The Wheat and the Tares Parable — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on the wheat and the tares parable, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 13:24 (KJV)
To what is the kingdom of heaven likened?
Answer: A man which sowed good seed in his field
Study note. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. (Matthew 13:24)
Lesson 2 · Matthew 13:25 (KJV)
What did the enemy do while men slept?
Answer: Sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way
Study note. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. (Matthew 13:25)
Lesson 3 · Matthew 13:26 (KJV)
When did the tares appear?
Answer: When the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit
Study note. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. (Matthew 13:26)
Lesson 4 · Matthew 13:27 (KJV)
What did the servants ask the householder?
Answer: Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Study note. 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? (Matthew 13:27)
Lesson 5 · Matthew 13:28 (KJV)
Who sowed the tares?
Answer: An enemy hath done this
Study note. He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. (Matthew 13:28)
Lesson 6 · Matthew 13:29 (KJV)
Why did the householder say not to gather up the tares?
Answer: Lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them
Study note. But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. (Matthew 13:29)
Lesson 7 · Matthew 13:30 (KJV)
When should they be gathered?
Answer: In the time of harvest
Study note. 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. (Matthew 13:30)
Lesson 8 · Matthew 13:37 (KJV)
Who is the sower of the good seed?
Answer: The Son of man
Study note. He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man. (Matthew 13:37)
Lesson 9 · Matthew 13:38 (KJV)
What does the field represent?
Answer: The world
Study note. The field is the world. (Matthew 13:38)
Lesson 10 · Matthew 13:41 (KJV)
What will the angels do at the end of the world?
Answer: Gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity
Study note. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Matthew 13:41-43)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does the wheat and the tares parable point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?