The Greek word zizánion, represented by G2215, refers to a type of darnel or false grain. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within a single parable. Though its origin is uncertain, its biblical usage is highly specific, denoting tares that mimic wheat but are ultimately worthless and harmful.
In the biblical narrative, G2215 is central to the parable of the tares in Matthew 13. An enemy G2190 maliciously sowed G4687 tares among the good wheat G4621 in a householder's field Matthew 13:25. These false grains were not immediately distinguishable, only appearing G5316 after the true crop began to sprout Matthew 13:26. When servants asked if they should gather the tares, the householder forbade it, warning that in gathering the tares G2215, they might also root up G1610 the wheat with them Matthew 13:29. Instead, both were to grow together until the harvest.
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of tares:
- G4687 speírō (to sow): This verb is crucial as it describes the action that introduces the tares G2215. An enemy G2190 came and sowed them with evil intent Matthew 13:25.
- G2190 echthrós (enemy): This term identifies the agent responsible for the tares. The parable identifies this figure as an adversary who acts in opposition to the householder Matthew 13:25, and is later explained to be the devil Matthew 13:39.
- G4621 sîtos (wheat): As the true crop, wheat stands in direct contrast to tares. The parable hinges on their initial resemblance and eventual separation, with the wheat being gathered into the barn G596 while the tares are burned Matthew 13:30.
The theological weight of G2215 is revealed in Jesus's explanation of the parable.
- Symbol of the Wicked: The tares are explicitly identified not as mere weeds, but as "the children G5207 of the wicked G4190 one" Matthew 13:38. They represent those who belong to the kingdom of the enemy.
- Coexistence Until the End: The command to let both grow together G4885 until the harvest G2326 illustrates that good and evil will coexist in the world G2889 for a set time Matthew 13:30. The harvest itself represents "the end G4930 of the world G165" Matthew 13:39.
- Eschatological Judgment: The final destiny of the tares G2215 is to be gathered G4816 and burned G2618, a picture of final judgment Matthew 13:40. This contrasts with the destiny of the righteous, represented by the wheat.
In summary, G2215 is a powerful symbol within scripture. While literally meaning darnel or false grain, it is used exclusively in Matthew 13 to represent the presence of evil sown into the world by an enemy G2190. The Parable of the Tares illustrates the coexistence of the righteous and the wicked until the final harvest, at which point a divine separation and judgment will occur. The word encapsulates a key biblical teaching on the nature of good, evil, and eschatology.
TRV