King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:28 Mean?

Matthew 13:28 in the King James Version says “He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 13:28 · KJV

Context

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?

29

But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30

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.

Read Matthew 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He said unto them, An enemy hath done this (ἐχθρὸς ἄνθρωπος τοῦτο ἐποίησεν)—the master immediately identifies the source: not negligence, not defective seed, but hostile action. Jesus's interpretation (v. 39) clarifies: the enemy is the devil. This absolves God of evil's origin while asserting His sovereign control—evil operates only by permission within parameters God sets.

The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? (θέλεις οὖν ἀπελθόντες συλλέξωμεν αὐτά;)—the servants' zealous desire to purge tares reflects human impulse toward immediate judgment. They want instant justice, pure community, visible separation. The question 'Wilt thou?' acknowledges the master's authority while advocating aggressive action. This represents immature zeal that would 'root up' questionable members rather than exercise patience until final judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The enemy's covert sowing reflects real agricultural sabotage in the ancient world, documented in Roman law (Twelve Tables). Spiritually, this addresses first-century questions about why Messiah's kingdom includes false disciples—shouldn't Messiah purge all evil immediately? The servants' eagerness to 'gather them up' mirrors Jewish expectations of Messiah's immediate judgment, which Jesus's parable corrects by introducing delay until harvest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does identifying Satan as the enemy of God's work change your understanding of evil's presence in the church?
  2. Where do you see the servants' zealous desire to 'gather up tares'—impatient judgment that won't wait for God's timing?
  3. What balance must church leaders strike between purity and patience—addressing clear evil while allowing time for unclear cases?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὁ1 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 18
G1161

but, and, etc

ἔφη3 of 18

“He said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

αὐτά4 of 18

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἐχθρὸς5 of 18

“An enemy”

G2190

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

ἄνθρωπος6 of 18
G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τοῦτο7 of 18

“this”

G5124

that thing

ἐποίησεν8 of 18

“hath done”

G4160

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

οἱ9 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 18
G1161

but, and, etc

δοῦλοι11 of 18

“The servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

εἶπον12 of 18

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτά13 of 18

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Θέλεις14 of 18

“Wilt thou”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

οὖν15 of 18

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀπελθόντες16 of 18

“that we go”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

συλλέξωμεν17 of 18

“and gather”

G4816

to collect

αὐτά18 of 18

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 13:28 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 13:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:3-71 Thessalonians 5:14Luke 9:49-54Jude 1:22-232 Corinthians 2:6-11

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 13 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes