Parables, Parable of the Weeds
Matthew 13:30 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.
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’
Leave both to be grown together until the harvest: and at the harvest. I will say to the harvester: gather first the weeds and tie them up into handfuls for the burning of them: the, however, wheat bring together into my storehouse.
The good benefits from being raised with the bad.
Lots of uncommon words in the verse. This may be because Jesus was trying to make the master in his story sound more verbal than the average person. The first word here, however, is verb common. Translated as "let," is the same word that is translated as "forgive" in the Gospels, as in forgiving sins. The word actually means "let it go" or "leave it be."
However, the verb translated a "grow together" may be the point of the verse, It has the sense of working or growing better together than separately. The root word means "strengthen." This is the only time the NT uses this word.
Two similar terms, one meaning "collect" and the other meaning "bring together" are used to describe the gathering of the weeds and wheat respectively. In the KJV, both a translated as "gather," but as "collect" and "gather" in the NIV.
Jesus may be describing using these weeds as fuel for the fires that bake bread. This is strongly implied by the word chosen for "gathering," which has the sense of picking out something for a purpose. If Jesus didn't see the value in the weeds as fuel, he wouldn't gather them first and bind into bundles. He would gather the wheat and burn the weeds left in the fields. If John 4:35 is a guide, the false and the true here on not just people, but what they produce in the lives, the fruit of their life in this world.
If we look at this verse and the previous verse more closely, Jesus seems to be suggesting that the false and the true are intentionally raised together so that they may be more productive (Matthew 13:29), and that in the end, the false are productive by providing the "fire" to make the true into a finish product, the bread."
- WP -- Wrongly Placed -- The word "the" doesn't appear before "time" but but "harvest."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "gather" is not the common word usually translated as "gather."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "for" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "to" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "burning" is not shown in the English translation.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "burning" is not an active verb but a noun, "the burning."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "barn" is not shown in the English translation.
- WP -- Wrongly Placed -- The word "that" doesn't appear before "time" but but "harvest."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "harvest" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "for" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "to" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "burning" is not shown in the English translation.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "burned" is not an active verb but a noun, "the burning."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "then" should be something more like "however."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "and bring it" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "barn" is not shown in the English translation.
Let - The word translated as "let" primarily means "to let go" or "to send away." This same word is usually translated as "leave," "forgive," "suffer," and "let" in the New Testament.`
both - The word translated as "both" means "both sides" and "both ways" as well as "both together." It is chosen because unlike the common word for "both," it implies two different ways or sides together.
grow together - The word translated as "grow together" is a verb that means literally "to make grow with," but with the sense of being together helps both grow. This verb is in a form where the subject affects themselves: so that they may join in growing each other. This term is used to describe situations where you intentionally raise two things together to get the result that you want.
until - The word translated as "until" means "until" but it also means "in order that."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
harvest: - "Harvest" is from a noun which means "mowing," "reaping," "harvest time," "harvest," and "crop." In John 4:35, Jesus uses this term to refer to the gathering of the fruits for eternal life.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
in - The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with," "during" (time), or "among" in the form here.
the (WP) - -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
time - The word translated as "time" is the concept of time as a moment as opposed to a measurement. The ideas of good times or bad times as a part from seconds, minutes, and hours.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
harvest - "Harvest" is from a noun which means "mowing," "reaping," "harvest time," "harvest," and "crop." In John 4:35, Jesus uses this term to refer to the gathering of the fruits for eternal life.
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
say "Say" is from the most common means "to say" and "to speak" also. However, it has less a sense of teaching and more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
reapers, - The word translated as "reapers" is a noun related to the word for "harvest" used above. Both are forms of the noun that means "to reap," "to mow," and "to harvest."
Gather - (CW)The term used for gathering the weeds specifically means collecting something for use. The word means a selective choosing rather than an indiscriminate gathering.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
together - This is from the verbs prefix, which means "along with."
first - -- The word translated as "first" takes a lot of different types of "first" meanings from its context. Here, it is technically an adjective but it plays the role of the English adverb "initially."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
tares, - The term translated as "tares" is from a weed that grows among wheat crops, a kind of imitation wheat, that had black kernels instead of real wheat when it mature. It comes from a Sumerian word for "wheat."
and " -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
bind -- "Bind" is a verb that means "to bind," "to keep in bonds," "to tie," "to hinder from," and "to fetter. " It is a command.
them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure. The word for "into" appears in some manuscripts but not others.
bundles - The word translated as "bundles" also means "packages" and "handfuls." This is the only time Jesus used this work.
missing "for" -- (MW) The untranslated word means "towards," "by reason of (for)," "before" both in time and place, "in the presence of," "against," and several other types of "before."
to -- (IW) This "to" is added because the infinitive form of the verb requires a "to" in English. However, though the verb is an infinitive, it is preceded by an untranslated article, which makes it act like a noun describing the action of the verb.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
burn - (WF) "Burn" is a verb that literally means "burn through out" and is generally used to mean "to burn completely." It is in the form of an infinitive that with an article is used as a noun, but we use gerunds for that purpose, "the burning."
them:-- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
but - -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
gather - --The Greek word translated as "gather" means "to bring together." It has many different uses, but it does not specifically mean gathering in the crops. That is why that idea is provided specifically by the phrase that follows. Jesus most often uses this word to mean bringing people together. He only uses it to mean "gather" crops a handful of times.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
wheat - - "The wheat" is from a word that means "grain," "wheat," "barley," "food made from grain," "bread," and, most generally, "food."
into -- The word translated as "into" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun. This pronoun follows the noun so "of mine."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
barn. "Barn" is from a word that means "storehouse" and other storage places including "burial place."
Let - The word translated as "let" primarily means "to let go" or "to send away." This same word is usually translated as "leave," "forgive," "suffer," and "let" in the New Testament.`
both - The word translated as "both" means "both sides" and "both ways" as well as "both together." It is chosen because unlike the common word for "both," it implies two different ways or sides together.
grow together - The word translated as "grow together" is a verb that means literally "to make grow with," but with the sense of being together helps both grow. This verb is in a form where the subject affects themselves: so that they may join in growing each other. This term is used to describe situations where you intentionally raise two things together to get the result that you want.
until - The word translated as "until" means "until" but it also means "in order that."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
harvest: - "Harvest" is from a noun which means "mowing," "reaping," "harvest time," "harvest," and "crop." In John 4:35, Jesus uses this term to refer to the gathering of the fruits for eternal life.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
At - The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with," "during" (time), or "among" in the form here.
that (WP) - -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
time - The word translated as "time" is the concept of time as a moment as opposed to a measurement. The ideas of good times or bad times as a part from seconds, minutes, and hours.
missing "harvest" -- (MW) The untranslated word "mowing," "reaping," "harvest time," "harvest," and "crop." In John 4:35, Jesus uses this term to refer to the gathering of the fruits for eternal life.
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
tell -- "Tell" is from the most common means "to say" and "to speak" also. However, it has less a sense of teaching and more a sense of addressing and proclaiming.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
harvesters, - The word translated as "harvesters" is a noun related to the word for "harvest" used above. Both are forms of the noun that means "to reap," "to mow," and "to harvest."
First - -- The word translated as "first" takes a lot of different types of "first" meanings from its context. Here, it is technically an adjective but it plays the role of the English adverb "initially."
collect - The term used for gathering the weeds specifically means collecting something for use. The word means a selective choosing rather than an indiscriminate gathering.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
weeds, - The term translated as "weeds" is from a weed that grows among wheat crops, a kind of imitation wheat, that had black kernels instead of real wheat when it mature. It comes from a Sumerian word for "wheat."
and " -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
tie -- "Tie" is a verb that means "to bind," "to keep in bonds," "to tie," "to hinder from," and "to fetter. " It is a command.
them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure. The word for "into" appears in some manuscripts but not others.
bundles - The word translated as "bundles" also means "packages" and "handfuls." This is the only time Jesus used this work.
missing "for" -- (MW) The untranslated word means "towards," "by reason of (for)," "before" both in time and place, "in the presence of," "against," and several other types of "before."
to -- (IW) This "to" is added because the infinitive form of the verb requires a "to" in English. However, though the verb is an infinitive, it is preceded by an untranslated article, which makes it act like a noun describing the action of the verb.
be -- (WV) This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive, but the verb is not active, it is a noun used as a noun.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
burned - (WF) "Burned" is a verb that literally means "burn through out" and is generally used to mean "to burn completely." It is in the form of an infinitive that with an article is used as a noun, but we use gerunds for that purpose, "the burning."
missing "for" -- (MW) The untranslated word "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
then - -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "then" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
gather - --The Greek word translated as "gather" means "to bring together." It has many different uses, but it does not specifically mean gathering in the crops. That is why that idea is provided specifically by the phrase that follows. Jesus most often uses this word to mean bringing people together. He only uses it to mean "gather" crops a handful of times.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This article modifies "harvest" not "time."
wheat - - "The wheat" is from a word that means "grain," "wheat," "barley," "food made from grain," "bread," and, most generally, "food."
and bring it -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "and bring it " in the Greek source.
into -- The word translated as "into" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun. This pronoun follows the noun so "of mine."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
barn. "Barn" is from a word that means "storehouse" and other storage places including "burial place."
ἄφετε (verb 2nd pl aor imperat act) "I leave" is from aphiemi, which means "to let fall," "to send away," "give up," "hand over," "to let loose," "to get rid of," "to leave alone," "to pass by," "to permit," and "to send forth from oneself."
συναυξάνεσθαι [1 verse](verb pres inf mp) The word translated as "grow together" is sunauxanô, which means "increase or enlarge along with or together," "join or assist in increasing," "join in exaggerating," and, in the passive, "increase with or together," "wax larger together with," and literally "to make grow with." This term is used to describe situations where you intentionally raise two things together to get the result that you want.
ἀμφότερα [5 verses](adj pl neut acc) "Both" is amphoteroi, which means "either," "both of two," "both together," "towards both sides," "both ways," "on both sides," and "all together."
ἕως (conj) ""Until" is from heos which means "until," "till," and "in order that" and "up to the point that."
τοῦ (article sg masc gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the")
θερισμοῦ: [7 verses](noun sg masc gen) "Harvest" is therismos, which means "mowing," "reaping," "harvest time," "harvest," and "crop."
καὶ (conj) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
ἐν (prep) "In" is from en, which means "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," and "with." -
καιρῷ (noun sg masc dat) "The time" is kairos, which means "due measure," "proportion," "fitness," "exact time," "season," "opportunity," "time," "critical times," "advantage," and "profit."
τοῦ (article sg masc gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the")
θερισμοῦ (noun sg masc gen) "Harvest" is from therismos, which means "mowing," "reaping," "harvest time," "harvest," and "crop."
ἐρῶ (verb 1st sg fut ind act ) "I will say" is from eipon, which means "to speak," "to say," "to recite," "to address," "to mention," "to name," "to proclaim," "to plead," "to promise," and "to offer."
τοῖς (article pl masc dat) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the")
θερισταῖς [2 verses](noun pl masc dat) "To the reapers" is theristes, which means "a reaper," and "harvester."
Συλλέξατε [8 verses](verb 2nd pl aor imperat act) "Gather ye together" is sylego, a term meaning "gather," "collect," "come together," "collect," "get together [people]," "compose," "compile," "scrape together," "compile a list of," (in middle passive) "collect for oneself," "for one's own use," and (in passive) "come together," "become customary," "come together," "assemble."
πρῶτον (adj sg neut nom) "First" is from protos. In place, this means "the foremost." Of time, it means "the initial." In order, it means "the first." In math, it means the prime numbers. Of rank or degree, it means "the highest" or "the best." -
τὰ (article pl neut acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the")
ζιζάνια [7 verses](noun pl neut acc) The term translated as "tares" is zizanion, which was a weed that grows in wheat, a kind of imitation wheat, that had black kernels instead of real wheat when it mature. It comes from a Sumerian word for "wheat."
καὶ (conj) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
δήσατε [10 verses](verb 2nd pl aor imperat act) "Bind" is deo which means "to bind," "to keep in bonds," "to tie," "to hinder from," and "to fetter. "
αὐτὰ (adj pl neut acc) "Them" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord."
[εἰς] "Into" is from eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)." -
δέσμας [1 verse]((noun pl fem acc) "Bundles" is from desme, which means "package," "bundle," "handfuls," and was an Egyptian "measure."
πρὸς (prep) Untranslated is from pros, which means "on the side of," "in the direction of," "from (place)," "towards ""before," "in the presence of," "in the eyes of," "in the name of," "by reason of," "before (supplication)," "proceeding from (for effects)," "dependent on," "derivable from," "agreeable,""becoming," "like," "at the point of," "in addition to," "against," and "before." --
τὸ (article sg neut acc) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
κατακαῦσαι [2 verses](verb aor inf act) "To burn" is from katakaiô, which literally means "burn through out" and is generally used to mean "to burn completely," of the fingers, "to be burnt (with hot food)," of hot winds, "parch," and, in the passive, of fire, "burn down," and "burn out."
αὐτά, (adj pl neut acc) "Them" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord."
τὸν (article sg masc acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun but here is separated by the conjunction below.
δὲ (conj) "But" is from de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").
σῖτον [8 verses](noun sg masc acc)"Wheat" is sitos, which means "grain," "wheat," "barley," "food made from grain," "bread," and, most generally, "food."
συνάγετε [23 verses](verb 2nd pl pres imperat act) "Gather" is from synago, which means "bring together," "gather together," "pit [two warriors against each other]," "join in one," "unite," "make friends of," "lead with one," "receive," "reconcile," "draw together," "narrow," "contract," "conclude [from premises]," " infer," and "prove."
εἰς (prep) "Into" is from eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."
τὴν (article) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
ἀποθήκην [4 verses](noun sg fem acc) "Barn" is from apotheke, which means "any place wherein to lay up a thing," "magazine," "storehouse," "burial-place," "refuge," "anything laid by," "store," and "store of favor."
μου. (pron 1st sg masc gen) "My" is mou, which mean "my," or "mine." As a genitive object means movement away from something or a position away from something else. -
The word for "bind" also means "to hinder."
The word translated as "gather" for the false wheat means "to pick out" with the sense of separation.
The word translated as "gather" for the wheat has the sense of bringing together.
“Leave both to get stronger together until the harvest,” the Master continued in his roles as the master of the house, “and at the harvest. I will say to the harvesters.”
He gestured indicating that the audience was his harvesters.
“Collect first the weeds,” he said, illustrating by bending down and pretending to pull a handful of weeds with his right hand and then spinning his left hand around it, “and tie them up into handfuls.”
He then performed the throwing-out-the-trash gesture familiar to everyone who had seen his teaching.”
The crowd laughed.
“For their burning,” the Master added.
“In the trash heap of Gehenna,” someone commented, referring to his teaching.
The Master nodded and held his nose in response to the call.
The crowd laughed again at the reference to the smell of the burning dump outside of Jerusalem.
“The wheat, however, bring together, said the Master. “Into....”
The Master paused, looking at the audience expectantly.
“This realm of the skies,” several groups chanted together, anticipating the Master.
The Master laughed and nodded, but using the regal voice he had adopted added, “Into that...storehouse...of mine.”
His tone and pacing made it clear that this was the end of the story and he took a little bow.