And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The striking detail here is the reason for withering: "because it lacked moisture." While the lack of soil depth is implied by the rock, Luke focuses on what's absent from the environment – the life-giving "moisture" (the original Greek word refers to the vital juices or moisture found in living things), which represents the essential grace of God that true faith needs to thrive.
And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is explaining a parable about different kinds of people hearing God's word, comparing them to seeds sown on various types of ground. This particular seed falls on shallow soil covering rock, quickly sprouting but then withering due to a lack of deep nourishment, representing those who receive the word superficially and abandon it when challenges arise.
Ever feel like your faith is there, but easily dries up under pressure? This parable sheds light on why.
This seed represents someone who hears God's word but has a heart like a rock – a thin layer of soil over a hard, unyielding surface.
The Gospels tell this parable slightly differently. Why does Luke focus specifically on a lack of 'moisture'?
While other Gospels mention 'stony ground' or 'rocky places,' Luke specifically points to the seed withering because of a 'lack of moisture.' This isn't just a minor detail; it shifts the focus.
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Understand the original words
petra · Greek Noun
A common metaphor in Scripture for the heart or spiritual condition of a person receiving the message of God. It represents the receptivity, depth, and preparedness of the soul to respond to divine revelation.
ikmas · Greek Noun
In a spiritual sense, this refers to the grace, life-giving Spirit, or sustaining truth of God necessary for a believer to endure and mature. Without it, spiritual life is impossible to maintain under pressure.
This passage in Matthew also describes seed falling on rocky ground, specifically highlighting the lack of depth that prevents proper root growth and leads to withering, directly paralleling Luke's description.
Mark 4:5Mark's account similarly depicts seed falling on rocky ground that springs up quickly but withers because it has no root, emphasizing the same fragility seen in Luke's 'lack of moisture' due to shallow soil.
Jeremiah 17:7-8This prophetic passage describes a blessed person whose trust is in the Lord, comparing them to a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by a stream, contrasting with the withered state of those who trust in man, echoing the need for deep roots and spiritual nourishment.
John 15:4-5Jesus' teaching on the vine and branches highlights the absolute necessity of remaining connected to Him for any fruitfulness, just as the seed needs moisture and depth to grow, illustrating the vital connection required for spiritual life.
1 Corinthians 3:6Paul uses the imagery of planting and watering in this verse to describe spiritual growth, indicating that while he planted and Apollos watered, it is God who gives the growth, underscoring the essential role of divine sustenance, like moisture, in the life of faith.
pulpitLuke 8:6: "And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture."
Verse 6. - And some fell upon a rock. The picture here is not of a soil full of stones, but of a rocky portion of the corn-land where the rock is only covered with a thin layer of earth.
ellicottLuke 8:6: "And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture."
(6) Upon a rock. —Better, upon the rock. Note here also the use of a more accurate word than the “stony (or rocky ) ground” of the other two reports, and the statement that it withered “because it lacked moisture.” This is obviously not without its force in the spiritual interpretation of the parable, the “moisture” being the dew and rain of God’s grace, without which the seed c…
The striking detail here is the reason for withering: "because it lacked moisture." While the lack of soil depth is implied by the rock, Luke focuses on what's absent from the environment – the life-giving "moisture" (the original Greek word refers to the vital juices or moisture found in living things), which represents the essential grace of God that true faith needs to thrive.
Jesus is explaining a parable about different kinds of people hearing God's word, comparing them to seeds sown on various types of ground. This particular seed falls on shallow soil covering rock, quickly sprouting but then withering due to a lack of deep nourishment, representing those who receive the word superficially and abandon it when challenges arise.
Jesus is explaining a parable about different kinds of people hearing God's word, comparing them to seeds sown on various types of ground. This particular seed falls on shallow soil covering rock, quickly sprouting but then withering due to a lack of deep nourishment, representing those who receive the word superficially and abandon it when challenges arise.
"And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture." — The striking detail here is the reason for withering: "because it lacked moisture." While the lack of soil depth is implied by the rock, Luke focuses on what's absent from the environment – the lif…
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Last reviewed October 2026