en_tn/mat/13/31.md

# Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a very small seed that grows into a very big plant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

# The kingdom of heaven is like

Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](./24.md). AT: "When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# mustard seed

a very small seed that grows into a large plant (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

# This seed is indeed the smallest of all other seeds

Mustard seeds were the smallest seeds known to the original hearers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# But when it has grown

"But when the plant has grown"

# it is greater than

"it is larger than"

# becomes a tree

A mustard plant can grow about 2 to 4 meters tall.

# birds of the air

"birds"