Problem

Is the mustard seed the smallest?

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.

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.

Science says there are smaller seeds...

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0601.htm#seed


Solution

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66%

When looking at what exactly is being said in the verse it is clear that the subject is the mustard tree, as an herb. Therefore, the mustard seed IS the smallest seed; "among the herbs"!
Secondly, not everytime the word "all" appears in the Bible is it to be taken to mean "without exception". An example of "all" not meaning "all" is when Paul says he was made "all things to all men" for the Gospel's sake(1Cor9:22). Did Paul become a pagan worshipper to convert pagans? A harlot to convert harlots? Of course not, and likewise when Jesus says the mustard seed is "the least of ALL seeds" he doesn't necessarily mean every single one without exception. He is simply contrasting that although it's size is quite small, that little mustard seed can grow to be an enormous tree after a little water and light (there's a sermon in there somewhere).

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Solution

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90%

I dont think it literally means it is physically the smallest seed. When using the phrase "the least of" it usually refers to the least value (whether value of money or just value to a person) I.E. "that's the least i can do" it means smallest value not physical size.

"Which indeed is the least of all seeds" well the mustard seed had a very low value during those times. It was a common, cheap item and also physically small. It is used as a metaphor to show something small and insignificant can eventually become something great.

the insignificant/cheap/common/worthless/smallest value at hand/lowest value of all the seeds (least of all seeds) it then becomes the greatest among herbs. This contrast is used to exaggerate the metaphor.

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