Matthew 13 presents seven parables, and two explanations of his parables. Overall, the verses in this chapter can be divided into groups (with cross references to parallel sections in the other
gospels): • 1–3: introduce
Jesus preaching in a boat • 3–9:
Parable of the Sower (; ) • 10–17: reason for Parables • 18–23:
Parable of the Sower explained (; ) • 24–30:
Parable of the Tares () • 31–32:
Parable of the Mustard Seed (; ) • 33–35:
Parable of the Leaven () • 36–43:
Parable of the Tares explained • 44:
Parable of the Hidden Treasure • 45–46:
Parable of the Pearl • 47–50:
Parable of Drawing in the Net • 51–52: conclusion • 53–58:
Jesus is rejected in Nazareth (; ) Protestant theologian
Heinrich Meyer identifies two groups of parables: the four first parables (up to ) "were spoken in presence of the multitude, and the other three again within the circle of the
disciples". German liberal Protestant theologian
David Strauss thought this chapter was "overwhelming with parables". The
Textus Receptus has inserted the
definite article (,
to ploion), suggesting that there was a boat kept waiting for him, but other texts do not include the definite article and the
Pulpit Commentary therefore argues that it was "wrongly inserted". ==Verses 51–52==