Matthew 13:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 13:38
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Chapter Context
Matthew 13 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, grace, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 13:38
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Analysis
The field is the world (ὁ δὲ ἀγρός ἐστιν ὁ κόσμος, ho de agros estin ho kosmos)—not merely the church, but the entire created order where believers and unbelievers coexist. The good seed are the children of the kingdom (υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας, huioi tēs basileias)—those who belong to God's reign through new birth. The tares are the children of the wicked one (υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ, huioi tou ponērou)—literally 'sons of the evil one,' identifying spiritual parentage (John 8:44).
The distinction between wheat and tares (likely darnel, Lolium temulentum, which looks identical to wheat until maturity) illustrates the impossibility of perfect human discernment in distinguishing true from false professors. This warns against premature judgmental purging of the church, while also soberly acknowledging that counterfeit 'believers' exist alongside genuine ones.
Historical Context
In first-century Palestinian agriculture, darnel was a common weed problem—its seeds were poisonous, and it was virtually indistinguishable from wheat in early growth stages. Separating them prematurely would uproot both. Roman law even prohibited sowing darnel in an enemy's field, showing this was a known form of agricultural sabotage.
Reflection
- How does understanding the 'field' as the world (not the church) affect your expectations for spiritual purity in Christian communities?
- What are the dangers of premature 'tare removal'—both in church discipline and in personal judgment of others?
- How can you cultivate discernment between wheat and tares without falling into judgmental pride or paranoid suspicion?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Matthew 13:19
- Evil: John 8:44, Acts 13:10
- Parallel theme: Genesis 3:15, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23