Matthew 13:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He answered {G611} and {G1161} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, He that soweth {G4687} the good {G2570} seed {G4690} is {G2076} the Son {G5207} of man {G444};

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man;

Berean Standard Bible

He replied, “The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

American Standard Version

And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:37 serves as the opening statement in Jesus' private explanation of the Parable of the Tares to His disciples, unequivocally identifying Himself as "the Son of man" who actively sows the "good seed." This declaration immediately clarifies the central figure of the parable, establishing His divine authority and sovereign role in initiating and cultivating the Kingdom of Heaven amidst a world infiltrated by evil. It sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the spiritual realities represented by the agricultural imagery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the disciples' private request for an explanation of the Parable of the Tares, as recorded in [Matthew 13:36](/matthew/13-36 "Matthew 13:36 - Disciples Request Explanation"). Jesus had just concluded a series of parables delivered to large crowds by the Sea of Galilee, including the Parable of the Sower ([Matthew 13:1-9](/matthew/13-1-9 "Matthew 13:1-9 - Parable of the Sower")) and the Parable of the Tares ([Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - Parable of the Tares")). By withdrawing into a house and offering a private interpretation, Jesus signals a shift from public teaching to intimate discipleship, revealing deeper truths to those committed to understanding the mysteries of the [Kingdom of Heaven](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - Mysteries of the Kingdom"). Verse 13:37 is the very first, foundational piece of this crucial explanation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Jesus teaching in parables was common in ancient Jewish rabbinic tradition, where complex spiritual truths were often conveyed through relatable stories from everyday life. Agriculture, particularly sowing and harvesting, was a central pillar of the agrarian society in Galilee, making these parables easily accessible to His audience. The practice of "answering" a question by beginning a new discourse, as seen in "He answered and said unto them," is a common Semitic idiom. The concept of a "sower" was well-understood, representing one who initiates growth and life, while the "seed" symbolized the potential for new life. The private setting in a house underscores the intimate nature of discipleship, where deeper theological insights were reserved for those who actively sought them, contrasting with the more general public teaching.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:37 directly addresses several key themes prevalent throughout the Gospel of Matthew and particularly in this chapter. Firstly, it highlights the **identity and authority of Jesus** as "the Son of man," a messianic title with profound Old Testament roots, signifying His divine origin and ultimate dominion. Secondly, it emphasizes the **sovereignty of God's Kingdom**, revealing that its establishment and growth are not accidental or purely human endeavors, but are initiated and sustained by Christ Himself. The "good seed" implicitly points to the **nature of true discipleship** and the "children of the kingdom" ([Matthew 13:38](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - Explanation of the Good Seed")). Finally, by identifying the Sower, Jesus lays the groundwork for understanding the **spiritual conflict** within the world, where good and evil coexist until the final harvest ([Matthew 13:39-43](/matthew/13-39-43 "Matthew 13:39-43 - Explanation of the Harvest and Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **soweth (Greek, _speírō_):** From G4687, meaning "to scatter, i.e. sow (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the act of planting or disseminating the "good seed." Figuratively, it speaks to the act of spreading the message of the Kingdom and bringing people into God's family. Jesus, as the Sower, is the active agent in initiating and expanding His spiritual harvest.
* **good (Greek, _kalós_):** From G2570, properly meaning "beautiful," but chiefly (figuratively) "good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous." This word emphasizes the intrinsic quality and moral excellence of the "seed" that Jesus sows. It distinguishes the genuine children of the kingdom from the "tares" (weeds), highlighting their inherent value and alignment with God's righteous nature.
* **Son of man (Greek, _huiós tou ánthrōpou_):** "Son" (G5207, _huiós_) denotes kinship, while "man" (G444, _ánthrōpos_) refers to a human being. This composite title, Jesus' most frequent self-designation, carries profound theological weight. It emphasizes both His genuine humanity and His unique, divinely appointed role as the messianic figure prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision"), who is given eternal dominion and glory. By using this title, Jesus subtly yet powerfully asserts His identity as the authoritative, sovereign agent of God's Kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered and said unto them,"**: This introductory phrase sets the scene for Jesus' authoritative explanation. It signifies a direct response to the disciples' specific request for clarification regarding the Parable of the Tares ([Matthew 13:36](/matthew/13-36 "Matthew 13:36 - Disciples Ask for Explanation")). The use of "answered and said" is a common Hebraism, indicating a solemn and significant declaration, marking the beginning of a crucial teaching moment.
* **"He that soweth the good seed"**: This clause identifies the primary actor in the parable's allegorical framework. The "good seed" is later explained as "the children of the kingdom" ([Matthew 13:38](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - The Good Seed are the Children of the Kingdom")), representing those who genuinely belong to God's family and respond to His truth. The emphasis is on the one who initiates the spiritual planting, indicating a divine, intentional act.
* **"is the Son of man;"**: This is the pivotal identification. Jesus directly and unequivocally reveals Himself as the Sower. The title "Son of man" is a profound self-designation that simultaneously asserts His human solidarity and His divine, messianic authority, linking Him to the prophetic figure of [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). This statement establishes Jesus' active and sovereign role in the establishment and growth of His Kingdom on earth.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:37 is rich in **Symbolism** and functions as a key to understanding the larger **Allegory** of the Parable of the Tares. The entire parable is an extended metaphor, and this verse provides the first direct interpretation of its symbolic elements. Jesus Himself is the central symbol, identified by the profound **Self-designation** "the Son of man." This title is not merely descriptive but carries deep theological weight, alluding to His humanity and His divine, eschatological role as judge and king. The "good seed" is a symbol for the "children of the kingdom," representing those who are genuinely born of God and bear good fruit. The verse's direct, declarative nature ("He that soweth... is...") serves as a clear, authoritative pronouncement, leaving no ambiguity about the Sower's identity and thus the divine origin of the Kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:37 is a foundational theological statement, establishing Jesus' direct, active, and sovereign involvement in the establishment and growth of His Kingdom. By identifying Himself as "the Son of man" who sows "the good seed," Jesus asserts His divine initiative and authority over the spiritual harvest. This highlights the truth that the Kingdom of God is not a human construct but a divine enterprise, initiated and sustained by Christ Himself. His role as the Sower underscores His ongoing work in the world, calling people into His family and cultivating His people amidst the presence of evil. This verse also implicitly points to the eschatological reality of the Kingdom, as the Sower is also the one who will ultimately oversee the harvest and judgment, ensuring the triumph of good.

* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")
* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")
* [Mark 4:14](/mark/4-14 "Mark 4:14 - The Sower Sows the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that Jesus Himself is "the Son of man" who sows the good seed offers profound comfort, assurance, and a call to intentional living. It reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not dependent on our strength or ingenuity, but on the powerful, sovereign work of Christ. This truth should inspire humility and trust, knowing that the ultimate success of the spiritual harvest rests in His hands. It also calls us to recognize our identity as the "good seed"—children of the Kingdom—and to live in a manner consistent with that divine planting, bearing fruit that honors the Sower. Even amidst the presence of "tares" (evil and unrighteousness) in the world, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus is actively at work, cultivating His people and moving towards a glorious, final harvest where all things will be set right. Our task is to faithfully participate in His work, knowing that He is the one who empowers and sustains us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' identification as "the Son of man" in this verse deepen your understanding of His authority and mission?**
* **If you are "good seed" sown by the Son of Man, what implications does this have for your identity and purpose in the world?**
* **In what ways can you cooperate with the Sower in His ongoing work of planting and cultivating His Kingdom today?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus refer to Himself as "the Son of man" so often?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels, appearing over 80 times. It is deeply significant because it simultaneously emphasizes two crucial aspects of His identity. Firstly, it highlights His genuine humanity and solidarity with mankind, underscoring that He fully entered into the human experience ([Philippians/2-7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Jesus Emptied Himself")). Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, it is a direct allusion to the prophetic figure in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"), where "one like the Son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven, is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom, and is worshipped by all peoples. By using this title, Jesus subtly yet powerfully claims His divine authority, cosmic kingship, and ultimate judicial role. In [Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - The Sower is the Son of Man"), it establishes Him as the sovereign agent of the Kingdom, not merely a human teacher.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:37 powerfully reveals Jesus as the active, sovereign initiator and sustainer of God's Kingdom, fulfilling ancient prophecies and establishing a new spiritual reality. As "the Son of man," a title echoing the majestic, divine figure of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Heavenly Arrival"), Jesus is not merely a teacher of parables but the very Lord of the harvest. His act of "sowing the good seed" prefigures His ultimate mission: to gather a people for Himself through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the one who came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Seeks the Lost")), scattering the seed of the gospel throughout the world. This sowing culminates in His atoning sacrifice, where He, the "grain of wheat" ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - A Grain of Wheat Must Die")), falls into the earth to produce much fruit. Thus, the "good seed" of the Kingdom are those who are born of God through faith in Christ, becoming His spiritual offspring ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Jesus, the Son of man, is the divine Sower who not only plants but also guarantees the eventual, glorious harvest and the full establishment of His eternal Kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

1 Corinthians 3:5

¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Matthew 16:13

¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.