Matthew 13 36

Matthew 13:36 kjv

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.

Matthew 13:36 nkjv

Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field."

Matthew 13:36 niv

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."

Matthew 13:36 esv

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."

Matthew 13:36 nlt

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, "Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field."

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 36 Meaning

Matthew 13:36 marks a pivotal transition in Jesus' teaching ministry, moving from public parabolic instruction to private, in-depth explanation. It signifies that Jesus dismisses the general crowd, who heard only the parables, and withdraws to a private dwelling where His disciples seek clarification on the parable of the tares. This verse underscores the disciples' privileged access to deeper spiritual truth and their hunger for understanding, setting the stage for Jesus' private interpretation of the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 13 36 Context

Matthew 13 is the "Parable Chapter," largely dedicated to Jesus' teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven through parables. The first section (Matt 13:1-35) consists of public teaching to a large multitude from a boat. Jesus deliberately spoke in parables to the crowds (Matt 13:34), a teaching method that veiled deeper spiritual truths from those who lacked faith, while revealing them to those prepared to understand (Matt 13:11-16). Matthew 13:36 marks a critical turning point. Having presented several parables, including the sower, the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, and leaven, Jesus now retreats from the public eye. This verse initiates the second part of the chapter (Matt 13:36-52), where Jesus is privately with His disciples in a "house," explaining the meaning of the parables He had just shared. Specifically, the disciples request an explanation of the complex "parable of the tares," signifying their desire for deeper insight beyond the allegorical story. Historically and culturally, a "house" often served as a private setting for a rabbi or teacher to provide more intimate, nuanced instruction to his closest students, distinct from general public discourse.

Matthew 13 36 Word analysis

• Then (Τότε - tote): Signifies a distinct transition in time and activity. It marks a shift from Jesus' public discourse to private interaction with His disciples.
• Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The central figure, initiating the action of dismissing the crowd and withdrawing for private instruction.
• sent the multitude away (ἀφῆκεν τοὺς ὄχλους - aphēken tous ochlous):
  • ἀφῆκεν (aphēken): From ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), meaning "to send away," "dismiss," or "release." Here, it highlights Jesus' intentional action to conclude the public teaching session.
  • τοὺς ὄχλους (tous ochlous): "The crowds" or "the multitudes." Refers to the general, uncommitted populace who came to hear Jesus, many without genuine spiritual understanding. This separation highlights the distinction Jesus made between public hearers and private learners.
• and went into (εἰσῆλθεν εἰς - eisēlthen eis):
  • εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen): From εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai), meaning "to go in," "enter." Conveys purposeful movement indoors.
• the house (τὴν οἰκίαν - tēn oikian):
  • οἰκίαν (oikian): "House," "dwelling," or "home." In the Gospels, the "house" often represents a private, intimate setting where Jesus would impart deeper truths and offer specific guidance to His disciples, away from the prying ears or limited understanding of the crowds. It's a sanctuary for deeper spiritual formation.
• and his disciples (καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ - kai hoi mathētai autou):
  • μαθηταὶ (mathētai): "Disciples," "learners," "students." These are individuals committed to Jesus, actively following and seeking to understand His teachings. They represent the recipients of deeper revelation.
• came unto him (προσῆλθον αὐτῷ - prosēlthon autō):
  • προσῆλθον (prosēlthon): From προσέρχομαι (proserchomai), meaning "to approach," "to come to." It implies a purposeful, initiated approach, showing their initiative and desire to learn.
• saying (λέγοντες - legontes): "Saying," "speaking." Introduces their request.
• Declare unto us (Φράσον ἡμῖν - Phrason hēmin):
  • Φράσον (Phrason): From φράζω (phrazō), an imperative meaning "explain," "declare clearly," "make known." This is a direct request for explicit understanding, indicating they grasped the narrative but needed its spiritual interpretation. It signifies their yearning for divine insight.
• the parable (τὴν παραβολὴν - tēn parabolēn):
  • παραβολὴν (parabolēn): "Parable," an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. It refers specifically to the narrative shared earlier (Matt 13:24-30).
• of the tares (τῶν ζιζανίων - tōn zizaniōn):
  • ζιζανίων (zizaniōn): "Tares," specifically "darnel" (Lolium temulentum), a poisonous weed that closely resembles wheat in its early stages. This term sets the specific subject of their inquiry, pointing to the agricultural imagery of the earlier parable.
• of the field (τοῦ ἀγροῦ - tou agrou):
  • ἀγροῦ (agrou): "Field," "countryside," "land." It refers to the location where the wheat and tares were sown, crucial imagery in the parable's setting.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then Jesus sent the multitude away": This phrase emphasizes Jesus' deliberate action to conclude His public ministry for the time being. It signifies a distinct separation between casual listeners and committed disciples, where access to deeper truths is limited to the latter.
• "and went into the house": This highlights the intentional move to a private space, signifying a shift from general teaching accessible to all, to specialized, confidential instruction reserved for the inner circle of learners. The "house" becomes a symbol of spiritual intimacy and revelation.
• "and his disciples came unto him": This demonstrates the disciples' proactive engagement and their privileged status. Unlike the dispersed multitude, the disciples retained proximity and initiated interaction, indicating their hunger for more profound understanding.
• "saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field": This crucial request reveals their recognition that Jesus' parables contained deeper meanings. They didn't simply enjoy the story; they yearned for its spiritual exposition, highlighting their spiritual earnestness and distinguishing them from those "who had ears to hear but did not hear." It specifically identifies their point of intellectual and spiritual curiosity.

Matthew 13 36 Bonus section

• The disciples' request "Declare unto us" points to the principle that God often provides deeper understanding when His people actively seek it (Jer 29:13; Matt 7:7). Their initiative is rewarded with specific revelation.
• The "parable of the tares" is a core eschatological parable, revealing Christ's perspective on the coexistence of good and evil within the world, the final separation at the harvest (judgment), and the ultimate destiny of the righteous and the wicked. The disciples' specific request for this parable shows their focus on the nature of good and evil and divine justice, which Jesus promptly addresses in Matt 13:37-43.
• This verse subtly teaches that true understanding often requires withdrawal from the distractions and noise of the world (symbolized by the multitude and outdoor setting) into a place of solitude and focused communion with the Master (the house).

Matthew 13 36 Commentary

Matthew 13:36 is more than a narrative transition; it embodies a profound theological shift in Jesus' ministry. After publicly presenting the mysteries of the Kingdom through parables, Jesus deliberately distinguishes His audience. The "multitude," though hearing the stories, lacked the spiritual disposition or commitment to grasp their profound significance. By sending them away, Jesus underscores the principle of spiritual receptivity: divine truth is not indiscriminately scattered but progressively revealed to those prepared to receive it.

His retreat "into the house" symbolizes a transition to a more intimate and exclusive setting for deeper revelation. In biblical narratives, the "house" often serves as a sanctuary for specific, profound teachings and revelations to the faithful inner circle. It is within this private sphere that genuine spiritual seeking is rewarded. The disciples' subsequent action, actively "coming unto Him" and earnestly asking, "Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field," epitomizes true discipleship. Their request signifies not mere curiosity, but a deep spiritual hunger for clarity, demonstrating that understanding God's Kingdom requires intentional pursuit and humble inquiry. This verse highlights the privileged access given to those who commit themselves to Christ and actively seek His truth, revealing that while the outer form of truth (the parable) is public, the inner essence (the interpretation) is often reserved for diligent and devoted learners.