New Testament
Matthew 13:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you plant good seed in your field? Where did all these weeds come from?'
Compare translations
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
What Matthew 13:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the servants of a landowner notice that weeds have grown among the good crops he had planted. They are confused and question the owner, wondering how these weeds appeared if he had only sown good seed. This scenario illustrates the reality of living in a world where good and evil coexist. The servants' inquiry reflects a common human concern about the presence of evil or difficulties in life, especially when one strives to do good. The question implies a sense of urgency and confusion, as they seek to understand the source of the problem. This moment sets the stage for a deeper teaching about the nature of the kingdom of heaven, where the presence of both good and bad is a part of the spiritual landscape. It invites readers to reflect on the challenges of faith and the mystery of God's plan amidst adversity.
How to apply Matthew 13:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge the presence of challenges and evil in our lives, even when we strive to do good. It reminds us to seek understanding and trust in God's plan, knowing that He is aware of our struggles and will ultimately bring about justice and resolution.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 13:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 13:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:27 mean?
Matthew 13:27 describes a situation where the servants of a landowner find weeds among the good crops he planted. This reflects the coexistence of good and evil in the world and raises questions about the presence of difficulties in life, even when one aims to do good.
What is the meaning of the weeds in Matthew 13:27?
The weeds in Matthew 13:27 symbolize the presence of evil or challenges that arise even in a good environment. This illustrates the reality that, despite good intentions, negative influences can still appear in our lives.
Why did the servants ask about the weeds in Matthew 13:27?
The servants asked about the weeds because they were confused about how they appeared when the owner had only sown good seed. Their question reflects a common human concern about understanding the presence of evil in a world where good is intended.
How does Matthew 13:27 relate to faith?
Matthew 13:27 relates to faith by illustrating the challenges believers face when encountering evil or difficulties. It encourages readers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem confusing or unjust.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.