Matthew 13:27
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Original Language Analysis
προσελθόντες
came
G4334
προσελθόντες
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
1 of 22
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλοι
the servants
G1401
δοῦλοι
the servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 22
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
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
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 22
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καλὸν
good
G2570
καλὸν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
σπέρμα
seed
G4690
σπέρμα
seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
12 of 22
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγρῷ
field
G68
ἀγρῷ
field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
17 of 22
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
πόθεν
from whence
G4159
πόθεν
from whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
18 of 22
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ἔχει
hath it
G2192
ἔχει
hath it
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
20 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.2 Corinthians 6:4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
Historical Context
Household servants (δοῦλοι) were responsible for managing the master's property, making crop contamination their concern. The question format reflects ancient Near Eastern legal proceedings where servants reported problems requiring master's judgment. In Jesus's ministry context, this addresses Jewish perplexity: if Messiah has come, why do false teachers and unbelievers remain among God's people?
Questions for Reflection
- How does this parable address the problem of evil—why does God allow false teaching and counterfeit believers in His church?
- What does the servants' question reveal about expectations that God's field should contain only wheat?
- Where do you see the 'good seed' question arising today—blame toward God for evil's presence rather than recognizing the enemy's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? (Κύριε, οὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας)—the servants' question reveals perplexity: if the master sowed pure seed, why tares? They understand the sowing was good; the problem arose afterward. From whence then hath it tares? (πόθεν οὖν ἔχει ζιζάνια;)—pothen asks 'from what source?' They seek explanation for evil's presence.
This represents the problem of evil in God's good creation. God plants His word purely; false teaching doesn't originate with Him. The servants' question is humanity's question: if God is sovereign and good, why does evil exist alongside good? The parable's answer: an enemy, working while men sleep, introduces corruption. Satan counterfeits God's work; false religion mimics true religion; tares imitate wheat. The question anticipates verse 28's explanation.