New Testament
Matthew 13:30
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 a farming metaphor to explain the coexistence of good and evil in the world.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Let them both grow together until harvest time. Then I'll tell the harvesters: First, collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned. Then gather the wheat into my barn.'"
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses a farming metaphor to explain the coexistence of good and evil in the world. The wheat represents the righteous, while the weeds (or tares) symbolize the wicked. The instruction to let them grow together until harvest time suggests that judgment will come at the end of the age. The harvesters, representing divine judgment, will first gather the weeds to be burned, indicating the fate of the unrighteous. This illustrates the patience of God, allowing time for repentance and growth, but also the certainty of eventual separation and judgment. The imagery of gathering the wheat into the barn signifies the reward and safety of the faithful. This parable reassures believers that justice will ultimately prevail, and they will be gathered into God's kingdom.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 13:30 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when surrounded by negativity or wrongdoing. It reminds us that God is in control and will ultimately bring justice. We should focus on our growth and trust in God's timing for judgment.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:30 mean?
Matthew 13:30 uses a farming metaphor to illustrate the coexistence of good and evil in the world. The wheat symbolizes the righteous, while the weeds represent the wicked, emphasizing that judgment will occur at the end of time.
What is the meaning of the harvest in Matthew 13:30?
In Matthew 13:30, the harvest represents the time of divine judgment when God will separate the righteous from the wicked. The gathering of wheat into the barn signifies the reward for the faithful, while the burning of the weeds indicates the fate of the unrighteous.
What do the weeds represent in Matthew 13:30?
In Matthew 13:30, the weeds, or tares, symbolize the wicked or unrighteous individuals in the world. They are destined for judgment and separation from the righteous at the end of the age.
How does Matthew 13:30 relate to patience?
Matthew 13:30 highlights God's patience by allowing both the righteous and the wicked to grow together until the harvest. This suggests that there is time for repentance and growth before the final judgment occurs.

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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