King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:36 Mean?

Matthew 13:36 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us th...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”

Matthew 13:36 · KJV

Context

34

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

37

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

38

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

Read Matthew 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house—a deliberate transition from public to private teaching. The disciples' request, Declare unto us the parable of the tares (φράσον ἡμῖν τὴν παραβολήν, phrason hēmin tēn parabolēn—'explain to us'), shows they recognized deeper meaning beyond the surface story, unlike the crowds who heard but did not understand (v. 13-15).

This pattern—public parables, private explanations—distinguishes the disciples who were given 'to know the mysteries of the kingdom' (v. 11). The request demonstrates humility: even the Twelve needed interpretation. Christ's willingness to explain (v. 37-43) affirms the necessity of divine illumination for spiritual comprehension and the special privilege of those who seek understanding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during the same day as the parable discourse (Matthew 13), likely at Peter's house in Capernaum where Jesus frequently stayed. The 'house' represented a safe, intimate setting for deeper theological instruction away from hostile scribes and Pharisees in the crowd.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you actively seek Christ's explanation of scriptural truths, or assume surface-level understanding is sufficient?
  2. What does this passage teach about the proper relationship between public preaching and private discipleship?
  3. How does the disciples' willingness to ask for clarification challenge our pride in 'already knowing' biblical truths?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Τότε1 of 25

“Then”

G5119

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

ἀφεὶς2 of 25

“away”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τοὺς3 of 25
G3588

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

ὄχλους4 of 25

“the multitude”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἦλθεν5 of 25

“and went”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς6 of 25

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν7 of 25
G3588

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

οἰκίαν8 of 25

“the house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ὁ9 of 25
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς,10 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ11 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

προσῆλθον12 of 25

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτοῦ13 of 25

“his”

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

οἱ14 of 25
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ15 of 25

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ16 of 25

“his”

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

λέγοντες17 of 25

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Φράσον18 of 25

“Declare”

G5419

to indicate (by word or act), i.e., (specially), to expound

ἡμῖν19 of 25

“unto us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τὴν20 of 25
G3588

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

παραβολὴν21 of 25

“the parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

τῶν22 of 25
G3588

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

ζιζανίων23 of 25

“of the tares”

G2215

darnel or false grain

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

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

ἀγροῦ25 of 25

“of the field”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

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 13:36 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 13:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:11John 16:17-20Mark 8:9Mark 6:45Matthew 15:15-16Matthew 9:28

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