New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 13:37

Secrets of the Kingdom

He replied, “The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. Matthew 13:37 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 13:37, in plain English

Jesus begins to explain: the one who plants the good seed is the Son of Man -- Jesus Himself.

Why it's here

Jesus is the farmer in the story. He is the one planting good things in the world.

Who's speaking

Jesus explains the parable to the disciples.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus reveals He is the central figure in the story. He is the one doing the planting -- placing His people throughout the world like good seed.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus identifies the sower of good seed as 'the Son of Man' (ho huios tou anthropou), applying this messianic title to Himself as the one who establishes kingdom citizens in the world.

Language and setting

The Son of Man title combines Daniel 7:13's divine authority figure with the earthly ministry of Jesus. As sower, Jesus is the initiator of God's kingdom work in the world.

Voice

Jesus begins interpreting the weeds parable for the disciples.

Significance

Jesus begins His authorized interpretation by revealing that He Himself, the Son of Man, is the sower who plants the kingdom's citizens throughout the world.

In context

Matthew 13:35–39

35So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

36Then Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37He replied, “The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

38The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,

39and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

Read all of Matthew 13 — A farmer scatters seed, a woman hides yeast, a merchant finds a pearl. Jesus teaches in parables — and not everyone is meant to understand.

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