Matthew 13:39

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} The enemy {G2190} that sowed {G4687} them {G846} is {G2076} the devil {G1228};{G1161} the harvest {G2326} is {G2076} the end {G4930} of the world {G165}; and {G1161} the reapers {G2327} are {G1526} the angels {G32}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The enemy who sows them is the Adversary, the harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

Berean Standard Bible

and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:39 provides Jesus' authoritative interpretation of key allegorical elements within the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, explicitly identifying the sower of the bad seed as the devil, the harvest as the culmination of the current age, and the reapers as angels. This verse unveils the spiritual forces at play in the world, the certainty of a future divine reckoning, and the instrumental role of heavenly beings in God's ultimate plan of judgment and kingdom establishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Jesus' private explanation of the [Parable of the Wheat and the Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares"). After teaching the parable to the crowds, His disciples approached Him, requesting clarification on its meaning ([Matthew 13:36](/matthew/13-36 "Matthew 13:36 - Disciples Ask for Explanation")). Jesus then systematically unpacks each symbolic element: the sower of the good seed ([Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - The Son of Man Sows Good Seed")), the field, the good seed, and the tares ([Matthew 13:38](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - The Field, Good Seed, and Tares")). Verse 39 completes this exposition by identifying the enemy, the harvest, and the reapers, thereby revealing the spiritual conflict and the ultimate divine resolution that the parable illustrates. This explanation serves to deepen the disciples' understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the challenges it faces until its full consummation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable itself draws on common agricultural practices in ancient Israel, where wheat and tares (likely darnel, a poisonous weed that closely resembles wheat in its early stages) would grow together in fields. The act of an "enemy" sowing weeds among a neighbor's crop was a known act of sabotage, reflecting real-world malice. The concept of a "harvest" was universally understood as a time of separation and reckoning, marking the culmination of a growing season. The Jewish worldview, particularly in the intertestamental period and early first century, included a strong belief in angels as divine messengers and agents of God's will, often involved in judgment and eschatological events, as seen in prophetic literature like [Daniel 12:1-3](/daniel/12-1-3 "Daniel 12:1-3 - The Resurrection and Judgment"). The phrase "end of the world" (or "end of the age") resonated with Jewish eschatological expectations of a transition from the present evil age to the coming Messianic age.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:39 profoundly contributes to several major themes found throughout the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, explicitly naming [the devil](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil as a Liar and Murderer") as the active antagonist sowing evil among humanity, a theme prevalent from the temptation of Jesus ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) to His ultimate triumph. Secondly, it highlights the **Certainty of Final Judgment and Separation**. The "harvest" unequivocally points to a future, decisive moment when God will bring about a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the theme of divine justice and accountability that permeates Scripture ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Finally, the identification of angels as "reapers" reinforces the theme of **Angelic Agency in God's Plan**, showcasing their role not merely as messengers but as executors of divine decrees, particularly in eschatological events, aligning with other biblical portrayals of angels in judgment ([Revelation 14:14-20](/revelation/14-14-20 "Revelation 14:14-20 - The Harvest of the Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** From διαβάλλω, meaning "to throw across," "to slander," or "to accuse." It refers to a traducer, a slanderer, and specifically designates Satan, the arch-enemy of God and humanity. In this context, it emphasizes his active, malicious role as the one who intentionally introduces evil and corruption into the world, sowing discord and wickedness. The term highlights his nature as an accuser and adversary.
* **harvest (Greek, _therismós'_):** Derived from θερίζω, meaning "to reap." This word literally refers to the act of reaping or the crop gathered. Symbolically, as used here and throughout biblical prophecy, it signifies a time of gathering, culmination, and often, judgment or separation. It marks the end of a process, where what has been sown is finally collected and assessed.
* **end (Greek, _syntéleia'_):** From συντελέω, meaning "to complete entirely" or "to bring to a consummation." This term denotes a full completion or consummation, specifically of a dispensation or an age. It signifies not merely a termination, but a bringing to a destined goal or conclusion, often implying a transition to a new state or era. It's a definitive climax, not just a casual stopping point.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The enemy that sowed them is the devil;"**: This clause unequivocally identifies the source of evil and corruption represented by the "tares." Jesus leaves no room for ambiguity, directly naming "the devil" (Satan) as the malicious agent responsible for introducing wickedness into the world, specifically among humanity. This highlights the reality of an active, personal evil force at work, opposing God's kingdom and seeking to undermine His good creation.
* **"the harvest is the end of the world;"**: Here, Jesus reveals the timing and nature of the ultimate reckoning. The "harvest," a time of separation and gathering in agricultural terms, is explicitly equated with "the end of the world" (more accurately, "the consummation of the age"). This signifies a definitive eschatological event, a divinely appointed climax of human history as we know it, where the present age concludes and God's final judgment and eternal kingdom are ushered in. It implies a period of discernment and decisive action.
* **"and the reapers are the angels."**: This final clause identifies the agents of this ultimate separation and judgment. Angels, heavenly beings who serve as God's messengers and executors of His will, are designated as the "reapers." This underscores their crucial role in the divine plan, particularly in the eschatological events of judgment and the gathering of the righteous, demonstrating God's sovereign use of His celestial hosts to bring about His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:39 is a direct explanation of an **Allegory**, which is a narrative where characters and events represent abstract ideas or spiritual truths. The entire Parable of the Wheat and the Tares is an allegory, and this verse functions as a key to unlocking its meaning. Within this explanation, **Symbolism** is paramount. Each element Jesus identifies—the "enemy," the "harvest," and the "reapers"—stands for a deeper, spiritual reality. The "enemy" symbolizes the malevolent force of the devil, not merely a human antagonist. The "harvest" symbolizes the final judgment and the culmination of the present age, not just an agricultural event. The "reapers" symbolize angels, God's divine agents, not human farmhands. This use of symbolism allows profound theological truths about spiritual warfare, divine judgment, and angelic activity to be conveyed in an accessible, memorable way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant as it unveils the spiritual realities behind the visible world and points to the ultimate trajectory of history. It affirms the existence of a personal, active evil in the devil, who relentlessly opposes God's purposes by sowing wickedness among humanity. Simultaneously, it offers immense assurance that this spiritual conflict is not endless; there is a divinely appointed "end of the age" when God's justice will prevail. This final "harvest" will involve a clear, irreversible separation of the righteous from the wicked, executed by angels under God's sovereign command. This truth serves as both a comfort to those who endure persecution and a solemn warning to those who reject God's authority, emphasizing the seriousness of one's spiritual alignment and the certainty of future accountability.

* [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil as a Liar and Murderer")
* [Revelation 14:14-20](/revelation/14-14-20 "Revelation 14:14-20 - The Harvest of the Earth")
* [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Son of Man Judges the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:39 offers a sobering yet hopeful perspective on the nature of reality and the future. It reminds us that evil is not merely an abstract concept or a human failing, but is actively instigated by a malevolent spiritual being, the devil, who seeks to corrupt and destroy. This understanding should lead believers to a greater awareness of spiritual warfare and a commitment to resist the devil's schemes through prayer, obedience, and reliance on God's power. Furthermore, the promise of a definitive "harvest" at "the end of the world" provides immense comfort and motivation. It assures us that God is sovereign over history, and that evil will not triumph indefinitely. There will be a day of reckoning, a clear separation, and ultimate justice. This truth should inspire perseverance in righteousness, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that our true identity as "children of the kingdom" will be fully vindicated. It also serves as a call to urgency for evangelism, recognizing the eternal stakes involved in the present age.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the devil's active role as the "enemy" change your perspective on the presence of evil in the world and in your own life?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the certainty that there will be a "harvest" at "the end of the world," leading to a final separation?**
* **Knowing that angels are God's agents in this final judgment, how does this impact your view of God's sovereignty and the meticulous nature of His plan?**

### FAQ

**What does "the end of the world" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The King James Version's "end of the world" translates the Greek phrase *syntéleia tou aiṓnos* (συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος). *Syntéleia* means "consummation" or "completion," and *aiṓn* refers to an "age" or "epoch," rather than the physical planet itself. Therefore, a more accurate translation is "the consummation of the age" or "the end of the age." This signifies a definitive period of transition, marking the conclusion of the present era of human history and the ushering in of God's eternal kingdom. It's not necessarily the destruction of the physical earth, but the culmination of the current spiritual and historical dispensation, leading to a new order established by God, as also alluded to in [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - The Disciples Ask About the End of the Age").

**Why is it important for Jesus to explicitly name the devil as the enemy?**

Answer: By explicitly naming "the devil" (Greek *diábolos*) as the enemy who sows the bad seed, Jesus removes any ambiguity about the source of evil and opposition to God's kingdom. This is crucial because it clarifies that evil is not merely a human failing or an abstract concept, but is instigated by a personal, malevolent spiritual being. This identification emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the active role of Satan in introducing sin, deception, and wickedness into the world. It prevents misattribution of evil and underscores the cosmic scope of the conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, a theme consistent throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:39, as part of Jesus' own interpretation of His parable, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in His person and work. Jesus, the Son of Man, is the one who sowed the good seed ([Matthew 13:37](/matthew/13-37 "Matthew 13:37 - The Son of Man Sows Good Seed")), and He is also the sovereign Lord who will preside over the "harvest" at "the end of the age." This verse points directly to Christ's future role as the divine Judge and King. He is the one who will send forth His angels to gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness ([Matthew 13:41](/matthew/13-41 "Matthew 13:41 - The Son of Man Sends His Angels")). The separation of the righteous from the wicked, the ultimate triumph over the devil and his works, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom are all brought to fruition through Christ's second coming. Just as He came the first time to sow the good seed of the kingdom and to defeat the devil through His death and resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")), He will return to consummate that victory, gather His own, and execute final judgment, ushering in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, this verse is a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate authority and His decisive role in bringing God's redemptive plan to its glorious, just, and eternal 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 13:49

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Revelation 14:15

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Revelation 14:19

And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Matthew 25:31

¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Joel 3:13

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.

Revelation 19:20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,