The Mustard Seed in the Bible
Small faith with great kingdom power.
The mustard seed in the Bible — the smallest of all seeds — pictures the secret, expansive growth of the kingdom of heaven and the power of even the smallest faith.
Key KJV Verses
"The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed...which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs..."
"...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..."
"...the birds of the air lodged in the branches of it."
Small beginnings
The kingdom begins as quietly as a mustard seed dropped into the ground, yet swells into a great shelter where the birds of the air find lodging — the gospel's worldwide reach.
Mustard-seed faith
Christ does not require great faith for mountain-moving miracles, only true faith — small as a mustard seed, but anchored in the living God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the mustard seed symbolize in the Bible?
The hidden, expansive growth of the kingdom and the surprising power of small but genuine faith.
How big is a mustard seed?
Roughly one to two millimetres across — proverbially small in Christ's day yet producing a large garden shrub.
Related Bible Symbols
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Matthew 13:31-32 • Parables of Jesus
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Matthew 13:31-32 • Kingdom of God
Parable of the Mustard Seed Quiz
The smallest seed becoming the greatest herb — the kingdom of heaven.
What Is the Parable of the Mustard Seed?
Life of Jesus
Kingdom (מַלְכוּת (Malkut) / βασιλεία (Basileia))
God's sovereign rule and reign over all creation
Luke 17:6 Commentary
In-depth study • The Power of Small Faith