Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:28

What does Matthew 13:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:28 means

The owner identifies the cause: an enemy did it. This blunt account attributes malicious intent to the origin of the tares and frames the problem as spiritual opposition. It acknowledges that evil sometimes intrudes intentionally rather than accidentally. The servant’s follow-up question—whether to gather the tares—reflects a desire for remediation, but the owner’s forthcoming refusal will teach caution: efforts to remove apparent evil may damage the good if done rashly.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Someone has done this in hate. And the servants say to him, Is it your pleasure that we go and take them up?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he saith to them, A man, an enemy, did this; and the servants said to him, Wilt thou, then, <FI>that<Fi> having gone away we may gather it up?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: An enemy hath done this. And the servants said to him: Wilt thou that we go and gather it up?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, A man [that is] an enemy has done this. And the bondmen said to him, Wilt thou then that we should go and gather it [up]?

Context

This reply follows the servants’ question and clarifies reality: the field’s corruption is hostile work. It sets up the crucial decision about whether to act now or wait—an issue that addresses church discipline, discernment, and eschatological patience, which the owner resolves in the next verse.

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?

v.28This passage

v.29But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:6

    Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many;

  • Jude 1:22

    And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3

    For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

  • Luke 9:49

    And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.

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