Matthew 13:36 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:36 mean?

Matthew 13:36 shows Jesus sending the crowds away and going into a house, where his disciples privately ask him to explain the parable of the tares (weeds) in the field. This verse marks a shift from public teaching to a more personal, in-depth discussion with his closest followers.

In this setting, Jesus has just finished teaching a large group using parables, including the story about weeds among wheat. The disciples, wanting to understand more, approach Jesus in a private place and specifically ask him to clarify the meaning of that parable. This verse highlights the disciples’ desire to learn and the way Jesus often explained deeper truths to them away from the crowds.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:36

• The word for "parable" is παραβολή (parabolē), which means a story or comparison used to illustrate a point. Here, it refers to the story of the tares among the wheat, which the disciples found difficult to understand without further explanation.
• The word for "tares" is ζιζάνια (zizania), meaning weeds or darnel, a plant that looks similar to wheat but is harmful. This detail matters because the parable’s point depends on the difference between the wheat and the weeds.
• The word for "field" is ἀγρός (agros), which simply means a cultivated field or farmland. In the parable, the field represents a larger setting—later explained by Jesus as the world.

Why Matthew 13:36 matters

• This verse shows that even Jesus’ closest followers sometimes needed help understanding his teachings, emphasizing that it is normal to seek clarification about spiritual matters.
• Matthew 13:36 marks a turning point where Jesus moves from public teaching to private instruction, highlighting a pattern where deeper meanings are often shared with those who seek them out.
• The verse sets up the detailed explanation of the parable that follows, helping readers see the importance of asking questions and pursuing understanding when something in Scripture is unclear.