Matthew 13:32 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Matthew, this verse means that even something very small, like a tiny seed, can grow into something very big and important, like a tall tree, where birds can rest. It's like saying small, good things we do can become really big and wonderful things.

Contradiction with Genesis 1:11-12

These verses suggest that different kinds of plants and trees were created by God's command, rather than growing from a small seed that becomes the greatest among herbs.

Genesis 1:11-12: And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, [and] the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed [is] in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. [grass: Heb. tender grass]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:38-39

These verses imply that God gives unique bodies to different kinds of seeds, emphasizing variety rather than the small-to-large growth described in Matthew 13:32.

1 Corinthians 15:38-39: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

Paradox #1

Some people point out that "Matthew 13:32" describes the mustard seed as the smallest of all seeds, which is not botanically accurate since there are seeds smaller than mustard seeds. This could be seen as a conflict between the biblical description and botanical science.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in that verse is that it refers to a mustard seed as the smallest of all seeds. However, in reality, there are seeds smaller than the mustard seed, such as the seeds of orchids. This presents an inconsistency between the biblical description and botanical facts.

Paradox #3

The contradiction can be related to the fact that the mustard seed is described as the smallest of all seeds. However, in reality, there are seeds smaller than a mustard seed, such as the seeds of orchids. This creates a conflict with the scientific understanding of seed sizes.

Paradox #4

In Matthew 13:32, the verse describes a mustard seed growing into a large plant. A potential moral inconsistency might arise if someone interprets the growth of the kingdom of heaven as exclusively positive, ignoring that growth can also bring challenges or negative aspects. This could conflict with the reality that not all growth leads to good outcomes, requiring a more nuanced understanding of spiritual growth.

Paradox #5

The potential contradiction in Matthew 13:32 arises because it describes a seed as the "smallest of all seeds," which some people argue is not accurate from a botanical perspective. In reality, there are seeds smaller than the mustard seed, such as the orchid seed. This could lead to a discussion on whether the text is speaking literally or using hyperbole for illustrative purposes.