Book of Matthew - Chapter 13 - Verse 28

When Jesus speaks the words "An enemy hath done this," he is referring to the parable of the wheat and the tares, which is found in the gospel of Matthew. In this parable, Jesus explains that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. The servants of the man are concerned about the presence of these weeds and ask if they should go and gather them up. This verse teaches us that evil exists in the world, and that we must be vigilant in recognizing and dealing with it. It reminds us that there is a spiritual battle between good and evil, and that we must be prepared to confront and overcome the challenges that come our way. By understanding this parable, we can learn to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and discernment, always seeking to uphold what is good and true.

In the theological interpretation of the verse "He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?", some scholars focus on the concept of evil and the presence of an adversary in the world. The phrase "An enemy hath done this" reveals the existence of malevolent forces at work in the world, seeking to cause chaos and destruction. This interpretation highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing the need for vigilance and discernment in identifying and combating these negative influences.

Additionally, a word study of the term "enemy" in this verse can provide further insight into the nature of this antagonist. In the original Greek, the word used for "enemy" is "echthros," which conveys the idea of someone who is actively hostile or opposed to another. This sheds light on the intentional and malicious nature of the actions being attributed to the enemy in this parable. The response of the servants, asking if they should gather up the offenders, reflects a desire to address and rectify the damage caused by this adversary, demonstrating a sense of duty and responsibility in confronting evil.