Matthew 13:26
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Original Language Analysis
ἐβλάστησεν
was sprung up
G985
ἐβλάστησεν
was sprung up
Strong's:
G985
Word #:
3 of 13
to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χόρτος
the blade
G5528
χόρτος
the blade
Strong's:
G5528
Word #:
5 of 13
a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησεν
brought forth
G4160
ἐποίησεν
brought forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
9 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐφάνη
appeared
G5316
ἐφάνη
appeared
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
10 of 13
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Bearded darnel's resemblance to wheat during vegetative growth was notorious—ancient agricultural writers (Pliny, Columella) documented this problem. Only when seed heads formed could farmers distinguish crops from weeds. This parable addresses Matthew's church community struggling with false teachers who initially seemed orthodox but eventually revealed heresy through their 'fruit' (behavior and doctrine).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fruit' distinguishes genuine believers from tares—what evidence reveals true spiritual life?
- How does this parable inform church discipline—when should leaders address suspected false profession?
- Where might you be impatient to 'root up tares' before their true nature becomes evident through fruit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also (ὅτε δὲ ἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος καὶ καρπὸν ἐποίησεν, τότε ἐφάνη καὶ τὰ ζιζάνια)—phanerōthē means 'became visible, revealed.' Darnel looks identical to wheat during early growth; only when grain heads emerge does the difference become obvious. Wheat produces edible seed; darnel produces toxic seed. Similarly, false believers appear genuine until pressure, testing, or time reveals true character.
The fruit-bearing stage exposes reality. Profession without fruit evidences false faith (Matthew 7:16-20). This timing—appearing then (τότε), not earlier—explains why church discipline addresses manifest sin rather than suspected hypocrisy. We can't identify tares during 'blade' stage; we must wait for 'fruit' to reveal true nature. Patient discernment, not hasty judgment, characterizes wise leadership.