Matthew 13:24

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 13:24 introduces one of Jesus' most significant teachings about the nature of God's reign on earth, often referred to as the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (or Weeds). This verse serves as the opening statement, setting the scene for a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven and its complexities.

Context

This verse is part of a series of parables Jesus taught to the multitudes by the Sea of Galilee, as recorded in Matthew chapter 13. Following the well-known Parable of the Sower, Jesus continues to use agricultural imagery to explain spiritual truths. His parables often revealed truths to those with 'ears to hear' while veiling them from others, prompting deeper reflection on the nature of discipleship and God's sovereign plan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Kingdom of Heaven's Nature: Jesus frequently used the phrase "the kingdom of heaven" (or "kingdom of God" in other Gospels) to describe God's active rule and reign, both present and future. Here, it is likened to a specific scenario involving planting and growth, suggesting its organic, developing nature on earth.
  • The Sowing of Good Seed: The act of "sowing good seed" immediately implies the initial establishment of something pure and valuable. As the parable unfolds (explained later in Matthew 13:37-38), the "good seed" is identified as the "children of the kingdom," representing true believers or the pure message of the Gospel.
  • Preparation for Conflict: While this verse itself is simple, it lays the groundwork for the central conflict of the parable: the subsequent sowing of bad seed (tares) among the good. It introduces the idea that the kingdom's expansion will not be without opposition or impurity, a crucial theme for understanding spiritual warfare and the coexistence of good and evil in the world.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kingdom of heaven" (Greek: basileia tōn ouranōn) is characteristic of Matthew's Gospel, appearing over 30 times. It emphasizes God's sovereign rule originating from heaven, but impacting earthly realities. The term "good seed" (Greek: kalon sperma) denotes something of excellent quality, pure, and fit for its intended purpose, setting a clear contrast with the "tares" or weeds introduced in the subsequent verse.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:24 reminds us that the establishment of God's kingdom on earth begins with something inherently good and pure—the truth of the Gospel and those who receive it. It encourages believers to recognize the divine initiative in spreading the faith and to appreciate the foundational purity of Christ's message. Furthermore, it prepares us for the reality that the world, even within spiritual contexts, will not be entirely free from challenges or corrupting influences, a theme further explored in the parable's continuation.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:1 (13 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

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

  • Matthew 22:2 (11 votes)

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

  • Matthew 13:37 (10 votes)

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

  • Matthew 13:33 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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