Matthew 13:25

Authorized King James Version

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

while

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθεύδειν

G2518

slept

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπους

G444

men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἦλθεν

G2064

came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἐχθρὸς

G2190

enemy

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

ἔσπειρεν

G4687

sowed

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

#13

ζιζάνια

G2215

tares

darnel or false grain

#14

ἀνὰ

G303

among

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

#15

μέσον

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

#16

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

σίτου

G4621

the wheat

grain, especially wheat

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἀπῆλθεν

G565

went his way

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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Matthew 13:25

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources