Matthew 13:30

KJV

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G863} both {G297} grow together {G4885} until {G3360} the harvest {G2326}: and {G2532} in {G1722} the time {G2540} of harvest {G2326} I will say {G2046} to the reapers {G2327}, Gather ye together {G4816} first {G4412} the tares {G2215}, and {G2532} bind {G1210} them {G846} in {G1519} bundles {G1197} to {G4314} burn {G2618} them {G846}: but {G1161} gather {G4863} the wheat {G4621} into {G1519} my {G3450} barn {G596}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them both grow together until the harvest; and at harvesttime I will tell the reapers to collect the weeds first and tie them in bundles to be burned, but to gather the wheat into my barn.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”

American Standard Version

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:30 concludes the Parable of the Tares, a pivotal teaching by Jesus that illustrates the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven in the present age. It reveals the divine strategy of allowing both genuine believers ("wheat") and false professors ("tares") to coexist in the world until a divinely appointed time of final judgment. This verse emphasizes God's sovereign timing and method for the ultimate separation, where the wicked will face destruction and the righteous will be gathered into eternal security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13:30 is the concluding verse of the Parable of the Tares, which begins in [Matthew 13:24](/matthew/13-24 "Matthew 13:24 - The Parable of the Tares"). This parable immediately follows the Parable of the Sower and its explanation, setting a pattern for Jesus' teaching method in this chapter: a parable followed by a private explanation to His disciples. The landowner's instruction to "Let both grow together until the harvest" directly addresses the servants' desire for immediate separation, establishing a key principle of divine patience. The full meaning and symbolism of this verse are later unveiled by Jesus Himself in [Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Tares"), where He identifies the Sower, the field, the good seed, the tares, the enemy, the harvest, and the reapers, providing the authoritative interpretation for this eschatological teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices of ancient Israel. Farmers were familiar with the problem of weeds, particularly darnel (*zizánion*), which in its early stages closely resembles wheat. This weed was not only difficult to distinguish but also poisonous, making its removal from a wheat field a delicate operation that could easily damage the valuable crop. The concept of a "harvest" was a common metaphor for a time of reckoning or judgment, both in the Old Testament prophetic tradition (e.g., [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment")) and in contemporary Jewish thought. The imagery of gathering grain into a barn represented security and blessing, while burning chaff or weeds symbolized destruction. This agrarian backdrop made the parable immediately relatable and impactful for Jesus' audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel of Matthew") and biblical theology. Foremost is the **nature of the Kingdom of Heaven**, which Jesus reveals to be a present reality characterized by a mixture of genuine and false adherents, rather than a perfectly pure community in this age. It underscores the theme of **divine patience**, demonstrating God's forbearance in allowing evil to coexist with good, providing opportunity for repentance and preventing the premature uprooting of genuine believers. Crucially, [Matthew 13:30](/matthew/13-30 "Matthew 13:30 - The Harvest of the Tares") also powerfully emphasizes **ultimate divine judgment** and **God's sovereignty in separation**. It teaches that the final discernment and reckoning belong solely to God, executed by His appointed agents (angels) at the "end of the age," ensuring perfect justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness, as further elaborated in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tares (Greek, _zizánion'_):** (G2215) This term refers to darnel, a weed that, particularly in its early growth stages, bears a striking resemblance to wheat. Its presence highlights the difficulty of distinguishing between true and false followers in the visible church or world until their true nature is revealed at maturity. The fact that it's a "false grain" underscores the deceptive nature of those who merely profess faith without possessing it.
* **Harvest (Greek, _therismós'_):** (G2326) Derived from the verb "to reap," this word signifies the culmination of the agricultural cycle—the time when crops are gathered. In the parable, it serves as a powerful **symbolism** for the "end of the age" (as explained in [Matthew 13:39](/matthew/13-39 "Matthew 13:39 - The Harvest is the End of the Age")), representing the divinely appointed time of final judgment and separation. It implies a definitive conclusion to the current state of coexistence.
* **Barn (Greek, _apothḗkē'_):** (G596) This term denotes a repository or granary, a place where harvested grain is stored for safekeeping. In the context of the parable, the "barn" is a **symbol** of eternal security, blessing, and fellowship with God. It represents the ultimate destiny of the righteous—to be gathered into God's presence, protected from the judgment that befalls the wicked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let both grow together until the harvest:"** This opening clause encapsulates the divine patience and forbearance. The landowner (God) explicitly commands against premature intervention, allowing both the "wheat" (true believers) and the "tares" (false professors/children of the wicked one) to mature side by side. This policy prevents accidental harm to the genuine crop and allows for the full manifestation of each's nature, setting the stage for a just and accurate separation at the appointed time.
* **"and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers,"** This phrase emphasizes the sovereign timing and authority of the landowner (God). The "harvest" is not an arbitrary event but a specific, predetermined "time" (*kairós*, G2540)—God's perfect moment for judgment. The command is given directly by the landowner, highlighting that the initiative and authority for this ultimate separation rest solely with Him, not with humans. The "reapers" are identified by Jesus in [Matthew 13:39](/matthew/13-39 "Matthew 13:39 - The Reapers are Angels") as angels, who serve as divine agents of judgment.
* **"Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them:"** This command details the fate of the wicked. The "tares" are to be gathered "first," indicating their immediate removal and condemnation. The act of "binding them in bundles" (G1210 _déō_ and G1197 _désmē_) suggests a methodical collection and preparation for destruction, emphasizing their collective fate. The ultimate purpose is "to burn them" (G2618 _katakaíō_), a powerful **symbol** of complete and irreversible destruction, representing eternal punishment and separation from God's presence.
* **"but gather the wheat into my barn."** This contrasting clause (introduced by "but," G1161 _dé_) reveals the glorious destiny of the righteous. The "wheat" (true believers) are to be "gathered" (G4863 _synágō_) and brought "into my barn" (G1519 _eis_ and G596 _apothḗkē_). This signifies their secure preservation, eternal salvation, and intimate fellowship with God. The phrase "my barn" underscores God's ownership and protection of His people, providing a stark contrast to the fiery fate of the tares and offering profound hope to those who are truly His.

#### Literary Devices
The entire passage is a **Parable**, an extended metaphorical narrative designed to convey spiritual truth. Within this parable, **Symbolism** is pervasive: the "field" symbolizes the world, the "sower" is the Son of Man, the "good seed" are the children of the kingdom, the "tares" are the children of the wicked one, the "enemy" is the devil, the "harvest" is the end of the age, the "reapers" are angels, and the "barn" represents eternal security in God's presence. There is a strong **Contrast** established between the fate of the "tares" (bound and burned) and the "wheat" (gathered into the barn), highlighting the binary outcome of divine judgment. The instruction "Let both grow together" implies a **Divine Passive** or divine permission, indicating God's sovereign allowance of the current mixed state of affairs. The vivid imagery of agriculture and fire creates powerful **Sensory Language**, making the abstract concepts of judgment and salvation tangible and memorable for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:30 is a foundational text for understanding God's eschatological plan and the nature of His kingdom. It teaches that God, in His infinite wisdom and patience, allows for the coexistence of good and evil, genuine faith and false profession, within the world and even the visible church until the appointed time of judgment. This divine forbearance is not indifference but a purposeful delay that prevents premature and imperfect human judgment, while also providing ample opportunity for repentance. However, this patience has a clear terminus: the "harvest," signifying the definitive, sovereign act of God to separate the righteous from the wicked. This separation will be absolute and irreversible, with the wicked facing complete destruction and the righteous enjoying eternal security in God's presence. The verse underscores God's perfect justice and His ultimate control over history and destiny.

* [Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Tares")
* [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")
* [Revelation 14:14-20](/rev/14-14-20 "Revelation 14:14-20 - The Harvest of the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:30 offers profound practical guidance for believers navigating a complex world. First, it calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect justice and sovereign timing. We are prone to impatience, desiring immediate resolution to evil and injustice, or to "cleanse" the church of perceived impurities. However, this parable reminds us that such judgment is God's prerogative alone. Our role is not to "root out" but to patiently endure, to focus on our own spiritual growth, and to bear fruit that demonstrates genuine faith. Second, it encourages perseverance in a world where good and evil coexist. The presence of "tares" can be disheartening, causing confusion or even leading to cynicism. Yet, the parable assures us that this mixed reality is temporary. It provides hope that a definitive separation is coming, and that those who are truly "wheat" will be eternally secure in God's presence. Therefore, we are to live faithfully, patiently, and with an unwavering hope in the promised future, knowing that God will perfectly execute His righteous judgment at the appointed time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's patience in allowing "both to grow together" impact your perspective on current injustices or the presence of false believers?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "root out the tares" prematurely, and how can we resist this temptation, trusting God's timing?**
* **What does being "wheat" in God's barn mean for your daily life and spiritual growth?**
* **How does the certainty of a future harvest and judgment encourage you to live a life pleasing to God?**

### FAQ

**Why does God allow both "wheat" and "tares" to grow together?**

Answer: God allows both "wheat" (true believers) and "tares" (false professors or those belonging to the evil one) to grow together for several profound reasons, as illuminated by Jesus' explanation in [Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Tares"). Firstly, it demonstrates His divine patience and long-suffering, providing ample opportunity for repentance for those who are currently "tares." Secondly, and critically, it prevents the accidental uprooting or harming of genuine believers. As the parable explains, darnel (tares) closely resembles wheat in its early stages, making human discernment unreliable and potentially damaging to the true crop. Only God, who sees the heart, can perfectly distinguish between the two. This period of coexistence also serves to test and refine the faith of the "wheat" and allows for the full manifestation of the true nature of both groups before the final judgment.

**What does the "harvest" symbolize in this parable?**

Answer: In the Parable of the Tares, the "harvest" (Greek: _therismós_) is a powerful and consistent **symbol** for the "end of the age" or the consummation of history, as explicitly stated by Jesus in [Matthew 13:39](/matthew/13-39 "Matthew 13:39 - The Harvest is the End of the Age"). It represents the divinely appointed time when God will bring the current era to a close and execute His final, perfect judgment. Just as a physical harvest marks the culmination of the growing season and the separation of the valuable crop from weeds, the spiritual "harvest" signifies the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked. This event will be carried out by God's "reapers," whom Jesus identifies as angels, who will gather the wicked for destruction and the righteous for eternal life in God's presence, as also depicted in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations").

**Who are the "reapers" and what is their role?**

Answer: Jesus Himself clarifies the identity and role of the "reapers" in His explanation of the parable. In [Matthew 13:39](/matthew/13-39 "Matthew 13:39 - The Reapers are Angels"), He states, "The reapers are the angels." Their role is to serve as God's divine agents in executing the final judgment at the "end of the age." They are tasked with gathering "first the tares" to be bound and burned, symbolizing the condemnation and destruction of the wicked. Subsequently, they are to gather "the wheat into my barn," representing the collection of true believers into eternal security and fellowship with God. This highlights that the ultimate separation is not a human task but a sovereign act of God, carried out by His celestial messengers with perfect discernment and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:30 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the Sower of the good seed and the sovereign Lord of the Harvest. While the parable speaks of the landowner, Jesus identifies Himself as the "Son of Man" who sows the good seed ([Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - Jesus is the Sower")), indicating His active role in establishing the Kingdom of Heaven and populating it with His followers. The command to "Let both grow together until the harvest" reflects Christ's divine patience in His first coming, where He came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")). However, the promise of the harvest points directly to His second coming, when He will return as the righteous Judge. It is Christ who will "say to the reapers" (His angels) to execute the final separation, gathering His "wheat" into His eternal "barn" ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You")) and consigning the "tares" to eternal fire ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart into the Eternal Fire")). Thus, this verse powerfully illustrates Christ's dual role as Savior and Judge, underscoring His ultimate authority over human destiny and the certainty of His promised return to bring His redemptive plan to its glorious, just conclusion.

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 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

1 Timothy 5:24

Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some [men] they follow after.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

John 15:6

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Matthew 13:39

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.