The Parable of the Weeds (Tares and Wheat)
The Parable of the Weeds (Tares and Wheat) – Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Explained with Bible References
1. A Farmer Sowing Good Wheat Seeds in His Field
- Description:
The farmer diligently plants good seeds in his field, representing the spreading of God’s kingdom and the righteous people in the world. The good seed symbolizes the message of the Gospel and those who embrace it with a sincere heart. - Bible Reference:
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.’” — Matthew 13:24 (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.” — Matthew 13:37 (NKJV)

2. An Enemy Secretly Sowing Weeds Among the Wheat at Night
- Description:
Under the cover of darkness, an enemy comes and sows weeds among the wheat, symbolizing the presence of evil and deception within the world. The enemy represents Satan, who seeks to corrupt and deceive believers. - Bible Reference:
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.” — Matthew 13:25 (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“The enemy who sowed them is the devil.” — Matthew 13:39 (NKJV)
3. The Wheat and Weeds Growing Together in the Field
- Description:
As time passes, both the wheat and the weeds grow together, illustrating how good and evil coexist in the world until the final judgment. This highlights God’s patience and the coexistence of the righteous and the unrighteous. - Bible Reference:
“But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.” — Matthew 13:26 (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.” — Matthew 13:38 (NKJV)
4. The Servants Noticing the Weeds and Questioning the Farmer
- Description:
The farmer’s servants discover the weeds and inquire about their origin, showing the concern of believers regarding the presence of evil. It signifies the questioning of why evil exists alongside the righteous. - Bible Reference:
“So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’” — Matthew 13:27 (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’” — Matthew 13:28 (NKJV)
5. The Farmer Instructing Them to Wait Until Harvest
- Description:
The farmer advises patience, explaining that separating the weeds prematurely may damage the wheat. This symbolizes God’s perfect timing for judgment and His desire that none should perish. - Bible Reference:
“But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.’” — Matthew 13:29-30a (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.” — Matthew 13:39 (NKJV)
6. The Harvesters Gathering the Weeds for Burning
- Description:
During the harvest, the weeds are collected and prepared for burning, representing God’s ultimate judgment on the unrighteous. This illustrates the final separation of good from evil. - Bible Reference:
“And at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them.’” — Matthew 13:30b (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.” — Matthew 13:40 (NKJV)

7. The Wheat Being Gathered into the Barn
- Description:
Finally, the good wheat is gathered into the barn, signifying the reward and eternal rest for the righteous in God’s kingdom. The faithful will be gathered to live eternally with Christ. - Bible Reference:
“But gather the wheat into my barn.” — Matthew 13:30c (NKJV) - Interpretation by Jesus:
“Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” — Matthew 13:43 (NKJV)
Key Lessons from the Parable of the Weeds (Tares and Wheat):
- God’s Patience and Timing:
- God allows good and evil to coexist until the appointed time of judgment.
- Spiritual Discernment:
- Believers must be aware of the enemy’s efforts to introduce corruption and deception.
- Final Judgment is Certain:
- While the wicked may seem to thrive for a time, they will ultimately face judgment.
- Reward for the Righteous:
- Those who remain faithful and rooted in Christ will be gathered into God’s eternal kingdom.
- Endurance in Faith:
- Christians must continue to grow in faith despite the challenges and evil present in the world.
This parable serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice, patience, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. It encourages believers to remain faithful and trust in God’s perfect plan for separation and reward.