The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (also called the Parable of the Tares) is one of the most significant kingdom parables spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ. Unlike many of the other parables, this one is accompanied by a divinely inspired interpretation given by Christ Himself. This explanation removes speculation and establishes the true meaning of the parable. Any interpretation that departs from the Lord’s own exposition should be rejected.
This parable describes the present form of the Kingdom of Heaven during the period between Christ’s first and second advents. It portrays the coexistence of true believers and false professors within the sphere of Christendom until the end of the age, when Christ Himself will separate them in judgment.
The Symbols
The Lord interpreted the symbols:
· The sower is the Son of Man (v. 37).
· The field is the world (v. 38).
· The good seed are the children of the kingdom (v. 38).
· The weeds are the children of the wicked one (v. 38).
· The enemy is the Devil (v. 39).
· The harvest is the end of the age (v. 39).
· The reapers are the angels (v. 39).
Since Christ has already interpreted every major symbol, there is no need to assign alternative meanings.
The Historical Background
The “weeds” mentioned by the Lord refer to darnel (Lolium temulentum), a poisonous ryegrass common throughout Israel. During its early stages of growth, darnel closely resembles wheat. Only when both plants mature does the difference become obvious. The ears of wheat become heavy with grain and bend toward the earth, whereas darnel remains upright and produces dark seeds that can cause dizziness, nausea, and illness if mixed with wheat and ground into flour. Because the roots of wheat and darnel often become intertwined, pulling out the weeds too early would frequently damage the wheat. The farmer therefore waited until harvest, when both crops could be safely separated. Christ used this familiar agricultural reality to illustrate an important spiritual truth.
The Setting of the Parable
Matthew 13 marks a decisive turning point in the ministry of Christ. Earlier in the Gospel the King had presented Himself to Israel. However, by chapter 12 the religious leaders had officially rejected Him and attributed His miracles to Satan (Matthew 12:24). Because of Israel’s rejection, the Lord began teaching in parables concerning “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:11). These mysteries were truths previously unrevealed in the Old Testament. They describe the form the kingdom would assume during the King’s absence before His visible return to establish His earthly reign. The parable therefore describes conditions during the present age—not the eternal state nor the Millennial Kingdom itself.
The Meaning of the Kingdom of Heaven
The expression “Kingdom of Heaven” appears only in Matthew’s Gospel. It refers to the sphere of God’s rule on earth as connected with the Messiah. During the present age, that kingdom exists in a mystery form. The King is absent from the earth, yet His authority remains. Within this outward kingdom are both genuine believers and mere professors. This distinction is vital. The Kingdom of Heaven is broader than the Church. The Church consists only of true believers united to Christ by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Kingdom of Heaven includes the wider profession of Christianity, containing both saved and unsaved people. Thus the field cannot represent the Church.
The Sower
The sower is identified as the Son of Man (Matthew 13:37). The title “Son of Man” emphasises Christ as the promised Messianic ruler of Daniel 7:13–14, who possesses authority over all nations. Christ alone plants the good seed. Every genuine believer is the result of His saving work.
The Field
Jesus specifically states, “The field is the world” (Matthew 13:38). Many interpreters mistakenly identify the field as the visible church. Christ does not. The distinction is essential. The wheat and weeds are scattered throughout the world wherever the Gospel is preached. The visible profession of Christianity exists in society, nations, churches, schools, governments, and communities across the world. The parable therefore concerns the world in which Christ’s kingdom testimony exists.
The Good Seed
The good seed represents “the children of the kingdom.” These are genuine believers who have experienced the new birth. Unlike the first parable, where the seed represents the Word of God, here the seed represents people produced by that Word. Believers are God’s workmanship, planted by Christ for His glory.
The Enemy
The enemy is plainly identified as the Devil. His work is deliberate. He does not destroy the wheat by direct attack. Instead, he introduces a counterfeit. Throughout Scripture Satan prefers imitation over open opposition. He produces False prophets; False apostles; False teachers; False brethren; False doctrine; False religion; False converts and False christs. His aim is corruption through mixture. This has characterised the history of Christendom from the earliest centuries.
While Men Slept
The phrase, “while men were sleeping” does not necessarily accuse individual believers of spiritual laziness. Rather, it illustrates a period when vigilance was lacking, allowing Satan opportunity to spread corruption. Throughout church history periods of spiritual decline have repeatedly been accompanied by doctrinal error and religious compromise.
The Weeds
The weeds represent “the children of the evil one.” These are not merely unbelievers outside Christianity. Rather, they are counterfeit believers within the sphere of the kingdom. Outwardly they resemble wheat. Inwardly they possess no spiritual life. The New Testament repeatedly warns about such individuals: Matthew 7:21–23, Acts 20:29–30, 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, Galatians 2:4, 2 Peter 2 and Jude. The existence of false professors should never surprise believers. Christ foretold it.
Why the Weeds Were Not Removed
The servants asked, “Do you want us then to go and gather them?” The master answered, “No, lest while you gather the weeds, you uproot the wheat along with them.” This instruction has often been misunderstood. Christ is not teaching that churches should ignore sin or refuse biblical discipline. Elsewhere Scripture clearly commands church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5; Titus 3:10). The point is different. Human beings are unable to infallibly distinguish every true believer from every false professor. Premature attempts to purify society or establish a perfectly pure outward kingdom inevitably damage genuine believers. Final separation belongs to Christ alone.
The Harvest
The harvest represents “the end of the age.” This is not the end of the world as a planet. It is the completion of the present age before Christ establishes His earthly kingdom. The harvest is eschatological. It points forward to Christ’s return in power and glory.
The Reapers
The reapers are the angels. Scripture consistently presents angels as God’s ministers in the execution of judgment. At Christ’s return they will gather the wicked for judgment while the righteous enter the blessings of the kingdom. This agrees with numerous prophetic passages, including Matthew 24:31 and Matthew 25:31–46.
The Furnace of Fire
Jesus describes the destiny of the weeds, “and they will throw them in the furnace of fire. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is a solemn description of eternal judgment. The language is personal, conscious, and judicial. It cannot honestly be interpreted as annihilation or mere temporal punishment. The Lord Himself spoke more frequently about hell than anyone else in Scripture.
The Righteous Shall Shine
Following judgment, “Then the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” This points forward to the righteous entering the glory of the Messianic Kingdom. Ultimately, believers will share Christ’s glory forever.
Dispensational Significance
Within dispensational theology this parable teaches several important truths. First, the Kingdom in its present mystery form is not identical with the Millennial Kingdom. Second, the world will not gradually become Christian before Christ returns. Third, evil and good will continue together until the end of the age. Fourth, Christ—not the Church—will execute the final separation. Fifth, judgment precedes the full establishment of the earthly kingdom. The parable therefore contradicts postmillennial expectations of a progressively Christianised world brought about through human effort.
The Parable and the Church
Although the parable is not primarily about the Church, important lessons apply. Churches should faithfully preach the Gospel. Churches should exercise biblical discipline where open sin or false doctrine exists. Churches should recognise that false professors will exist until Christ returns. Churches must not assume that outward profession guarantees genuine conversion. Salvation is demonstrated by spiritual fruit rather than mere religious appearance.
Practical Lessons
This parable carries enduring applications for every believer.
1. Appearances can deceive. False profession often resembles genuine faith for a time.
2. Satan actively opposes Christ’s work. The Devil continually introduces counterfeit teaching and counterfeit believers.
3. God remains sovereign. The existence of evil does not indicate failure in God’s purposes. Christ foretold these conditions.
4. Patience is required. God’s final judgment will occur at His appointed time.
5. Final justice is certain. Every wrong will ultimately be addressed by the righteous Judge.
6. Genuine believers will be vindicated. Those who belong to Christ will inherit His kingdom and share His glory.
Common Errors in Interpretation
Several misunderstandings should be avoided.
1. The field is the Church. Jesus explicitly says the field is the world (Matthew 13:38).
2. The tares are simply immoral people. The tares are counterfeit children of the wicked one who outwardly resemble true believers.
3. The Church must establish God’s kingdom before Christ returns. The parable teaches coexistence of good and evil until the end of the age.
4. Believers should never practise church discipline. The parable addresses God’s final judgment in the world, not the biblical responsibility of local churches to maintain doctrinal and moral purity.
5. The harvest is the Rapture. The text identifies it as “the end of the age,” associated with the coming of the Son of Man in judgment. From a dispensational perspective, this is best understood in connection with Christ’s glorious appearing to establish His kingdom rather than the Church’s catching away.
Christ in the Parable
Christ is central throughout this parable. He is the Son of Man who owns the field. He is the Sower who plants the good seed. He is the sovereign Lord who permits history to unfold according to His perfect wisdom. He is the coming Judge who will send forth His angels. He is the King whose kingdom shall ultimately triumph over every work of Satan. The apparent success of evil is temporary. The final victory belongs entirely to Jesus Christ.
Summary
The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds reveals the present character of the Kingdom of Heaven during the King’s rejection. Throughout this age, true believers and false professors exist side by side within the sphere of Christendom. Satan actively sows counterfeits, yet he cannot frustrate God’s sovereign purpose. At the close of the age, the Son of Man will return, the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, judgment will fall upon the unbelieving, and the redeemed will shine in the glory of the Messiah’s kingdom. The parable therefore calls believers to faithfulness, discernment, patience, and confident expectation of Christ’s victorious return.
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