A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 13:19

"It is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his own garden; and it grew, and became a tree; and the birds of the heaven lodged in the branches thereof." — Luke 13:19 (ASV)

A grain of mustard seed (κοκκω σιναπεως). Either the sinapis nigra or the salvadora

persica, both of which have small seeds and grow to twelve feet at times. The Jews had a proverb: "Small as a mustard seed." Given by Mr 4:30-32; Matthew 13:31f. in the first great group of parables, but just the sort to be repeated.

Cast into his own garden (εβαλεν εις κηπον εαυτου). Different from "earth" (Mark) or "field" (Matthew.)" Κηπος, old word for garden, only here in the N.T. and Joh 19:1,26; 19:41.

Became a tree (εγενετο εις δενδρον). Common Hebraism, very frequent in LXX, only in Luke in the N.T., but does appear in Koine though rare in papyri; this use of εις after words like ginomai. It is a translation Hebraism in Luke.

Lodged (κατεσκηνωσεν). Mark and Matthew have κατασκηνοιν infinitive of the same verb, to make tent (or nest).