The Weeds — Hidden Meanings in The Parables of Jesus (PaRDeS)

Introduction

The PaRDeS method of exegesis, developed by Kabbalistic traditions, in particular Rabbi Moses de Leon, offers a multi-faceted approach to understanding sacred texts.

This method of exegesis includes four levels: Peshat (literal meaning), Remez (allegorical meaning), Derash (symbolic meaning), and Sod (secret or mystical meaning).

By applying PaRDeS to the Sermon on the Mount and his parables, we can uncover deeper insights into Jesus Christ’s teachings.

Tares among Wheat

Matthew 13

**24Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. [25](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-25.htm)**“But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. **26“But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. [27](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-27.htm)**“The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ **28“And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ [29](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-29.htm)**“But he said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. **30**‘Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” ….

**36Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” [37](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-37.htm)**And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, **38and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; [39](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-39.htm)**and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. **40“So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. [41](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-41.htm)**“The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, **42and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [43](https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-43.htm)**“Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

PaRDeS Exegesis of the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

The PaRDeS method of exegesis, a Kabbalistic tradition, provides a multi-dimensional approach to interpreting sacred texts, examining them through four interpretative lenses:

Peshat (literal meaning),

Remez (allegorical meaning),

Derash (symbolic meaning), and

Sod (secret or mystical meaning).

Applying this method to the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43) offers a profound understanding of its message.

Peshat (Literal Meaning)

The Peshat level deals with the straightforward, literal interpretation of the text.

Literal Interpretation: In this parable, Jesus describes a farmer who sows good seed in his field. However, while his men are sleeping, an enemy sows tares (weeds) among the wheat. When the wheat begins to sprout, the tares also appear. The farmer’s servants ask if they should remove the tares, but the farmer advises against it to avoid uprooting the wheat. Instead, he instructs them to let both grow until the harvest. At harvest time, the tares will be gathered and burned, and the wheat will be stored in the barn.

Remez (Allegorical Meaning)

The Remez level seeks to uncover the allegorical or metaphorical significance behind the literal words.

Allegorical Interpretation: Jesus explains the allegory to his disciples:

1. The Sower: Represents the Son of Man (Jesus).
2. The Field: Symbolizes the world.
3. Good Seed (Wheat): Represents the sons of the kingdom (the righteous).
4. Tares (Weeds): Represents the sons of the evil one (the wicked).
5. Enemy: Symbolizes the devil.
6. Harvest: Denotes the end of the age (judgment day).
7. Reapers: Represents angels.

The parable allegorically depicts the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the final separation and judgment at the end of time.

Derash (Symbolic Meaning)

The Derash level explores deeper, often symbolic meanings, typically involving moral or homiletic interpretations.

Symbolic Interpretation: This parable symbolically addresses the nature of good and evil within the world and within human communities:

1. Good Seed and Tares: Symbolize the presence of righteousness and wickedness in the world.
2. Servants’ Question: Reflects the concern of the righteous about the presence of evil.
3. Farmer’s Response: Teaches patience and trust in divine judgment rather than taking matters into human hands prematurely.
4. Harvest: Represents the ultimate judgment and separation of good and evil, emphasizing the importance of living righteously despite the presence of evil.

The symbolic meaning encourages believers to maintain their faith and righteousness, trusting in God’s timing and ultimate justice.

Sod (Secret or Mystical Meaning)

The Sod level delves into the mystical, esoteric meanings that might be hidden within the text.

Mystical Interpretation: On a mystical level, the parable can be interpreted as a metaphor for the spiritual struggle within the human soul and the cosmic battle between good and evil:

1. Sower (Son of Man): Represents the divine force planting the seeds of righteousness within the cosmos and human souls.
2. Field (World): Symbolizes the material and spiritual realm where the struggle between good and evil unfolds.
3. Tares (Weeds): Represents the negative forces and influences (karmic residues, spiritual impurities) that hinder spiritual growth.
4. Harvest (End of the Age): Denotes the eschatological culmination when spiritual purification occurs, and souls are judged and separated based on their spiritual attainments.

Mystically, the parable underscores the importance of inner spiritual cultivation and vigilance against negative influences, emphasizing the eventual divine sorting of spiritual purity and impurity.

Conclusion

The PaRDeS method reveals the intricate layers and profound messages within the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.

From its literal agricultural analogy to its allegorical depiction of the world’s moral duality, its symbolic encouragement of patience and faith, and its mystical insights into the spiritual struggle, this parable offers a comprehensive understanding of the coexistence of good and evil and the ultimate divine judgment.

By engaging with the text on multiple levels, one can appreciate the depth and relevance of Jesus’ teachings to both individual spirituality and the broader cosmic order.

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