The Parable of the Weeds

A farmer sows good seed in his field, but an enemy sows weeds among the wheat. The servants ask if they should pull up the weeds, but the farmer instructs them to let both grow together until the harvest.

The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

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?
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.

Back to Index

Night scene: A farmer looking out at his field under a moonlit sky, the wheat and weeds largely indistinguishable in the darkness, symbolizing the hidden nature of evil. The darkness symbolizes the hidden nature of evil, mimicking the parable's depiction of weeds growing subtly among the wheat.

A detailed close-up of soil showing a single wheat root intertwined with the roots of a weed, highlighting the subtle and unseen struggle between good and evil. The intertwined roots represent the subtle and unseen struggle between good and evil, mirroring the gradual growth described in the parable.

An image focused on a hand gently separating a wheat stalk from a weed stalk, symbolizing the final separation at harvest time. The separation of wheat and weeds visually represents the final judgment and separation at the harvest.

Macro closeup of a single wheat stalk amidst a cluster of vibrant green weeds, sunlight illuminating the scene, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. This macro shot focuses on the visual contrast between wheat and weeds, highlighting the central conflict in the parable.

Macro closeup of a wheat kernel contrasted with a weed seed, emphasizing the subtle yet significant differences, illustrating the hidden nature of evil. The comparison of seeds represents the hidden nature of evil, as described in <a href=

Matthew 13:24-30 .' />

A field of wheat bathed in the warm orange glow of morning sunlight; some weeds are visible among the wheat, but the overall impression is one of abundance and growth. A distant farmhouse provides context. The morning light symbolizes the initial growth and prosperity, while the presence of weeds foreshadows the future challenge.

Bright yellow morning sun illuminates a vast field of wheat with a few scattered patches of dark green weeds. The scene evokes the farmer's initial planting and the slow growth of both wheat and weeds. Birds fly overhead. The vastness of the field and the clear sunlight emphasize the abundance of both wheat and weeds, mirroring the parable's core message.

A field of wheat under the soft light of a setting sun; long shadows stretch across the field, highlighting the intermingling of wheat and weeds. The scene conveys the idea that both will grow together until the harvest. The setting sun and long shadows represent the passing of time and the eventual need to separate the wheat from the weeds.

Evening scene with a farmer silhouetted against the setting sun, surveying his field, the wheat and weeds indistinguishable in the fading light, illustrating the uncertainty before harvest. The silhouetted farmer's uncertainty reflects the difficulty of distinguishing good from evil before the harvest.

A group of farmers working in a field at dawn, carefully tending to the wheat while avoiding disturbing the weeds, depicting their adherence to the farmer's instructions. The diligent farmers illustrate obedience to the farmer's instruction to let both grow together.

A group of people, including children, harvesting wheat in the morning sun, inadvertently collecting some weeds in their baskets, representing the inevitable mixing of good and evil. The inadvertent collection of weeds highlights the unavoidable mixing of good and evil until the harvest.

Farmers resting at night under a starlit sky next to their harvest, their faces showing a mixture of weariness and hope, representing the waiting period before separation. The weariness and hope express the patience and anticipation necessary before the final separation.

overlayed with the bible verse 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:

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : The Parable of the Weeds

Macro closeup of a single wheat stalk amidst a cluster of vibrant green weeds, sunlight illuminating the scene, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil.
Macro closeup of a wheat kernel contrasted with a weed seed, emphasizing the subtle yet significant differences, illustrating the hidden nature of evil.
A field of wheat bathed in the warm orange glow of morning sunlight; some weeds are visible among the wheat, but the overall impression is one of abundance and growth. A distant farmhouse provides context.
Bright yellow morning sun illuminates a vast field of wheat with a few scattered patches of dark green weeds. The scene evokes the farmer's initial planting and the slow growth of both wheat and weeds. Birds fly overhead.
A field of wheat under the soft light of a setting sun; long shadows stretch across the field, highlighting the intermingling of wheat and weeds. The scene conveys the idea that both will grow together until the harvest.
Evening scene with a farmer silhouetted against the setting sun, surveying his field, the wheat and weeds indistinguishable in the fading light, illustrating the uncertainty before harvest.
A group of farmers working in a field at dawn, carefully tending to the wheat while avoiding disturbing the weeds, depicting their adherence to the farmer's instructions.
A group of people, including children, harvesting wheat in the morning sun, inadvertently collecting some weeds in their baskets, representing the inevitable mixing of good and evil.
Farmers resting at night under a starlit sky next to their harvest, their faces showing a mixture of weariness and hope, representing the waiting period before separation.
Night scene: A farmer looking out at his field under a moonlit sky, the wheat and weeds largely indistinguishable in the darkness, symbolizing the hidden nature of evil.
A detailed close-up of soil showing a single wheat root intertwined with the roots of a weed, highlighting the subtle and unseen struggle between good and evil.
An image focused on a hand gently separating a wheat stalk from a weed stalk, symbolizing the final separation at harvest time.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Parables of the Kingdom; Explanation of the Parables; The Unyielding Heart; Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.