King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:30 Mean?

Matthew 13:30 in the King James Version says “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 13:30 · KJV

Context

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.

31

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

32

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Read Matthew 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This parable of wheat and tares addresses the mixed nature of the visible church and God's final judgment. 'Let both grow together' (ἄφετε συναυξάνεσθαι ἀμφότερα/aphete synauxanesthai amphotera)—God's sovereign decision to allow believers and unbelievers to coexist in this age.

The 'tares' (ζιζάνια/zizania) are likely darnel, a weed resembling wheat until maturity. In the visible church, false professors look like genuine believers initially; only time and fruit reveal the difference (Matthew 7:20). Jesus explains this parable: the field is the world, wheat are 'children of the kingdom,' tares are 'children of the wicked one,' sown by the devil (Matthew 13:37-39).

'Until the harvest' (ἕως τοῦ θερισμοῦ/heōs tou therismou)—the harvest is 'the end of the world' (συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος/synteleia tou aiōnos, verse 39). God patiently allows the present mixed state, not because He cannot distinguish wheat from tares, but because removing tares prematurely might uproot wheat. Some who appear to be tares may yet be converted; hasty church discipline could harm genuine believers.

Yet judgment is certain: 'in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers'—at the appointed time, God will command separation. Tares will be 'bound in bundles to burn'—gathered for destruction, experiencing hell's eternal fire (Matthew 13:41-42). Wheat will be gathered 'into my barn'—brought safely to eternal glory. This should comfort believers under persecution (the church endures Satan's attacks) while warning false professors that final separation approaches.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient farming involved broadcast sowing by hand. Enemies sometimes sabotaged crops by sowing weed seeds among grain—a malicious act Jesus's audience would recognize. Roman law actually prohibited this practice, showing its prevalence.

This parable addresses the disciples' expectation that Messiah's kingdom would immediately purge wickedness. Jesus teaches that the kingdom comes in two stages: already (inaugurated through His first coming) and not yet (consummated at His return). The church age is characterized by coexistence of believers and unbelievers until the final judgment.

Throughout church history, some groups have claimed to be pure churches, excluding all but the manifestly elect. But this parable teaches the impossibility of perfect church purity in this age. Only God perfectly knows His own; human judgment may err.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this parable challenge both excessive leniency (tolerating clear sin) and excessive harshness (judging others' salvation) in the church?
  2. What comfort does this parable offer to believers who live in a world where evil seems to flourish alongside good?
  3. How should the certainty of final harvest and separation affect our evangelism, our patience with immature believers, and our own pursuit of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 36 words
ἄφετε1 of 36

“Let”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

συναυξάνεσθαι2 of 36

“grow together”

G4885

to increase (grow up) together

ἀμφότερα3 of 36

“both”

G297

(in plural) both

μέχρι4 of 36

“until”

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

τοῦ5 of 36
G3588

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

θερισμοῦ6 of 36

“of harvest”

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

καὶ7 of 36

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν8 of 36

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ9 of 36
G3588

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

καιρῷ10 of 36

“the time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τοῦ11 of 36
G3588

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

θερισμοῦ12 of 36

“of harvest”

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

ἐρῶ13 of 36

“I will say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

τοῖς14 of 36
G3588

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

θερισταῖς15 of 36

“to the reapers”

G2327

a harvester

Συλλέξατε16 of 36

“Gather ye together”

G4816

to collect

πρῶτον17 of 36

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

τὰ18 of 36
G3588

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

ζιζάνια19 of 36

“the tares”

G2215

darnel or false grain

καὶ20 of 36

“and”

G2532

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

δήσατε21 of 36

“bind”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτά22 of 36

“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

εἰς23 of 36

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δέσμας24 of 36

“bundles”

G1197

a bundle

πρὸς25 of 36

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ26 of 36
G3588

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

κατακαῦσαι27 of 36

“burn”

G2618

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

αὐτά28 of 36

“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

τὸν29 of 36
G3588

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

δὲ30 of 36

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

σῖτον31 of 36

“the wheat”

G4621

grain, especially wheat

συναγάγετε32 of 36

“gather”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

εἰς33 of 36

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν34 of 36
G3588

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

ἀποθήκην35 of 36

“barn”

G596

a repository, i.e., granary

μου36 of 36

“my”

G3450

of me

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 13:30 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 13:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 3:121 Timothy 5:241 Corinthians 4:5Malachi 3:18-4:1John 15:6Matthew 13:39-43

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