Matthew 13:34
Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.
Jesus spoke
The Greek word for "spoke" is "ἐλάλησεν" (elalēsen), which implies a deliberate and purposeful communication. Jesus, as the divine Logos, embodies the Word of God, and His speaking is an act of revelation. In the context of His ministry, every word He uttered was filled with authority and divine insight, intended to convey the truths of the Kingdom of Heaven.

all these things
This phrase refers to the teachings and parables that Jesus had been sharing with the people. The Greek "πάντα ταῦτα" (panta tauta) suggests a comprehensive and inclusive nature of His teachings. Jesus' parables covered a wide range of spiritual truths, from the nature of the Kingdom to the condition of the human heart, reflecting the fullness of His message.

to the crowds
The term "crowds" is translated from the Greek "ὄχλοις" (ochlois), indicating large groups of people from various backgrounds. These were the common people, often marginalized and overlooked by the religious elite. Jesus' choice to address the crowds highlights His mission to reach all of humanity, offering the message of salvation to everyone, regardless of social status.

in parables
The Greek word "παραβολαῖς" (parabolais) refers to accounts or analogies used to illustrate deeper spiritual truths. Parables were a common teaching method in Jewish culture, but Jesus used them uniquely to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. They served both to reveal and conceal, offering insight to those with open hearts while obscuring the truth from those who were spiritually blind.

He did not tell them anything
This phrase underscores the exclusivity of Jesus' teaching method at this point in His ministry. The Greek "οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς" (ouden elalei autois) emphasizes that Jesus chose parables as His sole means of communication with the crowds. This deliberate choice highlights the importance of seeking understanding and the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the truths of God.

without using a parable
The phrase "χωρὶς παραβολῆς" (chōris parabolēs) indicates that parables were an essential tool in Jesus' teaching arsenal. This method fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 78:2, which speaks of opening the mouth in parables. It also reflects the wisdom of God, who uses simple accounts to convey profound truths, inviting listeners to engage deeply with His message and seek divine understanding.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who uses parables as a teaching method to convey spiritual truths.

2. The Crowds
The large groups of people who followed Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles.

3. Parables
Short, allegorical accounts used by Jesus to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons, often drawn from everyday life.
Teaching Points
The Purpose of Parables
Parables are designed to reveal and conceal truth. They invite listeners to engage deeply and reflect on their meanings.

Spiritual Discernment
Understanding parables requires spiritual insight and a heart open to God's truth. This discernment is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Engagement with Scripture
Like the crowds, we are called to actively engage with Scripture, seeking to understand the deeper meanings behind Jesus' teachings.

The Role of the Teacher
Jesus exemplifies the role of a teacher who uses relatable accounts to communicate profound truths, encouraging us to find ways to share the Gospel effectively.

Commitment to Learning
Just as Jesus explained parables to His disciples, we should seek deeper understanding through study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to speak in parables to the crowds? How does this method of teaching affect your understanding of His message?

2. How can we cultivate the spiritual discernment needed to understand the deeper meanings of parables and other biblical teachings?

3. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Jesus' parables to our daily lives and interactions with others?

4. How does the use of parables in Jesus' teaching connect to the prophecy in Psalm 78:2, and what does this reveal about the continuity of God's plan?

5. Reflect on a parable that has impacted your life. How did it change your perspective or actions, and how can you share its message with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Mark 4:33-34
This passage also highlights Jesus' use of parables, emphasizing that He explained everything to His disciples privately, indicating a deeper level of teaching for those who were committed to following Him.

Psalm 78:2
This Old Testament reference is a prophecy about speaking in parables, which Jesus fulfills, showing the continuity of God's revelation.

Matthew 13:10-17
These verses explain why Jesus used parables, revealing that they were a means to reveal truths to those open to understanding while concealing them from those who were not receptive.
A Rash Zeal for Amendment InjuriousW. M. Taylor. D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
Believers are a Choice People -- Choice GrainMatthew 13:24-41
Blending of Wicked with GodlyA. Fuller.Matthew 13:24-41
Difficulty of Right Judgment in SocietyMarcus Dods.Matthew 13:24-41
Fifth Sunday After EpiphanyJ. A. Seiss, D.D.Matthew 13:24-41
I Shall Show You How Fitly the End of the World May be Compared to HarvestB. Keach.Matthew 13:24-41
I Shall Show You How the TaresMatthew 13:24-41
I Will Show You How the WheatMatthew 13:24-41
Likeness of Wheat and TaresHugh Macmillan.Matthew 13:24-41
Mixture of Tare and WheatBishop Thomas.Matthew 13:24-41
Points in the ParableAnon.Matthew 13:24-41
Separate Bundles of TaresMatthew Henry.Matthew 13:24-41
Separating Tares from WheatVan Lennep.Matthew 13:24-41
Sowing Tares in MaliceMatthew 13:24-41
Tares and WheatThe PulpitMatthew 13:24-41
The Conditions and Limitations of Moral GrowthE. D. Green.Matthew 13:24-41
The End of the WorldMarcus, Dods.Matthew 13:24-41
The Mixed State SocietyDr. M. DodsMatthew 13:24-41
The Parable of the TaresJ. C. JonesMatthew 13:24-41
The Parable of the Wheat and the TaresMatthew 13:24-41
The TaresW. M. Taylor. D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
The Tares and the WheatC. Bradley, M. A.Matthew 13:24-41
The Tares and the WheatB. W. Noel.Matthew 13:24-41
The Tares and WheatExpository OutlinesMatthew 13:24-41
The Two SowersH. Bonar, D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
The Wheat and the TaresE. Gray, M. A.Matthew 13:24-41
What Should a Believer Do to Ripen for the HarvestMatthew 13:24-41
While Men Slept the Devil Sowed His Evil SeedMatthew 13:24-41
Why are the Saints Compared to WheatMatthew 13:24-41
Why God Delays to Punish the Sins of Men in This WorldT. Sherlock, D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
The Great Administrator's ForesightP.C. Barker Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Parable and ProphecyJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 13:31-35
The Foretold Now Become the ToldP.C. Barker Matthew 13:33-36
People
Esaias, Isaiah, James, Jesus, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Mary, Simon
Places
Nazareth, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Anything, Crowd, Crowds, Didn't, Except, Figurative, Form, Indeed, Language, Multitude, Multitudes, Nothing, Parable, Parables, Simile, Similes, Spake, Speak, Speaking, Spoke, Stories, Story, Using
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 13:34

     2081   Christ, wisdom
     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     5279   crowds

Matthew 13:1-52

     2345   Christ, kingdom of

Matthew 13:3-43

     4007   creation, and God

Matthew 13:24-39

     4121   Satan, enemy of God

Matthew 13:31-52

     2357   Christ, parables

Matthew 13:34-35

     5935   riddles

Library
Toleration
(Preached at Christ Church, Marylebone, 1867, for the Bishop of London's Fund.) MATTHEW xiii. 24-30. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the household came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

'To Him that Hath Shall be Given'
'Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.'-- MATT. xiii. 12. There are several instances in the Gospels of our Lord's repetition of sayings which seem to have been, if we may use the expression, favourites with Him; as, for instance, 'There are first which shall be last, and there are last which shall be first'; or, again, 'The servant is not greater than his master, nor the disciple than his lord.'
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Leaven
'The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and bid to three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.'--MATT. xiii. 33. How lovingly and meditatively Jesus looked upon homely life, knowing nothing of the differences, the vulgar differences, between the small and great! A poor woman, with her morsel of barm, kneading it up among three measures of meal, in some coarse earthenware pan, stands to Him as representing the whole process of His work in the world. Matthew brings
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ears and no Ears
'Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.--MATT. xiii. 8. This saying was frequently on our Lord's lips, and that in very various connections. He sometimes, as in the instance before us, appended it to teaching which, from its parabolic form, required attention to disentangle the spiritual truth implied. He sometimes used it to commend some strange, new revolutionary teaching to men's investigation--as, for instance, after that great declaration of the nullity of ceremonial worship, how that nothing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Seeing and Blind
'They seeing, see not.'--MATT. xiii, 13. This is true about all the senses of the word 'seeing'; there is not one man in ten thousand who sees the things before his eyes. Is not this the distinction, for instance, of the poet or painter, and man of science--just that they do see? How true is this about the eye of the mind, what a small number really understand what they know! But these illustrations are of less moment than the saddest example--religious indifference. I wish to speak about this now,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Four Sowings and one Ripening
'The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2. And great multitudes were gathered together unto Him, so that He went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 8. And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4. And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 6. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mingled in Growth, Separated in Maturity
'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.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Treasure and Pearl
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. 45. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: 46. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.'--MATT. xiii. 44-46. In this couple of parables, which are twins, and must be taken together, our Lord utilises two very familiar facts
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 19, Etc. , Where the Lord Jesus Explaineth the Parables of the Sower.
1. Both yesterday and to-day ye have heard the parables of the sower, in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do ye who were present yesterday, recollect to-day. Yesterday we read of that sower, who when he scattered seed, "some fell by the way side," [2507] which the birds picked up; "some in stony places," which dried up from the heat; "some among thorns, which were choked," and could not bring forth fruit; and "other some into good ground, and it brought forth fruit, a hundred, sixty, thirty fold."
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every Scribe who Hath Been Made a Disciple to the Kingdom of Heaven," Etc.
1. The lesson of the Gospel reminds me to seek out, and to explain to you, Beloved, as the Lord shall give me power, who is "that Scribe instructed in the kingdom of God, who is "like unto an householder bringing out of his treasure things new and old." [2524] For here the lesson ended. "What are the new and old things of an instructed Scribe?" Now it is well known who they were, whom the ancients, after the custom of our Scriptures, called Scribes, those, namely, who professed the knowledge of the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Sown among Thorns
WHEN that which comes of his sowing is unfruitful, the sower's work is wasted: he has spent his strength for nothing. Without fruit the sower's work would even seem to be insane, for he takes good wheat, throws it away, and loses it in the ground. Preaching is the most idle of occupations if the Word is not adapted to enter the heart, and produce good results. O my hearers, if you are not converted, I waste time and energy in standing here! People might well think it madness that one whole day in
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th of February, 1553.
MATTHEW XIII.--The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way, &c. This is a parable or similitude wherein our Saviour compared the kingdom of God, that is, the preaching of his word, wherein consisteth the salvation of mankind, unto a husbandman who sowed good seed in his field. But before we come unto the matter, you shall first learn to understand what this word parable, which
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

A Man Reaps More than He Sows.
A MAN REAPS MORE THAN HE SOWS. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."--Matt. xiii: 8. If I sow a bushel, I expect to reap ten or twenty bushels. I can sow in one day what will take ten men to reap. The Spaniards have this proverb: "Sow a thought and reap an act. Sow an act, and reap a habit. Sow a habit, and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny." And it takes a longer time to reap than to sow. I have heard
Dwight L. Moody—Sowing and Reaping

The Christian Society
Scripture references: Matthew 13:31-33; 5:21-24; Mark 8:1-9; John 2:1-11; Luke 5:29; 14:13; 1 Peter 2:17; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 11:28-30; 12:50; Luke 15:5,6,8-10; John 17:11-15; Luke 5:29,30; Mark 1:28-33; Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:13-15. THE SOCIAL CIRCLE The Word Society is used to designate the set of people with whom we are on more intimate terms of acquaintanceship--whom we call friends--and those whom we do not know so well, and whom we call acquaintances. The term society may also have other
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision A. Introduction. ^A Matt. XIII. 1-3; ^B Mark IV. 1, 2; ^C Luke VIII. 4. ^a 1 On that day went Jesus out of the house [It is possible that Matthew here refers to the house mentioned at Mark iii. 19. If so, the events in Sections XLVIII.-LVI. all occurred on the same day. There are several indications in the gospel narratives that this is so], and sat by the sea side. ^b 1 And again he began again to teach by the sea side. [By the Sea of Galilee.] And there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus visits Nazareth and is Rejected.
^A Matt. XIII. 54-58; ^B Mark VI. 1-6; ^C Luke IV. 16-31. ^b 1 And he went out from thence [from Capernaum] ; and he cometh { ^a And coming} ^b into his own country; and his disciples follow him. ^c 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up [As to this city, see pages 14 and 55. As to the early years of Jesus at Nazareth, see page 60]: ^b 2 And when the sabbath was come ^c he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. [This does not mean
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake of Galilee, and those to the Disciples in Capernaum
We are once more with Jesus and His disciples by the Lake of Galilee. We love to think that it was in the early morning, when the light laid its golden shadows on the still waters, and the fresh air, untainted by man, was fragrant of earth's morning sacrifice, when no voice of human discord marred the restfulness of holy silence, nor broke the Psalm of Nature's praise. It was a spring morning too, and of such spring-time as only the East, and chiefly the Galilean Lake, knows - nor of mingled sunshine
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
Jesus was born at Nazareth,[1] a small town of Galilee, which before his time had no celebrity.[2] All his life he was designated by the name of "the Nazarene,"[3] and it is only by a rather embarrassed and round-about way,[4] that, in the legends respecting him, he is made to be born at Bethlehem. We shall see later[5] the motive for this supposition, and how it was the necessary consequence of the Messianic character attributed to Jesus.[6] The precise date of his birth is unknown. It took place
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Leaven.
"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."--MATT. xiii. 33. In the mustard-seed we saw the kingdom growing great by its inherent vitality; in the leaven we see it growing great by a contagious influence. There, the increase was attained by development from within; here, by acquisitions from without. It is not that there are two distinct ways in which the Gospel may gain complete
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Hidden Treasure.
"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."--MATT. xiii. 44. These two parables, the hidden treasure and the costly pearl, are even more closely allied to each other than the two which precede them. Generically they teach the same truth; but they teach it with distinct specific differences. It will be most convenient to notice in connection with the first,
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
LUKE xv. The three parables of this chapter, like the seven in Matt. xiii., constitute a connected series. As soon as we begin to look into their contents and relations, it becomes obvious that they have been arranged according to a logical scheme, and that the group so framed is not fragmentary but complete. We cannot indeed fully comprehend the reciprocal relations of all until we shall have examined in detail the actual contents of each; and yet, on the other hand, a preliminary survey of the
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Group in Matt. xiii.
"The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables."--MATT. xiii. 1-3. In Matthew's narrative, the first specimen of that peculiar pictorial method which characterized the teaching of our Lord, is not an isolated parable occurring in the midst of a miscellaneous discourse, but a group of seven presented
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Sower.
"The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

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