13:39a

the enemy who sows them is the devil: The pronoun them refers to the weeds. The man’s enemy who planted the weeds represents the devil. His name is Satan.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the enemy who planted the weeds is ⌊like⌋ the devil
-or-
the ⌊man’s⌋ enemy who planted the weeds represents the devil

the devil: This word refers to Satan. If people in your area will think that “the devil” and “the evil one” (in 13:38c) are different beings, you should consider using the same term in both places. For example:

the evil one
-or-
Satan

13:39b

The harvest: The noun harvest refers to the time when mature crops are cut and gathered.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

harvest time
-or-
harvest season

The word harvest also occurs in 13:30a.

the end of the age: This phrase refers to the end of the world. At that time, God will judge the people of the world (13:40–42). The current way of living on earth will end.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the end of the world (God’s Word)
-or-
the end of this time ⌊on earth⌋

13:39c

the harvesters: The harvesters are the people who cut down the wheat and gather it.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

reapers (English Standard Version)
-or-
the harvest workers (Good News Translation)
-or-
those who cut the ⌊ripened⌋ wheat/grain

This word also occurs in 13:30b.

are angels: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angels means “messengers.” Here it refers to supernatural, spiritual beings who serve God.

Here are some ways to translate this term:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messengers ⌊from God⌋
-or-

⌊holy⌋ spirit-beings

• Use a local term that fits the biblical meaning.

• In some areas the churches may already be using a borrowed term or a transliterated word for “angels.” Be sure that this term fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not understand the right meaning from this term, you may need to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

angelos messengers ⌊from God⌋

-or-

sacred ⌊angelos⌋ spirits

See angel, Meaning 1, in the Glossary for more information.

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