Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:26

What does Matthew 13:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:26 means

When the crop sprouts and bears grain, the tares become visible. This detail shows that the enemy’s work is not immediately apparent; evil’s true nature appears as things develop. The verse warns that premature judgment based on surface appearances can be misleading. It also teaches that the kingdom’s and the world’s growth run together, revealing filth over time. Patience and discernment are needed until fruit fully appears to distinguish genuine from counterfeit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when the green stem came up and gave fruit, the evil plants were seen at the same time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when the herb sprang up, and yielded fruit, then appeared also the darnel.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the blade was sprung up, and had brought forth fruit, then appeared also the cockle.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when the blade shot up and produced fruit, then appeared the darnel also.

Context

Following the secret sowing, this verse explains why servants later notice the tares. It sets the stage for their question to the owner about how corruption arose and for the owner’s explanation—helping readers understand the difficulty of discerning true identity amid mixed growth.

v.25but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away.

v.26This passage

v.27And the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 4:26

    And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 13

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 13.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 13:26.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary