Matthew 13:38

KJV

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked [one];

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} The field {G68} is {G2076} the world {G2889};{G1161} the good {G2570} seed {G4690} are {G3778}{G1526} the children {G5207} of the kingdom {G932}; but {G1161} the tares {G2215} are {G1526} the children {G5207} of the wicked {G4190} one;

Complete Jewish Bible

the field is the world. As for the good seed, these are the people who belong to the Kingdom; and the weeds are the people who belong to the Evil One.

Berean Standard Bible

The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,

American Standard Version

and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:38 is Jesus' direct explanation of the Parable of the Tares (or Wheat and Tares), revealing the symbolic identities of its core elements. In this pivotal verse, Jesus clarifies that "the field" represents the entire world, "the good seed" signifies the children of God's kingdom, and "the tares" symbolize the children aligned with the wicked one. This interpretation provides the essential key to understanding the parable's profound message about the coexistence of believers and non-believers in the world until the final judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Jesus' discourse on the Kingdom of Heaven in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom"). Following His public teaching of several parables, including the [Parable of the Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Tares"), Jesus withdraws to a private setting with His disciples. At their request, as recorded in [Matthew 13:36](/matthew/13-36 "Matthew 13:36 - Jesus Explains the Parable"), He provides a direct, allegorical interpretation of the Parable of the Tares. Verse 38 specifically unpacks the identities of the field, the good seed, and the tares, serving as the interpretive core that unlocks the parable's deeper theological and eschatological implications, immediately preceding the explanation of the harvest and the roles of the reapers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural imagery in the Parable of the Tares would have been immediately understandable to Jesus' audience, who lived in an agrarian society. The practice of sowing seeds, the growth of crops, and the problem of weeds (specifically darnel, which closely resembles wheat in its early stages) were common experiences. The malicious act of an enemy sowing weeds among an opponent's crop was a known form of sabotage in the ancient world, reflecting real-life disputes and hostilities. This cultural backdrop emphasizes the deliberate nature of the "wicked one's" actions and the practical dilemma faced by the farmer, which Jesus uses to illustrate profound spiritual truths about the kingdom of God and the nature of evil in the world.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:38 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **universal scope of God's kingdom**, asserting that the "field" is the "world," not just Israel, foreshadowing the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Secondly, it underscores the **dual spiritual lineage of humanity**, distinguishing between "children of the kingdom" and "children of the wicked one," a theme also explored in [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You are of your father the devil"). Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **coexistence and delayed judgment**, explaining why good and evil will grow together until the "harvest," which is the [end of the age](/matthew/13-39 "Matthew 13:39 - The Harvest is the End of the Age"), reflecting God's patience and forbearance before the final separation ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This term, G2889, refers to an "orderly arrangement" and, by implication, the "world" in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally). In Matthew 13:38, it signifies the entire inhabited earth, emphasizing the global scope of God's kingdom and the arena where spiritual realities unfold, rather than a specific geographical region or a particular group of people.
* **tares (Greek, _zizánion'_):** This word, G2215, specifically denotes "darnel" or "false grain." Darnel is a weed that, in its early stages, bears a striking resemblance to wheat, making it difficult to distinguish until maturity. This linguistic detail is crucial to the parable's message, highlighting the challenge of discerning true believers from false professors and the reason for delaying the separation until the harvest.
* **wicked (Greek, _ponērós'_):** G4190 describes something "hurtful," "evil" (in effect or influence), "calamitous," or "culpable. When used in the masculine singular, as it is here ("the wicked one"), it often refers to the devil, Satan himself. This choice of word emphasizes that the origin of the "tares" is not merely human failing but a malevolent, active spiritual force opposing God's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The field is the world;":** Jesus explicitly identifies the setting of the parable. The "field" (Greek, _agrós'_), which is where the seed is sown, is not a local community or a specific nation like Israel, but the entire "world" (Greek, _kósmos'_). This immediately broadens the scope of the parable beyond any limited geographical or ethnic boundaries, establishing that the spiritual conflict and the growth of the kingdom occur on a global scale, encompassing all humanity.
* **"the good seed are the children of the kingdom;":** The "good seed" (Greek, _kalós spérma'_), sown by the Son of Man, represents individuals who genuinely belong to God's "kingdom" (Greek, _basileía'_). These are those who have responded in faith to the message of the Gospel, demonstrating their allegiance to God's rule and living out His will. They are characterized by their spiritual lineage and their alignment with divine purposes.
* **"but the tares are the children of the wicked [one];":** In stark contrast, the "tares" (Greek, _zizánion'_), sown by the enemy, are identified as "the children of the wicked one" (Greek, _huiós ponērós'_). This signifies individuals who, though appearing to be part of the community, are spiritually aligned with Satan. They are characterized by their opposition to God's kingdom, their deceptive nature, and their ultimate allegiance to evil, revealing a fundamental spiritual division within humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:38 is the interpretive key to an **Allegory**, where each element of the narrative represents a distinct spiritual reality. The entire Parable of the Tares functions as an extended metaphor, and this verse provides the explicit decoding. Within this allegorical framework, there is clear **Symbolism**: the "field" symbolizes the "world," the "good seed" symbolizes "children of the kingdom," and the "tares" symbolize "children of the wicked one." This direct symbolic equation leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the meaning of the parable's major components. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the "good seed" (children of the kingdom) with the "tares" (children of the wicked one), highlighting the fundamental spiritual dichotomy that exists in the world. This stark contrast underscores the active opposition between God's purposes and the forces of evil, setting the stage for the ultimate judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:38 profoundly shapes our understanding of the nature of the church and the world. It reveals that God's kingdom operates within a fallen world where evil is actively at work, and that genuine believers will coexist alongside those who are spiritually opposed to God until the eschatological harvest. This theological truth serves as a corrective to any utopian expectation of a perfectly pure earthly church before Christ's return, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the timeline of judgment and the necessity of patience and discernment among His people. It also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the active role of the "wicked one" in sowing discord and deception.

* [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates Believers")
* [Philippians 2:14-16](/philippians/2-14-16 "Philippians 2:14-16 - Shining as Lights in the World")
* [1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Children of God and Children of the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:38 offers profound guidance for Christian living in a complex world. It challenges us to embrace a posture of patience and humility, recognizing that the ultimate judgment and separation of humanity belong solely to God. We are not called to be spiritual vigilantes, attempting to "uproot" those we deem "tares," but rather to focus on cultivating our own spiritual fruitfulness as "children of the kingdom." This understanding frees us from the burden of premature judgment and encourages us to live faithfully, bearing witness to Christ's transforming power amidst both good and evil. It reminds us that our mission is to sow good seed through the proclamation of the Gospel and lives of discipleship, trusting that God will bring about the final, just harvest in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "field" as the "world" impact your perspective on global missions and evangelism?**
* **In what ways might the presence of "tares" (those aligned with the wicked one) challenge or refine your understanding of God's patience and sovereignty?**
* **How can you focus on cultivating your identity as a "child of the kingdom" and bearing good fruit, rather than being preoccupied with judging others?**

### FAQ
**Does this parable mean we should never confront evil or false teaching?**

Answer: While the parable cautions against prematurely "uprooting" individuals, which is God's prerogative at the final judgment, it does not negate the biblical call to discern and confront false teaching or unrepentant sin within the church. [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Restoring a Sinning Brother") outlines a process for church discipline, and passages like [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Warning Against False Gospels") command believers to reject false gospels. The parable's primary focus is on the ultimate separation of individuals, which is distinct from the ongoing responsibility to maintain doctrinal purity and ethical conduct within the visible community of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:38 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the Sower of the good seed and the Judge of the harvest. As the Son of Man, Jesus is the one who "sows the good seed" ([Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - The Son of Man Sows the Good Seed")), establishing His kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. His redemptive work on the cross is the means by which individuals become "children of the kingdom," reconciled to God and born again into His family ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")). Furthermore, Jesus is the one appointed by the Father to execute judgment ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), and He will ultimately send His angels to gather out of His kingdom all things that cause sin and those who do evil, casting them into the fiery furnace ([Matthew 13:41-42](/matthew/13-41-42 "Matthew 13:41-42 - The Weeds Gathered and Burned")). Thus, Matthew 13:38 not only explains the spiritual realities of the present age but also points forward to Christ's sovereign authority over all creation and His ultimate role as the righteous Judge who will bring about the final, perfect separation and the full establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")).

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 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Philippians 3:18

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Philippians 3:19

Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3:10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Acts 13:10

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?