mustard" is from the ancient Greek word "σίναπι" ≈ "mustard plant".
Is Jesus talking about one "mustard seed" or can what Jesus says be generalized to any "mustard seed"? There may be multiple meanings where all are true.

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

The German word "der Senf" ≈ "mustard".
The Middle English word "corne" ≈ "seed, grain" is a generic word.
The Gothic word "kaurno" ≈ "seed, grain" which is related to the English word "corn".

Encoded text: "The mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds". Reality: It is not.
Encoded text: "It is greatest of all (leafy) vegetables". Reality: It is not.
Encoded text: "It grows into a tree". Reality: It does not.

Encoded (hidden)	Decoded (clear)
field	world
tree	?
mustard seed	?
branch	?

In all cases, it does not matter. One needs the decoded text.

Decoded text: Need to know the code word meanings for "mustard seed" and "vegetable" and "tree" and "branch", etc.
Jesus provides many of the code word meanings, but not all of them. Let us follow the advice of Jesus and "use our ears".

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

*G2848 *7 κόκκος (kok'-kos) : apparently a primary word; a kernel of seed:--corn, grain.

Usage

All

κοκκω *3

Matthew 13:31 ... of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man ...
Mark 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown ...
Luke 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man ...

κοκκον *3

Matthew 17:20 ... ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto ...
Luke 17:6 ... ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this ...
1 Corinthians 15:37 ... shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or ...

κοκκος

John 12:24 ... I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into ...

*G2848 *7 κόκκος (kok'-kos) : apparently a primary word; a kernel of seed:--corn, grain.

Words: κοκκον=3 κοκκος κοκκω=3

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. [kjv]

και δευτε και διελεγχθωμεν λεγει κυριος και εαν ωσιν αι αμαρτιαι υμων ως φοινικουν ως χιονα λευκανω εαν δε ωσιν ως κοκκινον ως εριον λευκανω [lxx]

"κόκκος" ≈ "grain, seed" and "κόκκινος" ≈ "scarlet, blushing".

The "seed" (an insect that looked like a seed) was used to make a "red" dye.

*G4762 *22 στρέφω (stref'-o) : strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).

Words: εστραφη εστραφησαν εστρεψεν=2 στραφεις=11 στραφεισα στραφεντες στραφητε στραφωσιν στρεφειν στρεφομεθα στρεψον=1

The ancient Greek word "στρέφω" ≈ "turn, direct, twist" and is related to the English word "strap" as "fasten".

The English word "strep" is a short form of "streptococcus", coined in 1877 by Viennese surgeon Albert Billroth (1829-1894) from two ancient Greek words.

"στρεπτός" ≈ "twisted, pliant".
"κόκκος" ≈ "grain, seed" is in the mustard "seed" and color "red".

The modern Greek word "στρέφω" (STREH-fo) ≈ "turn, direct".

More: Matthew 5:39 Turning the other cheek

*G4762 *22 στρέφω (stref'-o) : strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).

Usage

All

στραφεις *11

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, ...
Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind ...
Luke 7:9 ... he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed ...
Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, ...
Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, ...
Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: ...
Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, ...
Luke 14:25 ... with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And ...
Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, ...
John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them ...

εστρεψεν *2

Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that ...
Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them ...

στρεψον

Matthew 5:39 ... thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

στραφεντες

Matthew 7:6 ... their feet, and turn again and rend you.

στραφητε

Matthew 18:3 ... I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as ...

στραφωσιν

John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their ...

εστραφη

John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw ...

στραφεισα

John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; ...

εστραφησαν

Acts 7:39 ... in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

στρεφομεθα

Acts 13:46 ... of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

στρεφειν

Revelation 11:6 ... power over waters to turn them to blood, ...

More: Matthew 5:39 Turning the other cheek

Grape cluster as soda can tops crochet together

[staph infection - gyms, etc.][crochet with soda tops to make grape cluster]

A group of bacteria is called staphylococcus of which there are more than 30 types. The word staphylococcus was coined by Scottish surgeon and bacteriologist Alexander Ogston (1844-1929) in 1880, following the pattern of streptococcus, and comes from two ancient Greek words.

"σταφυλή" ≈ "bunch of grapes"
"κόκκος" ≈ "grain, seed"

This could be a "grain" or "seed" of the "mustard plant".

More: Matthew 7:16 Observation of fruit inspection

The following are similar and related ancient Greek words.

"κόκκος" ≈ "grain, seed" and it could mean a scarlet dye made from the crushed bodies of the kermes bugs sometimes (incorrectly) thought of as a "seed".
"κόκκινος" ≈ "scarlet, blushing, red" from the scarlet dye.
"κόκκῦ" ≈ "cuckoo" as a call of a bird. The "birds" are in the parable "lodging" in the branches of the "tree".

A possible play on words would require a "bird" and the color "red". The ruling power in Judea, Rome used both the "eagle" and the color "red" as a symbol. This presence would continue for many centuries.

The historical interpretation of this parable is during the time of Rome and Constantine when the church went from a relatively flat organization into a larger hierarchical tree-structured organization.

*G4615 *5 σίναπι (sin'-ap-ee) : perhaps from sinomai (to hurt, i.e. sting); mustard (the plant):--mustard.

Usage

All

σιναπεως *5

Matthew 13:31 ... is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, ...
Matthew 17:20 ... faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this ...
Mark 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown ...
Luke 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, ...
Luke 17:6 ... faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, ...

*G4615 *5 σίναπι (sin'-ap-ee) : perhaps from sinomai (to hurt, i.e. sting); mustard (the plant):--mustard.

Words: σιναπεως=5

The ancient Greek word "σίναπι" ≈ "mustard plant". The word for "mustard plant" appears 5 times in the GNT and not in the LXX (Septuagint) nor, it appears, in other ancient Greek texts. In the GNT, it is used in exactly the same form each time.

3 times: Mustard seed parable (Matthew, Mark, Luke)
2 times: Faith (persuasion) moving mountains [definitions] (Matthew, Luke)

2 Kings 17:20 And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. [kjv]

και απεωσαντο τον κυριον εν παντι σπερματι ισραηλ και εσαλευσεν αυτους και εδωκεν αυτους εν χειρι διαρπαζοντων αυτους εως ου απερριψεν αυτους απο προσωπου αυτου [lxx]

And the Lord was angry with the whole seed of Israel, and troubled them, and gave them into the hand of them that spoiled them, until he cast them out of his presence. [bs3]

The following Greek words have similar sounds.

"σίναπι" ≈ "mustard plant" (only in the GNT).
"σίνις" ≈ "agent of destruction or plunder".
"σίνομαι" ≈ "ravage, plunder, destroy".

A play on words might use the following words where the vowel sounds are the same today but would have been somewhat different at the time.

The word used in the GNT is "σιναπεως" that ends in an "s" sound.

"συν" ≈ "together, with" and "ἀετός" ≈ "eagle" is a possible play on words given the setup of bird and red.
"ἀπέωσα" ≈ "push away, drive away, dislodge" and is used in the LXX.

2 Kings 17:20

All

KJV: And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

Hebrew: וימאס יהוה בכל זרע ישראל ויענם ויתנם ביד שסים עד אשר השליכם מפניו׃

Greek: και απεωσαντο τον κυριον εν παντι σπερματι ισραηλ και εσαλευσεν αυτους και εδωκεν αυτους εν χειρι διαρπαζοντων αυτους εως ου απερριψεν αυτους απο προσωπου αυτου

Brenton: And the Lord was angry with the whole seed of Israel, and troubled them, and gave them into the hand of them that spoiled them, until he cast them out of his presence.

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

mustard seed grain and red/bird together dislodging

There were no spaces in the Greek.

Play on word sayings need not follow grammar nor spelling rules.
Greek: κοκκω σιναπεως ον (as written) for "seed of the mustard plant which".
Greek: κοκκυ συν απεωςων (play on words) for "red/bird together dislodging/pushing".

One can pronounce it in such a way that the secondary meaning is known to those who use their "ears" to "hear". Sometimes one just wants to add an additional idea to the mind.

I went to a big party. I had a fine time.
I went to a pig party. I had a swine time.

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων κοκκω σιναπεως ον λαβων ανθρωπος εσπειρεν εν τω αγρω αυτου [gnt]

Greek: κοκκω σιναπεως ον (as written) for "seed of the mustard plant which".
Greek: κοκκυ συν αετως ων (play on words) for "red/bird together eagle which".

This play on words with the eagle appears in the first kingdom parable of the sower.

The ancient Greek prefix "συν" ≈ "together".
The ancient Greek word "εντός" ≈ "within, inside" which can be a time period.
The ancient Greek word "ἀετός" ≈ "eagle".

The play on words appears to be "together with the eagles" as in "collaborating with Rome". The "eagle" is a bird of prey and was a symbol of the Roman Empire (and following empires). Had the religious establishment conspired or worked with the Roman government for their own personal benefit (as a bird in the pecking order) and against the best interests of the people and God?

Rome often used the letters SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) which means "The Roman Senate and People".

The "two birds sold (selling themselves) for a farthing" uses the Roman name for the coin and a play on words on the sound made by a bird.

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Consider the "seed" of the "mustard plant".

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

The "mustard plant" is a plant and grows up to 3 feet tall. The "seeds" are used as a spice but the leaves are nutritious and can be eaten.

"λάχανον" ≈ "leafy vegetable" to be cooked and eaten.

Is it the "greatest" of all "leafy vegetables"?

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [kjv]

μη θησαυριζετε υμιν θησαυρους επι της γης οπου σης και βρωσις αφανιζει και οπου κλεπται διορυσσουσιν και κλεπτουσιν [gnt]

"λάχανον" ≈ "leafy vegetable" to be cooked and eaten.
"λαχαίνω" ≈ "dig out" such as a trench.

The Greek for "break through" is that of "digging a canal" or "digging a tunnel".

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

"λάχανον" ≈ "leafy vegetable" to be cooked and eaten.
"ῥακά" ≈ "idiot, fool, good-for-nothing"
"νοῦν" ≈ "mind, thought" (accusative singular).

Jesus uses "ῥακά" ≈ "idiot, fool, good-for-nothing" to refer to someone who does not do what the religious establishment wants when it conflicts with what Jesus wants. It is thus good to effectively call the "council" "raka".

The ancient Greek word "χαρά" ≈ "favor, grace" and, in context, "joy". This can be a Spoonerism (ugly).

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Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [kjv]

5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [kjv]

There are two main events or competitions.

Great Commission (what Jesus wants you to do)
Gifts on the altar (what birds want you to do)

Which is the most important event or competition?
Which is just a shadow of an event or competition?

More: Matthew 5:39 Turning the other cheek

More: Matthew 5:23-24 Alterated gifts

*G2902 *47 κρατέω (krat-eh'-o) : from G2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):--hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).

Words: εκρατησαμεν εκρατησαν=4 εκρατησατε=2 εκρατησεν=3 εκρατουντο κεκρατηκεναι κεκρατηνται κρατει κρατειν κρατεις κρατεισθαι κρατειτε=2 κρατησαι=4 κρατησαντες=3 κρατησας=6 κρατησατε=3 κρατησει=1 κρατησωσιν κρατητε κρατουντας=3 κρατουντες κρατουντος κρατουσιν κρατωμεν κρατων=2

The ancient Greek word "κρατέω" ≈ "rule, conquer, seize, hold" and provides the last part of the English word "democracy".

More: Matthew 12:1-21 Healing on the Sabbath

Matthew 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? [kjv]

ο δε ειπεν αυτοις τις εσται εξ υμων ανθρωπος ος εξει προβατον εν και εαν εμπεση τουτο τοις σαββασιν εις βοθυνον ουχι κρατησει αυτο και εγερει [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "κρατέω" ≈ "rule, conquer, seize, hold" and provides the last part of the English word "democracy".

"κλάδος" ≈ "branch".
"κράτος" ≈ "might, strength" which is source of the word "democracy" which means "power of the people".

The Greek word for "branch" is a play on words with "power" or "might". Linguistically, the liquid "R" and "L" are similar. Compare:

"fried rice" and "flied lice" (Letter similarity).
"light fires" and "fight liars" (Spoonerism).

More: Shibboleth: how something is said

More: Matthew 12:1-21 Healing on the Sabbath

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

"κλάδος" ≈ "branch".
"κράτος" ≈ "might, strength" which is source of the word "democracy" which means "power of the people".

Paraphrase: ... the birds of the air/heaven [tail of the mind] make a home/nest in the branches [power] of it.

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

"κλάδος" ≈ "branch" (nominative)
"κλᾰ́δον" ≈ "branch" (accusative).
"δράκον" ≈ "dragon, serpent" (vocative).

A Spoonerism (ugly) can relate "branch" or "power" to "dragon".

The ancient Greek word "δράκων" ≈ "dragon, serpent" which is the ancient name for the modern name of "dinosaur".

Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: [kjv]

απο δε της συκης μαθετε την παραβολην οταν ηδη ο κλαδος αυτης γενηται απαλος και τα φυλλα εκφυη γινωσκετε οτι εγγυς το θερος [gnt]

"κλάδος" ≈ "branch".
"κράτος" ≈ "might, strength" which is source of the word "democracy" which means "power of the people".

Paraphrase: ... when already the branch [power] becomes ...

The sounds of the letters "R" and "L" are closely related. In Greek these are "Ρ" or "ρ" and "Λ" or are "λ".

More: Matthew 24:32-35 End time fig trees

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

The "mustard plant" grows into a big "tree".

Matthew: greatest (among herbs)
Mark: greater (than other herbs)
Luke: no comparison (great in some manuscripts)

In the Bible, "trees" represent the human infrastructure of empires or organizations.

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη [gnt]

Is the "kingdom of heaven" actually "heaven" as in the "kingdom of God"?

"βασίλεια των ουρανών" ≈ "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of the air".
"πετεινα του ουρανου" ≈ "birds of the air" or "birds of heaven".
Wycliffe uses the phrase "briddis of heuene" or "birds of heaven".

Some will attempt to "fix" a perceived "error" in the Bible text by asserting their opinion (or glory) that "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" are the same thing.

If birds represent "evil" or "oppression" (parable 1), are there any birds in heaven?

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

More: Matthew 6:25-27 The missing part worked out for the birds

More: Foxes and birds and nests

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη [gnt]

… Foxas … holo… heofene fugeles nyst… heafod änhelde. [wes]

… Foxis … dennes… briddis … heuene … nestis… reste … heed. [wy]

… Füchse … Gruben… Vögel … Himmel … Nester… Haupt hinlege. [lu]

The ancient Greek word "οὐρανός" ≈ "heaven, air". Wycliffe translates the Greek as the Middle English phrase "briddis" ≈ "birds" of "heuene" ≈ "heaven" as does the Wessex Old English phrase "fugeles" ≈ "birds" of "heofene" ≈ "heaven". The Old English word "briddis" for "bird" may be the source of the English word "bride".

Jesus uses the dative of "heaven" or "air" or "sky" as a play on words with "mind" of the "tail".

More: Foxes and birds and nests

This content needs updated.

If Jesus is the "head", then what is the "tail"? Where should your "mind" be?

Jesus often uses code words where nouns are replaced with other nouns - so that the people will not understand. In the security field, this is the definition of a secret code. An interesting play on words is the use of a certain form of the word "heaven" - the genitive singular form.

"ουρανου" ≈ "heaven, sky".
"ουρά" ≈ "tail" and "νου" ≈ "of the mind" (genitive)

English: heaven, air

Greek: οὐρανού
Greek: οὐρά νου

English: tail of the mind

Saying: Your mind is in the gutter. One might say the gutter of your mind.

Note: Play on words to not need to follow grammar and/or spelling rules to be recognized and/or be effective.

Let us see how Jesus uses this form of the word in Matthew.

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

Matthew 13:32 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. [kjv]

ο μικροτερον μεν εστιν παντων των σπερματων οταν δε αυξηθη μειζον των λαχανων εστιν και γινεται δενδρον ωστε ελθειν τα πετεινα του ουρανου και κατασκηνοιν εν τοις κλαδοις αυτου [gnt]

The Greek for "lodge" is that of making a "tent" and contains the word in the Greek for "tabernacle" in "Feast of Tabernacles".

"σκηνή" ≈ "tent, theater stage" and is the source of the English word "scene".
"κατασκήνωσις" ≈ "take up quarters, lodge" and, in the GNT, a "nest".

Jesus does not refer to "birds" in a good way.

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

More: Matthew 6:25-27 The missing part worked out for the birds

Organizational charts are trees turned upside down with the root at the top and branches at the bottom. In the Bible, trees represent man-made hierarchies such as kingdoms.

The root of the tree is the leader of the organization.
The leaves are those at the bottom of the organization (citizens, slaves, etc.).

Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 is the root of the tree which is left when God, for a time, removes him from power.

Herod, who does not have a root in himself, is a fox with a nest near the tree.

More: Daniel 4: Dream interpretation and false teachers

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How does a flat structure of people turn into a tree or organizational structure? It often happens in a bottom-up manner.

A distributed flat hierarchy can became a nested tree-like structure.

A tree structure is much like an organizational chart.

1 2 3 4 + - ▶

The temple organization started when the father in low of Moses, Jethro, suggested to Moses that he start using such an organization. By the time of Jesus, this temple organization had been creating problems in oppressing the people. Those oppressed righteous people appear to represent the "kingdom of heaven".

More: Exodus 18: Hierarchy as a man-made tree structure

More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

A square root of a tree may not be obvious. How about a cube root? In the Bible:

Mountains represent empires.
Trees represent the human infrastructure of an empire.
The birds represent people who make nests in the tree.
The root represents the human leader of the tree.
A fox may have to settle for a den near the tree root.

More: Radical square and other roots

Are the "birds" that "build nests" in the tree a symbol of something good, bad or indifferent?

Those working for the leader are the branches or nodes, and, it appears, are often represented as "birds" who nest (reside) in the tree.

More: Exodus 18: Hierarchy as a man-made tree structure

More: Matthew 6:25-27 The missing part worked out for the birds

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Jesus did not come to "reside" or "build a nest" in the "law". He came to "reside" with (and save) sinners.

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

13:32 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. [kjv]

The "mustard seed" :

is not the "smallest" of all "seeds".
is not the "greatest" of all "herbs".
grows into a bush, not a tree.

The "birds" do not (usually) nest in small bushes. Are the "birds" good? What is a "mustard seed"? What does a "tree" represent? The word for "air" or "sky" or "heaven" can be a play on words for "tail" of the "mind".

Matthew 13:31 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: [kjv]

13:32 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. [kjv]

In the 4th century, the "meek" small Christian churches started to "inherit" worldly power and grew into a huge "tree" such that "birds" started to "lodge" in the "branches".
The Greek word for "mustard plant", with play-on-word meanings with Rome, appears in only two stories (five verses) in the GNT and connects with the idea of "moving this mountain".

More: Matthew 13:47-50: KP7 Parable of the harvest at the end of the age

Matthew 13:33 Another 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 the whole was leavened. [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην ελαλησεν αυτοις ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων ζυμη ην λαβουσα γυνη ενεκρυψεν εις αλευρου σατα τρια εως ου εζυμωθη ολον [gnt]

The third kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is very short - just one verse.

The ancient Greek word "ἄλευρον " ≈ "ground grain" which was often wheat. Jesus uses this idea to represent true doctrine or teaching.

The ancient Greek word "ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough" and is used by Jesus to represent false doctrine or teaching.

More: Matthew 13:33 KP4 Parable of the leaven

Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [kjv]

ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων θησαυρω κεκρυμμενω εν τω αγρω ον ευρων ανθρωπος εκρυψεν και απο της χαρας αυτου υπαγει και πωλει οσα εχει και αγοραζει τον αγρον εκεινον [gnt]

The fourth kingdom parable in Matthew 13, just one verse, has treasure hidden in a field. What is the "treasure"? Why is the "treasure" hid again? When does the "sell" and "buy" take place?

In the parables, the "man" is "Jesus as God". Is the "kingdom of heaven" the same as the "kingdom of God"?

How might these parable relate to John 3:16? Can we, in addition, make reference to the story of Ruth?

More: Matthew 13:44 KP5 Parable of the treasure in a field

Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]

παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας [gnt]

13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]

ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]

The name "Margaret" comes from the ancient Greek word "μαργαρίτης" ≈ "pearl". The word "pearl" appears in the GNT but not in the LXX, although the KJV uses "pearl" in Job.

It is easy to confuse the "pearl of great price" parable with the "treasure in a field" parable (one verse earlier). To what or who does the "pearl of great price" refer?
To understand the "merchant" and "selling" and "buying", it helps to have an understanding of "business".

The word "pearls" in Matthew 7:6 appears to be used in a figurative or code-word sense.

More: Taking care of business

More: Matthew 13:44 KP5 Parable of the treasure in a field

More: Matthew 13:45-46 KP6 Parable of the pearl of great price

Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: [kjv]

13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. [kjv]

The 7th and last of the Kingdom Parables in Matthew 13 is about the (implied) fish in the sea (of humanity).
The "bad" is that of "rotten" or "putrid" or "spoiled" (e.g., fruit). The "vessels" may be reflexive. Only the "good" are "arranged", not necessarily "put", into "vessels".

Jesus speaks 7/8 Kingdom Parables in Matthew 13 and explains/decodes 3 of the 7/8.

Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. [kjv]

συνηκατε ταυτα παντα λεγουσιν αυτω ναι [gnt]

13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. [kjv]

ο δε ειπεν αυτοις δια τουτο πας γραμματευς μαθητευθεις τη βασιλεια των ουρανων ομοιος εστιν ανθρωπω οικοδεσποτη οστις εκβαλλει εκ του θησαυρου αυτου καινα και παλαια [gnt]

13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. [kjv]

και εγενετο οτε ετελεσεν ο ιησους τας παραβολας ταυτας μετηρεν εκειθεν [gnt]

What exactly is the "treasure" and what are the "new" and "old" things that a "scribe" or "householder" brings out of that "treasure"?

More: Matthew 13:51-52 KP8 Parable of new and old codes

Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [kjv]

21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]

The word "mustard seed" , in growing into a "tree", connects with "this" "mountain". How much "faith" is needed? Is moving "this" "mountain" a good idea?
Moving "this" "mountain" changes the location. Moving it into the "sea" destroys/dissolves it.

Are we supposed to be moving mountains? Should we be telling it on the mountain?