Matthew 13:38

38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one,

Matthew 13:38 in Other Translations

KJV
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
ESV
38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,
NLT
38 The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.
MSG
38 The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil,
CSB
38 the field is the world; and the good seed-these are the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and

Matthew 13:38 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 13:38

The field is the world
That which is represented by "the field", in which the good seed is sown, is not only the land of Judea, where Christ preached in person, but the whole world, into which the apostles were afterwards sent; or the church of Christ, in the several parts of the world:

the good seed are the children of the kingdom:
they which are designed by the good seed, are such, for whom the kingdom of heaven is prepared, to whom it is bequeathed, and who are appointed to it; who are possessed of the kingdom of grace here, and are heirs of the kingdom of glory; and have both a meetness for it, and a right unto it, being the children of God by adoption, and that appearing by regeneration:

but the tares are the children of the wicked one:
the persons intended by "the tares", are such professors of religion, as both by their principles and practices, manifestly show that they are of their father the devil; they resemble and imitate him, and do his works; and plainly declare, that they were never born of God, and are in no better state, though under a profession, than openly profane and immoral persons; and are more hurtful and scandalous to the interest of Christ, than such are.

Matthew 13:38 In-Context

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one,
39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age.

Cross References 1

  • 1. John 8:44,45; 1 John 3:10
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.