Matthew 13:36
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 25
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 25
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἦλθεν
and went
G2064
ἦλθεν
and went
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
the house
G3614
οἰκίαν
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
8 of 25
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσῆλθον
came
G4334
προσῆλθον
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
12 of 25
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 25
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 25
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Φράσον
Declare
G5419
Φράσον
Declare
Strong's:
G5419
Word #:
18 of 25
to indicate (by word or act), i.e., (specially), to expound
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολὴν
the parable
G3850
παραβολὴν
the parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
21 of 25
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This occurred during the same day as the parable discourse (Matthew 13), likely at Peter's house in Capernaum where Jesus frequently stayed. The 'house' represented a safe, intimate setting for deeper theological instruction away from hostile scribes and Pharisees in the crowd.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you actively seek Christ's explanation of scriptural truths, or assume surface-level understanding is sufficient?
- What does this passage teach about the proper relationship between public preaching and private discipleship?
- How does the disciples' willingness to ask for clarification challenge our pride in 'already knowing' biblical truths?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house—a deliberate transition from public to private teaching. The disciples' request, Declare unto us the parable of the tares (φράσον ἡμῖν τὴν παραβολήν, phrason hēmin tēn parabolēn—'explain to us'), shows they recognized deeper meaning beyond the surface story, unlike the crowds who heard but did not understand (v. 13-15).
This pattern—public parables, private explanations—distinguishes the disciples who were given 'to know the mysteries of the kingdom' (v. 11). The request demonstrates humility: even the Twelve needed interpretation. Christ's willingness to explain (v. 37-43) affirms the necessity of divine illumination for spiritual comprehension and the special privilege of those who seek understanding.