The sower and the hearers
Matthew 13:1–23FocusReceiving the word
Connection to the wholeThe parable and explanation make differing responses to the kingdom's word central to understanding the discourse.
interpretation Matthew 13:47
KJVAgain, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Read it in context
Value, judgment, and understanding
Start reading at Matthew 13:44 (Matthew 13:44 to Matthew 13:52).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The treasure, pearl, and net stress the kingdom's worth and coming separation; the discourse closes by addressing instructed understanding.
- 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
- 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
- 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
- 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
- 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
- 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
- 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
- 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
- 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 13:1–13:58): Jesus teaches the crowds in parables and explains their meaning privately to His disciples; the chapter ends with the response in His own country. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Value, judgment, and understanding. Read Matthew 13:44 through Matthew 13:52 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The treasure, pearl, and net stress the kingdom's worth and coming separation; the discourse closes by addressing instructed understanding. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Value, judgment, and understanding (Matthew 13:44 to Matthew 13:52). Start reading at Matthew 13:44. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 13:44, Matthew 13:52, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- a net Matt 4:19 Mark 1:17 Luke 5:10
- and gathered Matt 13:26-30 Matt 22:9-10 Matt 25:1-4 Luke 14:21-23 John 15:2,6 Acts 5:1-10 Acts 8:18-22 Acts 20:30
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 13
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Growth and final separation
Matthew 13:24–43FocusWheat, tares, and kingdom growth
Connection to the wholeFurther parables describe the kingdom's present conditions and future judgment without making human appearance the final measure.
interpretation FocusTreasure and the net
Connection to the wholeThe treasure, pearl, and net stress the kingdom's worth and coming separation; the discourse closes by addressing instructed understanding.
interpretation Rejection at home
Matthew 13:53–58FocusFamiliarity and unbelief
Connection to the wholeThe return to Jesus' own country gives a narrative example of the unbelief the preceding teaching has explored.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.