Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:36

What does Matthew 13:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:36 means

After teaching the crowds, Jesus goes indoors and his disciples ask him to explain the parable of the tares. The verse shows a moment of transition: Jesus moves from public proclamation to private instruction. The disciples’ request reveals their desire to understand and apply Jesus’ words. It also underscores that parables require further unpacking for discipleship. This private teaching demonstrates Jesus’ pastoral care to educate his close followers for future ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he went away from the people, and went into the house; and his disciples came to him, saying, Make clear to us the story of the evil plants in the field.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then having let away the multitudes, Jesus came to the house, and his disciples came near to him, saying, `Explain to us the simile of the darnel of the field.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then having sent away the multitudes, he came into the house, and his disciples came to him, saying: Expound to us the parable of the cockle of the field.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then, having dismissed the crowds, he went into the house; and his disciples came to him, saying, Expound to us the parable of the darnel of the field.

Context

This scene follows the public parables and their prophetic defense. The disciples’ question launches the private interpretation section—Jesus now interprets some parables to his inner circle, clarifying truths about the kingdom’s coexistence with evil and final judgment.

v.35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.

v.36This passage

v.37And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

Cross references

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

  • Mark 6:45

    And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.

  • Mark 8:9

    And they were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

  • Matthew 15:39

    And he sent away the multitudes, and entered into the boat, and came into the borders of Magadan.

  • Matthew 15:15

    And Peter answered and said unto him, Declare unto us the parable.

  • Mark 7:17

    And when he was entered into the house from the multitude, his disciples asked of him the parable.

  • Matthew 13:11

    And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

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