Matthew 13:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} Jesus {G2424} sent {G863} the multitude {G3793} away {G863}, and went {G2064} into {G1519} the house {G3614}: and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} came {G4334} unto him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Declare {G5419} unto us {G2254} the parable {G3850} of the tares {G2215} of the field {G68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. His talmidim approached him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

American Standard Version

Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:36 marks a pivotal transition in Jesus' teaching ministry, as He concludes His public discourse on parables to the vast crowd and withdraws to the privacy of a house. Here, His committed disciples approach Him with an earnest request: to "declare unto us" the meaning of the [Parable of the Tares of the Field](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat"), signaling their hunger for deeper spiritual understanding beyond the surface narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of parables delivered by Jesus to a large public audience in Matthew 13, often dubbed the "Parable Chapter." Prior to this, Jesus had presented the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-1-9 "Matthew 13:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower"), explaining its meaning to His disciples (Matthew 13:18-23). He then offered the [Parable of the Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat"), followed by the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/matthew/13-31-32 "Matthew 13:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed") and the [Parable of the Leaven](/matthew/13-33 "Matthew 13:33 - The Parable of the Leaven"). The shift in Matthew 13:36 is crucial: Jesus dismisses the general multitude, indicating a change in audience and a move from public, often veiled, teaching to private, explicit instruction. This sets the stage for Jesus' detailed interpretation of the Parable of the Tares, which immediately follows in [Matthew 13:37-43](/matthew/13-37-43 "Matthew 13:37-43 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, it was common for rabbis and teachers to engage in both public discourse and private, more intimate instruction with their dedicated students. The "house" (οἰκία, *oikía*) served as a common setting for such private teaching, offering a more controlled and personal environment than the open fields or synagogues where Jesus often taught the masses. The dismissal of the "multitude" (ὄχλος, *óchlos*), a diverse and often transient crowd, highlights the distinction between casual listeners and committed disciples. The disciples, by actively seeking clarification, were fulfilling the role of dedicated pupils who desired to grasp the deeper spiritual truths that were not readily apparent to everyone. This practice aligns with the rabbinic tradition of students questioning their teachers for further elucidation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores **The Disciples' Earnest Desire for Understanding**. Unlike the general crowd, who often heard parables without fully grasping their meaning, the disciples actively sought deeper revelation, demonstrating a spiritual hunger that Jesus commended (cf. [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness")). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Role as the Divine Interpreter and Revealer of Kingdom Mysteries**. While parables served to both reveal and conceal truth (as explained in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")), Jesus willingly unveiled their meaning to those prepared to receive it, demonstrating His authority as the ultimate teacher. Finally, the verse illustrates **The Distinction Between Public and Private Teaching**. Jesus employed different pedagogical approaches for different audiences, providing foundational truths to the masses while reserving deeper, more explicit explanations of the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" for His inner circle, equipping them for their future roles as apostles and teachers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent away (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb signifies more than a simple dismissal; it carries the sense of "to let go," "to release," or "to permit to depart." In this context, Jesus is actively releasing the multitude from His presence, concluding the public phase of His teaching for that moment. It implies a deliberate action to separate the general audience from His immediate circle for a specific purpose.
* **house (Greek, _oikía'_):** While literally meaning a residence or dwelling, "the house" here functions as a symbolic space. It represents a private, intimate setting, distinct from the public sphere where Jesus typically taught the crowds. This transition into the house signifies a shift from broad, accessible teaching to focused, exclusive instruction for His disciples, creating an environment conducive to deeper theological discussion and revelation.
* **declare (Greek, _phrázō'_):** The disciples' request uses this verb, meaning "to explain," "to make plain," "to interpret," or "to expound." It conveys their need for a clear, unveiled understanding of the parable's symbolism, which was not immediately obvious to everyone. They are not merely asking for a repetition, but for an authoritative unpacking of the hidden truths within the narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus sent the multitude away":** This clause marks a decisive transition. Jesus, having completed His public teaching session, actively dismisses the large crowd that had gathered to hear Him. This action highlights His control over the situation and His intentional shift in focus from the general public to His inner circle.
* **"and went into the house":** This phrase signifies a change in setting and atmosphere. Moving from the open, public space to the privacy of a house indicates a deliberate withdrawal for a more intimate and focused interaction. The "house" becomes a classroom for deeper, more exclusive teaching.
* **"and his disciples came unto him, saying":** This part emphasizes the initiative of the disciples. They are not merely passive recipients but actively approach Jesus, demonstrating their earnest desire for further instruction. Their coming "unto him" underscores their unique access and close relationship with their Master.
* **"Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field":** This is the core request. The disciples specify which parable they want explained, indicating they had heard it but needed its deeper meaning unveiled. Their use of "declare" (φράζω, *phrázō*) reveals their hunger for an authoritative interpretation of the symbolic narrative, distinguishing them from the crowd who might have been content with the story alone.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:36 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting the "multitude" apart from "his disciples," and the public teaching environment apart from the private "house." This highlights the differing levels of access to Jesus' teaching and the varying degrees of spiritual receptivity among His listeners. The shift in setting from public to private also functions as **Setting as Symbolism**, where the "house" symbolizes a place of intimate revelation and privileged instruction, a sacred space for deeper understanding of the kingdom's mysteries. Furthermore, the disciples' explicit request to "Declare unto us the parable" serves as **Foreshadowing**, immediately preceding Jesus' detailed and authoritative explanation of the Parable of the Tares in the subsequent verses, building anticipation for the unveiling of truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:36 profoundly illustrates the nature of discipleship and the progressive revelation of divine truth. It underscores that while God's truth is broadly proclaimed, a deeper understanding often requires intentional seeking, intimate fellowship, and direct instruction from the Divine Teacher. The disciples' proactive request for explanation demonstrates a spiritual hunger that distinguishes true learners from mere listeners. This hunger is met by Jesus, who, as the ultimate revealer, graciously unveils the mysteries of the kingdom to those prepared to receive them. This pattern reflects God's desire to draw His people into a deeper, more intimate knowledge of Himself and His purposes, moving beyond surface-level acquaintance to profound spiritual comprehension.
* [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"): Jesus explains to His disciples why He speaks in parables to the crowds but grants His followers the understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom.
* [Luke 24:44-45](/luke/24-44-45 "Luke 24:44-45 - Jesus Opens Their Minds to Understand Scripture"): After His resurrection, Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures, demonstrating His ongoing role as interpreter.
* [1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1_corinthians/2-7-10 "1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit"): Paul speaks of God's hidden wisdom, which is revealed through the Spirit to those who love Him, echoing the principle of spiritual discernment granted to the receptive.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:36 serves as a powerful call for believers today to cultivate a deep and active hunger for God's Word. Just as the disciples were not content with merely hearing the parables but earnestly sought their deeper meaning, we are challenged to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture. This verse encourages us to actively pursue understanding through diligent study, fervent prayer for wisdom, and humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the truth. It reminds us that spiritual growth often occurs in "the house"—in private moments of devotion, in intimate fellowship with other believers, and in seeking out faithful teachers who can help unpack the profound truths of God's kingdom. Our spiritual journey should be characterized by a continuous desire to grasp the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven," allowing God's Word to transform our minds and lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I actively seeking deeper understanding of God's Word, or am I content with superficial knowledge?**
* **How does my approach to Scripture reflect the disciples' earnest desire to learn from Jesus?**
* **In what "house" (private space, community, mentorship) do I seek deeper spiritual instruction and interpretation, moving beyond public sermons alone?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus teach in parables publicly but explain them privately to His disciples?**

Answer: Jesus employed parables for a dual purpose, as He Himself explained in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"). For the general multitude, parables served to both reveal and conceal truth. They presented spiritual realities in an accessible, memorable form, yet their deeper meaning remained veiled to those whose hearts were unresponsive or unwilling to truly hear. For His disciples, however, parables were a means of progressive revelation. They were given the privilege to "know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - To You It Has Been Given to Know the Mysteries")). By explaining the parables privately, Jesus was equipping His chosen followers with a profound understanding of God's kingdom, preparing them to be the future heralds and interpreters of His message to the world.

**What is the significance of Jesus going "into the house" in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus' action of going "into the house" ([Matthew 13:36](/matthew/13-36 "Matthew 13:36 - Jesus Enters the House")) is highly significant. It marks a deliberate shift from the public sphere of teaching to a private, intimate setting. The "house" symbolizes a place of exclusive instruction, a sacred classroom where Jesus could provide focused, unhindered teaching to His closest followers. In contrast to the open fields or crowded synagogues, the house offered an environment conducive to deeper theological discourse, personal questions, and the unveiling of spiritual truths that were not intended for the general public at that stage. This private setting underscores the special relationship between Jesus and His disciples, and the unique privilege they had in receiving direct, unvarnished revelation from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:36, with its depiction of the disciples seeking deeper understanding from Jesus in a private setting, beautifully foreshadows Christ's enduring role as the ultimate revealer and interpreter of divine truth. As the Incarnate Word, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's revelation ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). His willingness to "declare" the meaning of the parable to His disciples highlights that all true understanding of God's kingdom flows from Him. This act of private instruction anticipates the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send to His followers to "guide you into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides Into All Truth")). Just as Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" after His resurrection ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus Opens Their Minds to Understand Scripture")), He continues to be the one through whom God speaks most clearly and definitively ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The disciples' hunger for explanation in Matthew 13:36 thus becomes a model for all believers: our deepest spiritual insights and our clearest understanding of God's purposes are found in continually drawing near to Christ, the one who alone holds the keys to the mysteries of the kingdom.

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

John 16:17

Then said [some] of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

John 16:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

Matthew 15:15

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Matthew 15:16

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Matthew 9:28

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Mark 6:45

¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Matthew 13:1

¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.