Matthew 13:24

KJV

¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

KJV (with Strong's)

Another {G243} parable {G3850} put he forth {G3908} unto them {G846}, saying {G3004}, The kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is likened {G3666} unto a man {G444} which sowed {G4687}{G4687} good {G2570} seed {G4690} in {G1722} his {G846} field {G68}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua put before them another parable. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

American Standard Version

Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:24 introduces the profound Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, a pivotal teaching from Jesus that illuminates the nature and complexities of the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse sets the foundational imagery, likening God's reign to a man who meticulously sows good seed in his field, thereby establishing the initial purity and divine origin of the kingdom's expansion on earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [Matthew chapter 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables Chapter"), often referred to as the "Parables Chapter," where Jesus delivers a series of parables from a boat to large crowds gathered by the Sea of Galilee. Following the significant [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"), this parable continues to use agricultural metaphors to convey spiritual truths, building upon the theme of sowing and growth. Jesus' use of parables in this chapter serves to both reveal profound truths to those with "ears to hear" (disciples) and to veil them from those who are spiritually unresponsive, as explained in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Taught in Parables"). The immediate context sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the Kingdom's present reality, including the coexistence of good and evil, which will be fully unpacked in the subsequent verses of the parable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was an agrarian society where farming practices were central to daily life. The imagery of sowing seed in a field would have been immediately relatable to Jesus' audience. Farmers understood the meticulous effort required to prepare soil and sow good seed, as well as the constant threat of weeds. Specifically, "tares" (Greek: _zizania_), often identified as darnel, were a common weed that, in its early stages, closely resembled wheat, making it difficult to distinguish until maturity. This cultural reality provided a vivid and practical backdrop for Jesus' teaching on the subtle infiltration of evil within the developing Kingdom and the challenges faced by those who cultivate God's truth. The concept of a "field" (_agros_) would have evoked a sense of a designated, cultivated area, often representing the world or a specific community.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:24 introduces several crucial themes that are developed throughout the chapter and the Gospel. The primary theme is the **Nature of the Kingdom of Heaven**, which Jesus consistently describes as God's active, sovereign rule, both present in the world and future in its full consummation. Here, it is presented as something organic and dynamic, initiated by a divine act of sowing. Another key theme is the **Divine Initiative and Purity of the Kingdom's Origin**: the "man who sowed good seed" signifies God's deliberate and pure establishment of His reign through the Gospel and His people. This verse also subtly foreshadows the theme of **Coexistence of Good and Evil**, laying the groundwork for the later revelation of the "tares" and the subsequent conflict within the Kingdom, a reality that challenges believers to discern and endure until the final harvest, as explained by Jesus in [Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **parable (Greek, _parabolē'_):** (G3850) This term denotes a similitude or a symbolic fictitious narrative drawn from common life, conveying a moral or spiritual truth. Jesus frequently employed parables to illustrate complex spiritual realities in an accessible yet profound manner, inviting deeper contemplation from those who truly sought understanding.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** (G932) Meaning royalty, rule, or a realm, "kingdom" here refers to God's sovereign reign and the sphere of His divine authority. In Matthew, "kingdom of heaven" emphasizes its divine origin and nature, contrasting with earthly kingdoms, yet it is depicted as having an earthly manifestation and development.
* **sowed (Greek, _speírō'_):** (G4687) This verb means to scatter or sow, literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the deliberate act of planting. The "good seed" (G2570 _kalós_ meaning excellent, and G4690 _spérma_ meaning something sown, offspring) signifies something pure, valuable, and intended for fruitful growth, representing the children of the kingdom or the message of the Gospel itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,"**: This opening phrase signals a continuation of Jesus' teaching method, indicating that this parable is part of a series. It highlights Jesus' intentionality in communicating spiritual truths to the gathered crowds, using a narrative form that would resonate with their everyday experiences.
* **"The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man"**: This clause introduces the central subject: the "kingdom of heaven," a key Matthean phrase for God's active reign. The phrase "is likened unto" (Greek: _homoióō_) establishes a simile, inviting the audience to understand the abstract concept of God's kingdom through a tangible, relatable scenario involving a human agent. This "man" is later identified by Jesus as Himself, the Son of Man.
* **"which sowed good seed in his field:"**: This final clause establishes the foundational image of the parable. The act of "sowing good seed" signifies the pure and intentional establishment of the Kingdom. The "good seed" represents the genuine followers of Christ or the pure message of the Gospel, while "his field" symbolizes the world, or the sphere where the Kingdom is being established and developed. This initial act underscores the divine origin and inherent goodness of what God is planting.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 13:24 is **Parable** itself, an extended narrative simile designed to convey a spiritual truth. Specifically, the phrase "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto..." explicitly uses **Simile**, drawing a direct comparison between the abstract concept of the Kingdom and the concrete action of a man sowing seed. This verse also heavily relies on **Symbolism**: "the kingdom of heaven" symbolizes God's divine rule; "a man" represents Jesus Christ as the Sower; "good seed" symbolizes the children of the kingdom (true believers) or the Word of God; and "his field" symbolizes the world as the domain where the Kingdom unfolds. This rich symbolic language allows for multiple layers of interpretation and application, making the spiritual truth accessible through relatable imagery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:24 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's active reign in the world. It emphasizes that the Kingdom of Heaven, though spiritual in nature, is not merely a future hope but a present reality initiated by divine action. The "sowing of good seed" underscores the purity and divine origin of the Gospel message and those who embrace it, highlighting God's deliberate and purposeful establishment of His people within the world. This initial act of sowing sets the stage for understanding the ongoing work of God amidst the complexities and challenges of human existence, preparing the audience for the subsequent revelation of opposition and impurity that will inevitably arise within the "field" of the world.

* [Mark 4:26](/mark/4-26 "Mark 4:26 - The Parable of the Growing Seed")
* [Luke 8:11](/luke/8-11 "Luke 8:11 - The Seed is the Word of God")
* [Matthew 13:37-38](/matthew/13-37-38 "Matthew 13:37-38 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:24 invites us to reflect on the divine initiative in establishing the Kingdom of Heaven. It reminds us that the foundation of God's work in the world, and indeed in our own lives, is inherently good and pure, sown by the hand of the Master. This truth should instill confidence and gratitude, knowing that the Gospel we receive and share originates from a perfect Sower and is, by nature, "good seed." As believers, we are called to be part of this "good seed," embodying the values and truths of the Kingdom. This verse also subtly prepares us for the reality that the world, the "field," is not a sterile environment but one where both good and evil will coexist until the harvest. This understanding encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to remain steadfast in our identity as "good seed," and to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over the growth and purification of His Kingdom, even amidst challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as the "sower of good seed" influence your perception of the Kingdom of Heaven's presence in the world today?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as "good seed" planted by God, and how does this identity shape your daily life and interactions?**
* **What is your role in cultivating the "good seed" within yourself and contributing to the healthy growth of the Kingdom in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What is the "kingdom of heaven" that Jesus refers to?**

Answer: The "kingdom of heaven" (or "kingdom of God" in other Gospels) refers to God's active, sovereign rule and reign. It is both a present reality, breaking into the world through Jesus Christ and His followers, and a future consummation when God's reign will be fully established. It encompasses God's spiritual authority over all creation and the sphere where His will is perfectly done. Jesus often used parables like this one to explain the multifaceted nature of this kingdom, showing how it grows organically and mysteriously in the world, often alongside opposition.

**Why does Jesus use agricultural imagery like "sowing good seed in his field"?**

Answer: Jesus frequently used parables drawn from everyday life, especially agricultural practices common in first-century Galilee, to make profound spiritual truths accessible to His audience. The imagery of "sowing good seed" was deeply relatable to farmers and villagers. It effectively conveys concepts of origin, growth, cultivation, and harvest. In this specific parable, it vividly illustrates how the Kingdom of Heaven is initiated by a divine act of planting, how it develops over time, and how it interacts with the world (the "field") where it is sown. This imagery also prepares the audience for the subsequent introduction of "tares" (weeds), which would have been a familiar challenge to any farmer.

**Who is the "man" who sowed the good seed in this parable?**

Answer: Jesus Himself explains the meaning of this parable later in [Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - Jesus Explains the Parable"). He explicitly states, "He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man." Therefore, the "man" in this parable is Jesus Christ, who, as the Son of Man, is the divine Sower of the Kingdom of Heaven, planting His message and His true followers (the "good seed") into the world (the "field").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:24, though seemingly a simple introduction, is profoundly Christ-centered. Jesus, as the "man which sowed good seed," is revealed as the ultimate Sower of the Kingdom of Heaven. This foreshadows His entire redemptive mission: He came into the world not merely to teach, but to initiate and establish God's reign. The "good seed" can be understood as the very Word of God, which is Christ Himself, sown into the hearts of humanity, as well as those who receive Him and become "children of the kingdom" ([Matthew 13:38](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - The Good Seed are the Children of the Kingdom")). Jesus' incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are the supreme acts of sowing, planting the seeds of salvation and eternal life into the "field" of the world. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of "sowing" His own life to bring forth a harvest of righteousness. Through His Spirit, Jesus continues to sow the good seed, drawing people into His kingdom and transforming lives, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a kingdom that grows from humble beginnings to encompass the whole earth, as seen in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom") and [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 25:1

¶ Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Matthew 20:1

¶ For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

Matthew 13:47

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

Matthew 22:2

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Matthew 13:37

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

Matthew 13:33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Mark 4:26

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;