Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Identification Tares, in the biblical context, refer to a type of weed that closely resembles wheat during the early stages of growth. The term "tares" is often associated with the plant known as darnel (Lolium temulentum), which is a weed that can be found in grain fields. Darnel is particularly insidious because it looks almost identical to wheat until the plants mature and the ears appear. This similarity makes it difficult to distinguish between the two until the harvest time. Biblical Reference The most notable reference to tares is found in the Parable of the Weeds, also known as the Parable of the Tares, in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the kingdom of heaven and the coexistence of good and evil in the world: "Jesus presented another parable to them: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away. When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.'" (Matthew 13:24-26) In this parable, the "good seed" represents the children of the kingdom, while the "weeds" or "tares" symbolize the children of the evil one. The enemy who sows the tares is identified as the devil. The parable emphasizes the patience required until the time of harvest, when the reapers will separate the wheat from the tares. Interpretation and Symbolism The parable of the tares is rich in symbolism and has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. From a conservative Christian perspective, the parable underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil in the world. It serves as a reminder that the church and the world will contain both true believers and those who are not, until the final judgment. The patience of the landowner, who allows both wheat and tares to grow together until the harvest, reflects God's forbearance and the opportunity for repentance. The eventual separation at harvest time signifies the final judgment, where the righteous will be gathered into God's kingdom, and the wicked will face eternal separation from God. Practical Application The parable of the tares encourages believers to remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing that not all who appear to be part of the community of faith are genuine. It calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and maturity, ensuring that one's faith is authentic and rooted in Christ. Furthermore, the parable teaches the importance of leaving judgment to God. While believers are called to uphold truth and righteousness, ultimate judgment belongs to God, who alone can discern the true nature of each person's heart. Conclusion The concept of tares serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by the church in a fallen world. It highlights the need for discernment, patience, and trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. Easton's Bible Dictionary The bearded darnel, mentioned only in Matthew 13:25-30. It is the Lolium temulentum, a species of rye-grass, the seeds of which are a strong soporific poison. It bears the closest resemblance to wheat till the ear appears, and only then the difference is discovered. It grows plentifully in Syria and Palestine. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TAREStarz (zizania (Matthew 13:25), margin "darnel"): Zizania is equivalent to Arabic zuwan, the name given to several varieties of darnel of which Lolium temulentum, the "bearded darnel," is the one most resembling wheat, and has been supposed to be degenerated wheat. On the near approach of harvest it is carefully weeded out from among the wheat by the women and children. Zuwan is commonly used as chickens' food; it is not poisonous to human beings unless infected with the mold ergot. Greek 2215. zizanion -- zizanium (a kind of darnel resembling wheat) ... 2215 (plural, tares) -- a tare (darnel); (figuratively) a pseudo-believer (false Christian); a person living without faith from God and therefore is "all show ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2215.htm - 6k Library The Enemy Sowing Tares. The Tares. The Wheat and the Tares Of the Seed of the Tares. The Parable of the Tares: the House of Jesus. The Wheat and Tares. Mt 13:37-42 The Tares. Present Heresies (Seedlings of the Tares Noted by the Sacred ... The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ... Parable of the Various Kinds of Fish in the Net. --Of the Wheat ... Thesaurus Tares (9 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TARES. ...Tares (9 Occurrences). Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. ... /t/tares.htm - 9k Premillennial Millennium Antichrist (4 Occurrences) Target (14 Occurrences) View (86 Occurrences) Parable (52 Occurrences) Nay (92 Occurrences) Wicked (476 Occurrences) Whence (84 Occurrences) Resources What is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? | GotQuestions.orgIf our salvation is eternally secure, why does the Bible warn so strongly against apostasy? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Dragnet? | GotQuestions.org Tares: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tares (9 Occurrences)Matthew 13:25 Matthew 13:26 Matthew 13:27 Matthew 13:29 Matthew 13:30 Matthew 13:36 Matthew 13:38 Matthew 13:40 Job 31:40 Subtopics Related Terms |
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