What does Matthew 13:38 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 13:38 is part of the explanation Jesus gives for the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, also known as the Parable of the Weeds.

In this parable, a man sows good seed in his field, but while everyone is sleeping, his enemy comes and sows tares (weeds) among the wheat.

When the wheat sprouts, the tares are also revealed.

The servants ask if they should pull up the tares, but the man says no, as this might uproot the wheat along with them.

Instead, they should wait until the harvest, at which point the tares will be separated from the wheat and burned.

In this verse, Jesus provides a clear interpretation:

• "The field is the world" signifies that the setting of the parable is not a single geographical location but encompasses the entire world.
• "The good seed are the children of the kingdom" refers to the followers of Jesus or the righteous who live according to God’s will.
• "The tares are the children of the wicked one" points to those who follow evil or are influenced by Satan, contrasting with the "children of the kingdom."

This verse provides a deeper understanding of the spiritual reality of good and evil coexisting in the world. The eventual separation of the two signifies the final judgment.

Historical Context

Matthew 13:38 was written within the context of 1st-century Judea, during a time when Jesus was teaching and explaining the kingdom of heaven through parables.

The culture was primarily agrarian, and thus, Jesus often used agricultural metaphors which would be readily understood by His audience.

Tares, also known as darnel, resemble wheat and are difficult to distinguish until maturity, making this parable relatable to His listeners, many of whom would have been familiar with the challenges of farming.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse provides insights into eschatology (the branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind).

The idea that good and evil will coexist until the end of the age illustrates the Christian concept of divine patience, where God allows time for redemption.

The ultimate separation of the righteous and the wicked reflects the belief in a final judgment where individuals are held accountable for their actions and allegiance.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse counsels believers to exercise patience with the presence of evil in the world.

It suggests that attempting to eradicate evil prematurely can cause harm to what is good.

It implies that humans should focus on growing in righteousness and leaving judgment to God.

In contemporary society, this can encourage individuals to support justice and mercy, and to trust divine providence in the face of moral complexities.

Cross-References

• Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43: This is where the parable and its explanation are found.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18: Speaks about being separate from the wicked and unbelievers.
• Revelation 14:14-20: Covers the idea of harvest and separation at the end of the age.

Language Study

The original Greek language offers deeper nuances:

• Field (ἀγρός, agros): Refers not just to a piece of land but a field that is cultivated.
• World (κόσμος, kosmos): Signifies the order or arrangement of the world, and by extension, humanity within it.
• Good seed (καλὸν σπέρμα, kalon sperma): 'Kalos' denotes that which is not only good but also beautiful and morally honorable. 'Sperma' is seed, indicating progeny or offspring.
• Children of the kingdom (υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας, huios tēs basileias): 'Huios' generally indicates sonship, implying a relationship or likeness to the kingdom.
• Tares (ζιζάνια, zizania): Likely refers to darnel, a weed that closely resembles wheat in the early stages of growth.
• Wicked one (πονηρός, ponēros): Denotes not only evil or morally bad but can also imply a hurtful or malicious intent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of duality, where good and evil coexist and struggle against each other, is prominent in many ancient religions and myths.

For example, Zoroastrianism emphasizes the cosmic battle between Ahura Mazda (good) and Angra Mainyu (evil).

In various mythologies, there are tales of gods sowing seeds of prosperity but faced with chaos introduced by opposing forces.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific perspectives, the analogy of weeds among wheat may correspond to modern ecological understandings of the interplay between species in an ecosystem and how invasive species can impact biodiversity.

The agricultural practice of patiently dealing with weeds can also be seen in the context of sustainable agriculture or integrated pest management, where the focus is on long-term solutions rather than immediate, potentially harmful interventions.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians have contributed to the interpretation of Matthew 13:38:

• John Calvin emphasized the idea of God's providence and patience, cautioning against premature judgment.
• William Barclay discussed the realism of the parable in the life of the church, wherein it reflects the mixture of good and bad within communities.
• **R.T.

France** focused on the eschatological aspect, noting the future separation of righteous and wicked as a central theme.

• Craig Keener provided historical context to help understand the significance of agricultural metaphors to the original audience.