He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

MATTHEW 13:37KJV
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Matthew 13:37 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:37 mean?

Matthew 13:37 says that Jesus, referring to himself as "the Son of man," is the one who sows the good seed. In this verse, Jesus is explaining to his disciples that he is the one who begins the work of spreading what is good and true.

Jesus is speaking privately to his disciples after telling the parable of the weeds in the field. The disciples have asked him to explain the story, and this verse is the start of his answer. By calling himself "the Son of man," Jesus uses a title that emphasizes both his humanity and his special role. The "good seed" represents something valuable and positive that Jesus is actively planting.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:37

  • "soweth" (σπείρων, speirōn): This word means "to sow" or "to scatter seed." In the context of the parable, it highlights the intentional and active role of Jesus in starting something good.
  • "good" (καλός, kalos): This word means "good," "noble," or "excellent." It emphasizes the quality of what is being sown, showing that Jesus is not just spreading anything, but something truly valuable.
  • "seed" (σπέρμα, sperma): This word means "seed" and often carries the idea of something that will grow and multiply. Here, it points to the beginning of a process that will lead to a larger result.
  • "Son" (υἱός, huios) and "man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): Together, "Son of man" is a title Jesus often uses for himself, linking him to both humanity and the prophetic figure in Daniel who has authority from God.

Why Matthew 13:37 matters

  • Matthew 13:37 makes it clear that Jesus himself is the main actor in the parable, not just a storyteller but the one who is actually at work in the world.
  • The verse helps the reader understand that the "good seed" is not random or accidental; it is something Jesus personally sows, showing his care and purpose.
  • By starting his explanation with this statement, Jesus sets up the rest of the interpretation, helping the disciples (and readers) see the parable from his perspective and understand their own place in the story.

Where else these words appear

“seed” Greek G4690 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

“soweth” Greek G4687 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
  • Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

“good” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;