King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:26 Mean?

Matthew 13:26 in the King James Version says “But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.”

Matthew 13:26 · KJV

Context

24

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

25

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27

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?

28

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also (ὅτε δὲ ἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος καὶ καρπὸν ἐποίησεν, τότε ἐφάνη καὶ τὰ ζιζάνια)—phanerōthē means 'became visible, revealed.' Darnel looks identical to wheat during early growth; only when grain heads emerge does the difference become obvious. Wheat produces edible seed; darnel produces toxic seed. Similarly, false believers appear genuine until pressure, testing, or time reveals true character.

The fruit-bearing stage exposes reality. Profession without fruit evidences false faith (Matthew 7:16-20). This timing—appearing then (τότε), not earlier—explains why church discipline addresses manifest sin rather than suspected hypocrisy. We can't identify tares during 'blade' stage; we must wait for 'fruit' to reveal true nature. Patient discernment, not hasty judgment, characterizes wise leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bearded darnel's resemblance to wheat during vegetative growth was notorious—ancient agricultural writers (Pliny, Columella) documented this problem. Only when seed heads formed could farmers distinguish crops from weeds. This parable addresses Matthew's church community struggling with false teachers who initially seemed orthodox but eventually revealed heresy through their 'fruit' (behavior and doctrine).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fruit' distinguishes genuine believers from tares—what evidence reveals true spiritual life?
  2. How does this parable inform church discipline—when should leaders address suspected false profession?
  3. Where might you be impatient to 'root up tares' before their true nature becomes evident through fruit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὅτε1 of 13

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐβλάστησεν3 of 13

“was sprung up”

G985

to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit

ὁ4 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χόρτος5 of 13

“the blade”

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

καὶ6 of 13

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καρπὸν7 of 13

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ἐποίησεν8 of 13

“brought forth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τότε9 of 13

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐφάνη10 of 13

“appeared”

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

καὶ11 of 13

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζιζάνια13 of 13

“the tares”

G2215

darnel or false grain

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 4:26-29

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