New Testament
Matthew 13:26
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus uses the imagery of a farmer's field to illustrate a spiritual truth.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
When the wheat sprouted and began forming grain, the weeds appeared too.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the imagery of a farmer's field to illustrate a spiritual truth. As the wheat begins to grow and produce grain, weeds, or tares, also emerge. This reflects the reality that good and evil can coexist in the world. The presence of the weeds does not negate the growth of the wheat; rather, it highlights the challenges faced by believers. The weeds symbolize those who oppose God's work, and their appearance alongside the wheat serves as a reminder that the kingdom of God is not free from opposition. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, recognizing that while we strive to grow spiritually, we may encounter distractions and challenges. Ultimately, it points to the eventual separation of good from evil at the end of the age, emphasizing the importance of patience and discernment in our spiritual journey.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 13:26 to your life
As we grow in our faith, we should expect challenges and opposition. This verse reminds us to stay focused on our spiritual growth, even when distractions arise. We must cultivate discernment to recognize what aligns with God's purpose and what does not.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:26 mean?
Matthew 13:26 illustrates the coexistence of good and evil in the world. As the wheat grows, weeds also appear, symbolizing the challenges and opposition believers face in their spiritual journey.
What is the meaning of the weeds in Matthew 13:26?
The weeds in Matthew 13:26 represent those who oppose God's work. Their presence alongside the wheat serves as a reminder that the kingdom of God faces challenges and that believers must remain vigilant.
How does Matthew 13:26 relate to spiritual growth?
Matthew 13:26 highlights that spiritual growth often comes with challenges. The appearance of weeds alongside the wheat signifies that believers should expect opposition as they develop their faith.
What lessons can we learn from Matthew 13:26?
From Matthew 13:26, we learn the importance of patience and discernment in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to stay focused on our growth despite the distractions and challenges we may face.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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